10 Garden Pergola Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space
Are you looking for some creative ways to spruce up your outdoor space? Consider adding a pergola! Not only are pergolas beautiful and ornamental, but they can also offer shade and shelter from the sun. Plus, with so many different styles to choose from, you can find one that perfectly matches the look of your home and garden. Here are 10 different ways to use your pergola to get you inspired.
Rustic Charm
If you’re going for a rustic look in your garden, why not incorporate a wooden pergola? Choose natural materials such as cedar wood or whitewashed beams for an authentic feel. You can even add string lights and lanterns and climbing plants like ivy to complete the rustic look. For the flooring, choose slate tiles, add a picnic table or two and some garden style benches made of sturdy sticks. You can even paint a few checker boards on the picnic table for some fun gaming- the old fashion way! Play cards and board games, install a fire pit, and roast up some hot dogs on sticks and beans out of the can, and don’t forget the S’mores! Get unplugged and enjoy your rustic nature inspired pergola!
Mediterranean Vibe
For a Mediterranean-inspired garden, opt for an arched top pergola made out of dark vinyl or wood. Install a ceiling fan with lights. Surround the area with terracotta pots filled with bright flowers and herbs to give off that Italian summer vibe! Choose a wrought iron table and chair set and top with ceramic Mediterranean dinnerware and add some candles. And if you really want to go all out, install an outdoor stone fireplace with an extended hearth, add some colorful pillows, cook up some pasta and salad, serve some wine and enjoy your Mediterranean vibe!
Whimsical Wonderland
If you’re feeling artistic, consider choosing a whimsical themed pergola structure and train vines and flowers to climb up and cover the roof, wisteria is a good choice as it comes back every year bigger and blooms fragrant purple flowers. This type of pergola can be made out of any material – just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all the plants! Then decorate with all your gnomes and whimsical garden trinkets, add a café table and chairs for afternoon tea parties, or evening wine and cheese delicacies platters. Try having fun with colorful floor tiles, rugs, hang some windchimes and twirling windcatchers to complete the whimsical inspired theme!
Relaxing Retreat
Create a relaxing outdoor retreat by adding an open-air pergola at the end of your garden path. This type of pergola is perfect for enjoying nature while still being sheltered from the elements. Choose comfortable furniture like hammocks or cushioned chairs to really make it feel like your own private paradise. Surround your pergola with a garden bed and add some fragrant flowers like roses, lilies, jasmine, or lilacs to add an aromatic experience. Top of the Zen vibe with a koi pond and a birdbath and you’ll feel like you’re at a spa right in your own backyard!
Fairytale Fantasy
For a truly magical look, build a fairytale-style pergola using white lattice panels and shear white fabrics draped over the top and sides like curtains. Keeping with the white theme, add some wicker furniture like loveseats, rocking chairs, coffee and end table all dressed in white flowers in vases and white candles. Add twinkling white lights around the top and sides and some potted plants underneath for extra dreamy garden effect. And have fun decorating with a bubbling waterfall feature flowing onto some river rocks and peat moss with some whimsical garden statues like fairies, pixies, and gargoyles to complete the magical twilight theme.
Pool Hall Theme
Turning your outdoor pergola into a pool hall theme is the perfect way to make the most of the warmer months. With an overwhelmingly cool vibe, there’s countless ways to set up your little retreat that can be enjoyed by everyone. Start off with a pool table and light it up, fill it with dart board games, line it with pub tables, add an outdoor Keg, and turn up some good music – whatever your preference may be! Plus, you don’t even have to leave your home to enjoy all the classic games of a ‘beer and pool joint’ – talk about a win-win situation.
Tiki Hut Bar- Pronto Style
If you’re on a budget and want a fun tiki bar vibe, then repurpose stuff that you have on hand or can purchase on a small budget. For instance, if you have an old frame to an instant pop-up canopy but the canopy has since ripped and doesn’t function anymore. Use the pop-up as your structure, and for the tiki top look purchase rolls of bamboo fencing found at home improvement stores. Its’ really inexpensive to purchase two rolls and install with zip ties to the metal structure. And Bam! You’ve got the start of a fun tiki hut. Now just have fun with the decorating, like colored lanterns, an outdoor bar height table and chairs. And don’t forget the umbrellas for the drinks, and some cool island music and you’re well on your way to having a fun vibe for less!
Vertical Vegetable Garden
Give your garden some added height by installing vertical planters along one side of the pergola – this will create an instant living wall without taking up too much space. You’ll have plenty of vegetables to choose from like lettuce, trailing green beans, herbs galore, all for the farm-to-table entertainment. Set up your outdoor dining table, BBQ grill and veggie wash station, and you’re on your way to having the coolest fresh dinners in town!
Luxurious Lounge Area
Transform your backyard into an elegant lounge area adding a luxurious louvered roof – pergola atop your existing patio or deck – this will provide shade during hot days while still letting in plenty of light. Purchase some contemporary couches and swivel chairs, cocktail tables, and decorative lamps, add an outdoor stylish rug, and complete the luxury theme by adding a pushcart outdoor bar equipped with all the drink mixing gadgets, blenders, and ice buckets. Entertain in style with some fancy appetizers and enjoy your mini Speakeasy Pub!
Hot Tub Oasis
When summer days are here, who doesn’t love to spend time surrounded by nature’s beauty? One of the best ways to do just that is to create a hot tub oasis under your outdoor pergola. Whether you’re looking for a romantic, star-filled night with your sweetheart or an enjoyable afternoon in the sun with friends, this oasis provides the perfect environment. A hot tub jacuzzi enhances the relaxation factor, while a fragrant wisteria or other climbers add a beautiful floral display and natural shade. Add some large potted plants and some ceramic frogs and rocks and don’t forget some built in music. Just imagine slipping into the heat of your bubbling spa, surrounded by lush greenery and clear blue skies! With a little creativity, you’ll be enjoying blissful moments with family and friends before you know it!
Ultimate Sports Game Pub
It’s time to upgrade your backyard game pub! Set up a comfy outdoor area with some amazing additions that are guaranteed to make your guests stay for hours. Equip it with an outdoor TV set and make sure you’ve got plenty of seating options – break out the bar stools, couches, and pub tables. Finally, get that spanking new BBQ grill and fire that baby up! Think of it as the perfect gathering place for get-togethers with friends and family – watch the big game together while enjoying some delicious grilled burgers and hotdogs. Create the ultimate sports game pub under your pergola using these key elements and rest assured that you’ll be enjoying countless fun nights with family and friends.
Conclusion
Adding a pergola is one of the best ways to transform any dull backyard into something special! From rustic charm to the ultimate sports game pub, there are plenty of ideas out there that can fit any budget and taste level—allowing you to create something totally unique that speaks to you and provides endless entertainment for you, your family, and friends. Whether you go for something traditional or try something completely outside the box, adding a pergola can take your outdoor space up several notches in no time at all! Have a blast picking your themed pergola retreat!