1Infuse Greenery
Neil Landino Jr 2Extend Your Living Space
Yardzen Put a pergola in the front or backyard to create the illusion of a large living space. "One of our favorite ways to incorporate a pergola is to convert a back patio or front entrance into a porch by adding a pergola overhead," says Poppy.
3Add Curtains for Privacy
A Beautiful Mess Elevate your pergola with curtains, whether you buy a set or make them yourself. They look great, but they can also help protect you from harsh sunlight, cold winds or rainy weather.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess »
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4Hang String Lights
Virtually Here Studios Create a dreamy backyard setup with string lights, just as landscape designer Kate Anne does here. Not only will the glow make it possible to enjoy the space at night, it creates the perfect ambiance.
5Create Backyard Zones
Yardzen Design a backyard with separate zones, like a dining area, lounging space and small gardens. "Pergolas create a distinct outdoor room and at the same time, their open structure allows for connection to the rest of the yard," says Poppy.
6Relax With Lounge Chairs
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7Craft a Cozy Corner
Tilly Design If you've got a corner of your backyard that isn't living up to it's potential, consider adding a pergola — along with some pavers and comfortable outdoor seating. Here, Tilly Design surrounds the wooden pergola with grass and greenery to make it feel like it's own cozy corner.
8Embrace Bright Whites
ERICA SCHROEDER/YARDZEN Adjacent to a forest of greenery, Yardzen uses fresh white hues to make this outdoor lounge space pop. Under the white pergola, find a natural wood dining table, white wicker chairs and white pebbles as flooring.
9DIY a Small Pergola
Lovely Indeed If you're looking to elevate a small space, consider making a pergola yourself! It shouldn't take much time as long as you have some basic power tools on hand.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »
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10Level Up Outdoor Dining
Jeffrey Brian Riemer Bring the luxury of the indoors straight to your backyard with striking lighting fixtures and contemporary furniture. Plus, landscape designer Kate Anne went for a pergola with extra shape and pattern for another touch of elegance.
11Go for More Than One Pergola
Neil Landino Jr Reinvent your backyard with not just one, but three pergolas over the patio. For this dreamy design, Janice Parker layers in gorgeous greenery for an elevated appeal.
12Make a Statement With Black
Yardzen A dark structure adds drama and creates contrast in this neutral backyard. And since black absorbs more sunlight, the dark pergola may actually keep you cooler.
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13Choose Natural Stone Flooring
Victoria Pearson//Getty Images Turn to natural materials like stone and wood to make your outdoor design feel comfortable and relaxed. To keep it casual, the white pergola is made to blend seamlessly with nature.
14Add a Roof
Caitlin Atkinson While some pergolas are retractable, you can add roofing material to make the structure more permanent. Interior designer Jessica Risko Smith elevates the space with wicker seating with blue cushions and white round tables.
15Decorate With Paper Lanterns
Johner Images//Getty Images This tiny pergola — illuminated by paper lanterns — exudes a charming, rustic vibe. Important to note: You shouldn't leave paper lanterns up for an extended time outdoors, especially if it may rain.
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16Suspend a Swing
Kleiton Get playful with your seating choices, considering most pergolas can support the weight of a porch swing. Cushions or no cushions, swings provide fun and relaxation for all ages.
17Grow Climbing Vines
Elke Borkowski; GAP Photos/El For a sense of privacy, add a living plant wall on one side of your pergola. Our suggestion: Ivy (think pothos) and vines that survive year after year.
18Keep It Natural With Raw Wood
Yardzen Great backyard design ties back to nature, which is why we love how Yardzen used raw woods to build this pergola. "Overhead, pergolas establish an intimate feel, but with no walls, they allow you to be immersed in nature," says Poppy.
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19Protect a Pathway
Neil Landino Jr Use a pergola to shade a walkway, which might even help your surrounding plants if they can't tolerate full sun. Take a note from landscape architect Janice Parker and choose a curved design for a more unique aesthetic.
20Choose a Deck Pergola
Eirasophie//Getty Images Protect a beautiful patio design with a wood slat pergola, then add shades or a retractable screen on the side for more privacy. Keep in mind that the way in which the roof is slatted will provide more or less shade.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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