Today we’ll look at unique and modern pergola ideas, how to style them, and the specific appeal of each.
One of the hottest home trends for summer is pergolas. These versatile beauties are on the rise, with many people discovering just how much value and function they can add to a property.
Let’s explore 23 unique and contemporary pergola ideas, along with tips on how to style them!
Malibu Curtained Pergola
For a contemporary look, this pergola starts with a wooden base. Add crisp, white drapes hung from hooks and pulled back with silver chains. Style four, cube-shaped chairs with woven cushions to add texture.
Choose a rug with a simple geometric pattern and throw pillows in both neutral colors and aztec prints. With the four grounding planters above, the look will be complete. And this look would really work for any backyard, not just a Malibu beachfront property.
Jacuzzi Pergola
Even just a simple pergola like this one is a beautiful, practical way to shade and protect your jacuzzi whether it is built into the deck or freestanding. It adds visual interest and character to your outdoor space, and using neutral colors keeps the focus on the greenery and landscaping. Flanked by two large planters, it’s the perfect way to relax after a long, hard day.
Wisteria
The aroma of wisteria ranges from musky to sweet, and this is an exceptional option to grow on your outdoor pergola. The vibrant purple and lavender blooms of the wisteria vine create a captivating canopy overhead, casting dappled shade and infusing the air with their sweet fragrance.
To achieve the full splendor of wisteria, allow the lateral branches to grow naturally in the first few years, pruning or pinching them as the vine matures. As the wisteria flourishes, its cascading blooms will adorn the pergola, transforming it into a breathtaking botanical retreat.
Whether you’re seeking a serene spot for quiet contemplation or a picturesque backdrop for outdoor gatherings, this wisteria-draped pergola is sure to captivate all who encounter it.
Casual Picnic Gathering
This pergola is porch-style and provides a shaded place to picnic while also providing an expansive view of the surrounding property. Picture a detached pergola with four posts, and slats overhead. You can achieve the picnic concept with porch-style seating, picnic tables, and benches. This openness invites guests to come and go as they please, and is a great option for by the pool. Strings of Edison lights strung from the top would add a touch of whimsy.
Dream Pergola With Daybed
If you want to relax or sleep in the peaceful outdoors, consider this floating daybed. Imagine taking in the sunrise, reading a good book, or sleeping under the stars on this dream bed. Pile on a low-profile mattress, lots of pillows, and throws for maximum comfort making for one of the best modern pergola ideas. Then add LED twinkle lights for nighttime beauty, or if you really want to get crazy, use color-changing strands.
Modern Contrast
You may or may not have property on the ocean, but this style is on-trend for summer 2024, especially if you have a lake view. Sherwin Williams’ color for 2024 is Breezy Blue with a hint of silver lining, and closely resembles the color of the edgy, black matte metal above. Overall, it provides a beautiful contrast of the blue skies, white, fluffy clouds, and the clean black lines of the posts.
Thatched Roof Pergola
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this enchanting pergola inspired by Tahitian hut architecture. Featuring a charming thatched roof reminiscent of island getaways, this pergola exudes warmth and relaxation.
The natural, organic texture of the thatch creates a rustic yet inviting ambiance, evoking images of palm-fringed beaches and swaying hammocks. Paired with open wicker furniture and tropical plants such as potted palms and plumeria, this pergola transforms your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis.
Whether sipping cocktails in the shade or basking in the gentle breeze, this Polynesian inspired retreat offers a slice of paradise in your own backyard.
Summer In The Hamptons
Embrace the timeless elegance of New England style with this classic pergola design inspired by the Hamptons. Featuring a pristine white wooden roof adorned with eco-friendly stone accents, this pergola exudes sophistication and charm.
The clean lines and understated beauty of the architecture evoke the relaxed luxury of coastal living, while the warm tones of gray and wood add a touch of rustic elegance.
Paired with plush Adirondack chairs, a quaint coffee table, and a selection of teas and biscuits, this pergola invites you to unwind and savor the simple pleasures of outdoor living. Whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon or hosting a casual gathering, this Hamptons-inspired retreat offers a welcoming escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
Bali Slatted Pergola
The slanting slats up the side on this pergola creates a cool and relaxing shade effect for hot summer afternoons. The time of day you want to avoid the sun will dictate what side of your seating area you will build this (east or west). Picture hanging lanterns, pillows, white linens and cushions, and greenery that are local to your climate.
Grapevines
One of life’s greatest pleasures is relaxing underneath a grape arbor, especially on a hot, summer Saturday with a glass of iced tea. Practically, you’d want to plan to spend one year training the vines and the second-year pruning. In addition to being ornamental, you can use the grapes for winemaking, eating, and juicing.
Urban Rooftop Pergola
This is a simple concept that will make a big impact on your rooftop. Transform your rooftop into a serene oasis with this simple yet modern pergola design.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet space for meditation, outdoor yoga, or al fresco dining, this rooftop pergola offers endless possibilities for relaxation and enjoyment. Picture a tranquil water feature trickling in the background, providing a soothing soundtrack to your urban retreat.
Large planters filled with lush greenery add a touch of natural beauty, while comfortable seating invites you to unwind and take in the panoramic city views. Whether you’re escaping the hustle and bustle of the city or hosting intimate gatherings under the stars, this rooftop pergola provides a peaceful sanctuary where you can recharge and reconnect with nature.
