If you’re thinking long term or maybe even in the short term about creative outdoor design ideas, pergolas have really come a long way. Not only do they provide shade and definition for outdoor spaces, they can fit into different décor styles seamlessly. Perfect over decks, patios, hot tubs, and more, pergolas are often relatively inexpensive to build compared to other outdoor structures, and kits are available. Today we’re sharing several stylish creative pergola designs and a few DIY tutorials.
Freestanding Pergolas
Standalone pergolas, unattached to any other structure such as a house, are very versatile, as the following stunning examples show.
Wood and stone combine in this lodge-style pergola to create a beautiful outdoor living room.
via Houzz
Another wood-and-stone combination, this pergola is home to a gorgeous outdoor kitchen.
You want to spend all your time in this amazing outdoor kitchen, complete with a built-in grill, fireplace, and waterfall.
A lovely stone patio and outdoor fireplace make this pergola feel welcoming and cozy.
via On the Veranda
Pretty landscaping surrounds this pergola. The fireplace provides warmth, and the stone retaining wall offers extra seating.
via Emma Courtney
The large columns and rough-hewn beams give this pergola size and substance yet also create a cozy outdoor room.
via HGTV
The weathered wood, stone path, and greenery surrounding this small pergola make it inviting and relaxing.
via Decoholic
Adding sides to this standalone pergola gives it an elegant and sophisticated air.
via Top Inspirations
This unique pergola design brings privacy and style. When the plants fill in, you’ll have a natural-looking privacy screen.
via Houzz
This arched pergola makes a striking addition the yard. The fireplace and added lights make it that much more inviting.
This amazing pool house pergola encompasses several spaces, including a kitchen and both dining and entertaining areas.
via Exterior Worlds
Attached Pergolas
Pergolas built over porches or patios take advantage of the house as one or more sides of the support structure and enable you to extend your living space outside your home.
White on white, this lovely pergola built onto a house seems like the perfect spot to spend time outdoors. The fireplace will keep you warm when the temperature drops.
via La Dolce Vita
You’ll love hosting brunches and dinners under this porch pergola that’s within steps of the kitchen for easy access.
This pretty pergola matches the white trim of the house beautifully. The stonework on the columns ties in nicely with the stone patio.
The room created by this attractive patio pergola is a great spot to relax after a long day or to entertain friends and family.
via Houzz
Built over an outdoor kitchen, this pergola defines the cooking and dining space offers a fantastic spot to eat at the bar or serve buffet-style meals.
via The Garden Cook
This Mediterranean-style pergola encloses a courtyard and adds another room outside.
Contemporary Pergolas
Pergolas can be designed to fit into many different types of décor, from rustic to contemporary. Here are some more modern styles.
Clean and contemporary, this pergola offers unobstructed views of the adjacent pool and beach.
via Casa Vogue
This pergola provides plenty of shade, and the slim, modern supports make the space open and airy.
via Studio Karin
A clean, modern design and black paint give this pergola a contemporary feel in a lush garden setting.
via Inspire Bohemia
The design of the sides of this unique pergola adds some privacy without completely enclosing the “room.”
DIY Pergolas
Although they do require some construction know-how, pergolas are easily DIY-able. Check out the following for tutorials if you’re interested in building your own.
Build your own 8-foot-square pergola by following the step-by-step instructions, helpful photos, and detailed plan provided in this downloadable guide.
Construct a retaining wall around your pergola to further define the space and also add more seating. Learn how to build a pergola here and how to construct the retaining/seating wall here.
Whether you construct it yourself or have one built, a pergola can be a beautiful addition to your outdoor living and entertaining space.
Thanks for stopping by!
Christy
Shawna says
Sorry to split hairs, but I am under the impression that pergolas always have an open-lattice roof (sometimes with a shade attached) – if it’s a solid roof like some of your examples, I believe it would be considered a pavilion?
Andreea Joian says
Ah, thank you! I always wondered how those were called in English.
Linda Cole says
I love the Pergola idea so can we order a kit? If so where do we order it from and how much are we looking at thank you
Denise N says
It depends on What country, city, state you are in.
If you’re in the USA, kits can be ordered from your local big box hardware/home remodeling stores. They usually aren’t permanent structures but are nice designs and may help you decide if you want a permanent one or one for just a couple of years.
Betsy Wrenn says
Your samples are well varied and beautiful. Most helpful to visualizing. Thank you!