Collection · 122 ideas
Shade, beautifully done.
A pergola turns open sky into an outdoor room. These designs cover the spectrum: chunky cedar frames, vine-covered classics, and slatted modern structures that throw striped shade across a lounge.
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Modern Pergola Ideas
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Classic Pergola Ideas
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Rustic Pergola Ideas
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Tropical Pergola Ideas
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Mediterranean Pergola Ideas
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Modern Farmhouse Pergola Ideas
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Mid-Century Modern Pergola Ideas
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Coastal Pergola Ideas
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English Cottage Pergola Ideas
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Japanese & Zen Pergola Ideas
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Desert & Southwest Pergola Ideas
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French Country Pergola Ideas
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Tudor Pergola Ideas
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Victorian Pergola Ideas
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Colonial Pergola Ideas
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Mountain & Cabin Pergola Ideas
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Pergolas with Louvered & Solid Roofs
37 ideas
Attached Pergola Ideas
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Freestanding Pergola Ideas
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Pergola Lighting Ideas
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Pergolas with Vines & Climbing Plants
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Metal Pergola Ideas
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Wood Pergola Ideas
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Poolside Pergola Ideas
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Gazebo Ideas
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About pergola design
What makes a great pergola.
A pergola turns open sky into an outdoor room. These designs cover the spectrum: chunky cedar frames, vine-covered classics, and slatted modern structures that throw striped shade across a lounge.
The best pergolas are sized generously — posts outside the furniture footprint, beams deep enough to feel sheltering — and are oriented so the slats block the harshest afternoon sun. Save the proportions that feel right for your space.
What to look for as you browse
- Clearance under the beams — 8 to 10 feet feels right
- Slat spacing and orientation against the afternoon sun
- Posts placed outside the furniture, never through it
Good to know
Common questions
Does a pergola actually provide shade?
A standard slatted pergola cuts roughly 30–50% of direct sun, depending on slat spacing and orientation. Add climbing vines, a canopy or a louvered roof to push that toward full shade.
Wood, aluminum or vinyl pergola?
Cedar and redwood look and age the best with periodic sealing. Aluminum is maintenance-free and spans further; vinyl is the cheapest but reads utilitarian up close.
How tall should a pergola be?
Aim for 8–10 feet of clearance under the beams. Lower feels cave-like over dining; taller loses the sense of enclosure that makes a pergola cozy.
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