English Garden Inspired Pergola
Transform your yard into a peaceful, English garden this summer with a full, flowering pergola. Granted it will take time and hard work to achieve. Behind those vines and blooms is supportive latticework. Adirondack chairs, a coffee table, and tea with biscuits, and a good friend are all that’s missing.
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Welcoming Entrance
Create a warm and inviting entrance to your outdoor space with this charming pergola archway. Nestled amidst lush landscaping and a picket fence, this simple yet elegant structure beckons visitors to explore and unwind.
Picture climbing vines adorning the pergola’s wooden beams, their vibrant foliage framing the entrance and adding a touch of natural beauty.
Imagine welcoming guests to a formal garden or inviting them to stroll through a tranquil courtyard, this pergola archway sets the stage for a memorable outdoor experience. With its timeless charm and inviting allure, this welcoming entrance creates a lasting impression and invites you to step into a world of serenity and beauty.
Grillmaster Pergola
This layout is inspired by Asian cuisine, with the chef grilling on the bottom level, but the focal point nonetheless, and the seating on the next level up. This is an interactive way to cook and entertain, and when the dining takes place it will be far enough away from the heat of the cooktop or grill.
And the best part is that there is no inside cleanup/dishes at the end of the night. This is one of the best modern pergola ideas.
Sunny Slide Shade Pergola
This casual option is ideal for a space that gets a lot of sun during the day, but has beautiful views at dawn, dusk, and after the sun goes down. It has four posts and a retractable shade. When the sun is out, you can extend the shades over your pergola with the click of a remote.
When it’s cool and time to take in the mountains, desert, starlight, or whatever your view, use the remote to retract the shades. Now you can enjoy your outdoor living space at any time of the day.
Northeastern Pergola
This cozy pergola has everything that is needed to enjoy a northeastern autumn night. Add cushioned armchairs and couches, a low-sitting coffee table, and comfy throw blankets. Finish this cozy space off with a chiminea, mini-fridge, and grill to provide warm, hearty meals and beverages on crisp, fall evenings.
Musician’s Stage
If you’re a musician who wants to play in their backyard or a music lover who wants to host backyard concerts, a pergola is a great spot for shows!
No fee for a venue, hardly any overhead, and an intimate feel that you simply can’t get with large-scale music performances. You could style it in a way that is cohesive with your style of music.
Grecian Pillared Pergola
This luxurious pergola is reminiscent of a sitting room in the Grecian countryside, with the domineering columns grounding the space. Envision a large stone fireplace at one end of the space, and white chairs and a couch with clean lines facing one another at the other end.
Channel the elegance of ancient Greece with majestic columns and sophisticated furnishings, perfect for luxurious outdoor entertaining.
Wet Bar Awning
Your outdoor entertaining space will be a welcome area for all of your guests. Creating a bar with natural rugged stone and marble countertops topped with a warm wood pergola defines a bar area. Creating a separate space for beverages breaks up the flow, keeps guests moving, and prevents bottlenecking at any one spot in your outdoor space.
Matching a pergola with a custom outdoor patio design can really take your outdoor living space to the next level as well. You can check out some great design ideas on our post about top patio design ideas.
Orchard Pergola
If you live in an orchard, or in the south amidst lemon and lime trees, or in wine country, a pergola is beautiful in any of these settings. Once incorporated, it will feel as if it has always existed. Picture a large farmhouse table, brass candelabras of varying heights, and you can entertain with little planning/expense in your oasis hidden in the vines.
Blend seamlessly into your orchard or vineyard surroundings with a pergola that enhances the natural beauty of your landscape.
Hang Around
The ultimate way to achieve comfort in a pergola is to hang a hammock between two posts. You can relax in the cool shade enjoying reading a book, listening to podcasts or music, napping, or chatting with friends. There will be plenty of room to add seating, making the space versatile.
One final touch to incorporate is growing jasmine at each corner of the pergola. It grows incredibly quickly, is simply beautiful, and smells wonderful. In a matter of years, you’ll be surrounded by the sweet-smelling white blooms.
Fireplace Feature
How cozy would this be on a weekend with friends in your backyard? Stretch outdoor time into fall and winter by installing a fireplace like this, or even a simple fire pit of bricks. The table, long bench, and modern light fixtures will make this a complete additional living space for your home.
Extend your outdoor living space into the cooler months with a pergola-equipped fireplace or fire pit, creating a cozy ambiance for gatherings with friends and family.
Curtained Pergola
Beat the summer heat by adding simple curtains to your pergola. You’ll love light, airy ones like above.
The sheer quality filters the sun without making it feel that you’re in a claustrophobic box. As the weather becomes cooler, these will keep the wind at bay and allow you more evenings and weekends outside.
Curtain tiebacks are inexpensive and a must-have. Enhance your pergola with lightweight curtains for added shade and privacy, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space comfortably throughout the seasons.
Which Pergola Will You Build?
As you can see, your options are pretty much endless when it comes to the design and styling of your pergola. Whether you want a private space or a place to gather with friends, there’s a pergola for you.
Hope you enjoyed checking out these modern pergola ideas!
So what type of pergola will you build?
