15 pergola ideas to shelter your garden in style
By Ellie Reeves | 26th February 2024 | 7 min read
Does your garden feel a little... incomplete? A pergola might be the missing piece you never knew you needed! They provide more than just shelter, pergolas add style and dimension to your outdoor space. Think of it as an open-air canvas, ready to be decorated with twinkling lights, cascading greenery, and pretty lanterns. From simple to spectacular, pergolas can liven up any garden!
What is a garden pergola?
A pergola is a structure made up of vertical posts or pillars that support a roof of crossbeams and an open lattice. The beamed roof is typically left open, to allow air to flow through. Garden pergolas provide a shaded area for outdoor dining or relaxation. They’re typically made from wood or metal, but can also be made from other materials, such as vinyl or fibreglass. Building a pergola yourself is easier than you might think, read our guide, and learn how to build a pergola. Or why not browse our extensive range of pre-built pergolas?
Pergola designs to transform your space
1. Adorn with outdoor lights and hanging plants
The open roof design of a pergola lends itself perfectly to decoration with twinkling string lights and lush greenery. Suspend plants from your pergola using macrame plant hangers for a unique touch. Place potted plants in the corners to create balance. This dark wooden pergola stands out beautifully against the black external walls of this garden structure. The matching outdoor table and chairs bring the whole look together. Beckoning you to sit, be still, and relax in nature.
2. Add bean bags for a cosy spot
Create the ultimate space for chilling in your garden. Scatter outdoor bean bags around a low coffee table. Now you’ve got the ideal spot for sitting and chatting with friends and family. Ideal for when you’re hosting big family gatherings or BBQ parties. You could even set up an outdoor screen and projector to create a makeshift garden cinema – perfect for an alfresco movie night with friends!
3. Frame your outdoor kitchen
A pergola is a fantastic way of defining specific areas within your outdoor space. In this garden, a corner pergola has been used to enclose and accentuate an outdoor kitchen. Creating a designated and stylish space for cooking up a feast surrounded by the natural beauty of the garden.
4. Add a retractable canopy for shelter when you need it
Don’t let the not-so-great British weather scupper your garden dinner party plans. Add a retractable canopy to your pergola and entertain guests all day long - no matter the weather. A sudden rain shower won't dampen your spirits, and it certainly won't stop you from enjoying your garden!
5. Create a tranquil corner retreat
Design a spot for quiet contemplation surrounded by nature. This thoughtfully designed corner pergola has a built-in bench, providing a secluded space to unwind and relax. Decorate with outdoor cushions and blankets for extra comfort, creating an inviting nook for relaxation. The trellis panels add another layer of charm, adorn with climbing plants and fairy lights to complete the look.
6. Add visual interest to your garden pathway
A garden pergola isn’t necessarily just for framing a seating area or for creating a spot for relaxation. Why not install a pergola over your garden pathway? Not only will it add visual appeal to your garden, but it will also create a charming and inviting walkway. Install a pergola besides flower beds and allow gorgeous climbing plants like Honeysuckle or Wisteria to grow upwards and entwine around the pergola posts.
7. Cultivate a vertical garden brimming with greenery
If your garden is small and primarily made up of decking or paving slabs – a great way to introduce greenery is with a vertical garden. The horizontal slats on this pergola offer the perfect framework for cultivating a vertical garden brimming with trailing foliage and hanging plants. This not only introduces a refreshing burst of nature into your garden, but also maximises the use of vertical space, transforming an otherwise limited garden into a luscious oasis.
8. Embrace curves with a carousel pergola
Most garden pergolas adhere to the traditional square, rectangular or arch design. For a unique look in your garden, choose a carousel pergola to create a captivating focal point. The gentle curve of the wooden beams adds an element of visual intrigue, fostering a sense of fluidity within the garden. A carousel pergola is the ideal space for relaxation, entertainment, or simply admiring the surroundings.
9. Frame your outdoor living room
Transform the area just outside your back door into an extension of your indoor living space by installing a pergola. This creates a natural transition from the indoors to the outdoors. Add a stylish outdoor coffee set with a comfortable sofa and armchairs to curate your very own outdoor living room. Ideal for unwinding on a balmy summer evening after a busy day.
10. Install a pergola on a raised patio
Elevate the charm of your outdoor space by installing a pergola on your raised patio. This provides an inviting spot for al fresco meals or relaxed gatherings. Alternatively, you could transform the space into a stage for your children's imaginative garden performances. By building a pergola on a raised patio, you not only enhance the functionality of the area, you also create an enchanting focal point in your garden.
11. Attach a pergola to your summer house
Design a tranquil and inviting outdoor sanctuary by attaching a pergola to your summer house or garage, providing a serene setting to savour your morning coffee. This addition extends the functionality of your existing structure and creates a charming space for relaxation. Decorate the area with vibrant bedding plants in containers and hanging baskets, infusing the space with bursts of colour and natural beauty. This thoughtfully curated area offers a wonderful retreat to start your day.
12. Match your garden furniture with your pergola
Create a harmonious aesthetic in your garden by building your own furniture using the same wood as your pergola. By doing so, you can achieve a cohesive look. Whether it's crafting a dining set, lounge chairs, or coffee table, using the same wood as the pergola for your furniture establishes a sense of continuity throughout your outdoor space.
13. Create a rustic pergola with logs
For a truly unique look in your garden, craft a charming and rustic pergola using natural logs. By using logs as the primary material, you can create a sense of natural beauty and earthy appeal, blending the pergola with its surrounding environment. This style of pergola is perfect for complementing rustic or cottage-style gardens.
14. Freestanding pergola with built-in benches and table
Transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis with a freestanding corner pergola with built-in benches and a table. This idyllic retreat is the perfect place to unwind and seek respite from the sun's rays. Providing a shaded sanctuary, this corner pergola design allows you to bask in the coolness of the shade while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Decorate with vibrant outdoor cushions, adding a pop of colour and an extra layer of cosiness to the inviting nook.
15. Paint your pergola white
Brighten your garden by painting your pergola in a crisp shade of white. This modern pergola provides a versatile backdrop for showcasing lush greenery and colourful blooms. A white pergola reflects natural light, creating an inviting ambience. Whether hosting garden parties or seeking moments of solitude, a white pergola sets the stage for relaxation and enjoyment.