Brimming with charm, luxury and elegance, gazebos are ideal for adding character and welcome shade to your yard. These structures are typically made of wood or metal and feature a full roof, making them a bit more substantial than their open-slat cousin, the pergola. And while you might think gazebos are only suited for traditional-style yards, it’s also possible to find modern versions that’ll work in a more casual space. While you envision your backyard design, allow the following gazebo ideas and photos to be your guide.

Choose a Design

When you first think of a gazebo, you might imagine a classic white and round structure in the midst of a green lawn or quaint downtown. While you can absolutely bring this traditional look to your own yard, it’s also possible to go for something a bit more casual and contemporary. Take a look at some of the different types of gazebos below.

• A-Line Roof: Typically grand and expansive, this style is ideal if you need a large structure that’ll offer cover for an outdoor living room. Go with a natural wood stain or a creamy white.
• Flat Roof: With a straight and flat hardtop, this style offers plenty of protection from the elements while keeping a low-profile look. Complements modern or contemporary homes.
• Round, Pointed Roof: This classic style is full of character and beauty and is just right with Cape Cod or colonial-style homes. They’re often white with a wooden shake or shingle roof.

Besides the style of roof, you’ll also have your pick of a number of different base shapes, including round, square, hexagon and octagon gazebos.

Get Inspired

Once you’ve chosen the basic shape and design of your gazebo, it’s time to add furniture, lighting, landscaping and just about anything else you can dream up. If you’re on the hunt for gazebo decor ideas, read on.

1. Classic Victorian

It’s hard to beat the appeal of a traditional wooden gazebo, painted white with a shingled roof. Put it off to one side of a lush green lawn and create a stepping stone path out towards it for an enchanting effect.

2. Poolside Lounging

One of our favorite gazebo ideas is to set one up poolside for some shaded lounging with a view. Add curtains and chaise lounge chairs for the ultimate cabana experience.

3. Covered Hot Tub

Alternatively, use a gazebo to cover a hot tub for an extra-cozy spot to lounge around. You’ll be able to use the hot tub even if it’s snowing or raining, and you won’t have to worry about dead leaves piling up.

4. Add a Fireplace

Another way to stay warm outdoors is by installing a gazebo with a fireplace. This works best in a flat or A-framed structure, but essentially you’ll just need to make sure the chimney vents out and away from underneath the roof.

5. Deck Gazebo

It’s even possible to add a gazebo to a deck to shade the area and provide the perfect spot to host outdoor dinner parties. When picking out lighting, you could go for an understated look with recessed bulbs, or create a festive vibe by hanging string lights.

6. Look Up

When picking out gazebo roof materials, don’t feel confined to using the same type of wood tones that you have on your deck floor; a white wood-paneled ceiling can look gorgeous contrasted against the natural stain of a wooden deck.