When it comes to providing shade, ambiance and the perfect spot to entertain, it’s hard to beat the pergola. With a flat roof made of open slats, these popular outdoor structures allow light to delicately filter through to your patio. They’re ideal for covering a dining table and chairs or an outdoor sofa set, and they’ll allow you and your guests to stay outside for hours. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking for decor inspiration, allow the following pergola ideas and photos to jumpstart your project.

1. Vineyard White

Go for a classic look with a white wood pergola. This style looks gorgeous with shingled homes, particularly with clinging vines growing all around it. Hint: try wisteria for pretty purple flowers.

2. Extra Shade

If you’d like to add even more protection from the sun, drape a cover over your pergola or use curtains or shades on the sides.

3. String Lights

There’s no easier way to add to the mood than with string lights. Having a pergola makes it easy to hang them over your outdoor lounging area. Of course, if you’re looking for other pergola lighting ideas, you could hang a couple woven or paper lanterns from the ceiling rafters as well.

4. Covered Deck

Make your deck feel cozy and welcoming with the addition of a pergola. It’s often best to go with a shade of wood that’s slightly different than your deck to provide just enough contrast.

5. Add a Swing

One of the most fun pergola furniture ideas is to hang up a swing! You could go with a porch swing for two, or go modern with a hanging egg chair. Or, if you prefer, hang up a hammock for the ultimate summer lounging spot.

6. Color Pop

Feeling clueless when it comes to your pergola decor? Focus on adding pops of color and different textures. Laying down a patterned rug would soften up the space, as would rolling in a colorful bar cart.

7. Go Modern

Don’t feel confined to a traditional look. You can also opt for a modern pergola design with straight slats and boxed-off edges. Try mixing wood with a metal or black-finished border for an industrial look.

8. Add Some Greenery

The landscaping all around your backyard pergola has a huge impact on the overall look of the structure. Create a leafy wall by adding a trellis on one side. Or, create a checkerboard design by extending a grass lawn underneath the pergola, broken up with square concrete pavers.

9. Covered Hot Tub

One of our favorite pergola ideas is to install one around a hot tub for extra privacy and coziness. You can add trellis-like walls on either side and even hang a canopy up above. Hanging some string lights or one big pendant light wouldn’t hurt either.

10. Fire Feature

Get cozy with either a fire pit or a fireplace under your pergola. With room between the top slats, smoke can easily filter out, although fireplaces are usually built off to the side. Stone or brick fireplaces look particularly stunning against a wooden pergola.