Make the most of your outdoor space with a multifunctional pergola that provides seating, swinging, and relaxing space. Add color and interest with Thriller, Spiller, and Filler plants that add beauty and dimension.
Built to stand independently rather than be attached to your home, traditional garden structures like pergolas will add charm and beauty to any yard. Before beginning this DIY pergola project, check with local utility companies in order to locate underground cables or gas lines before embarking on this endeavor.
Plants and vines
Pergolas make excellent garden features, offering the ideal opportunity to introduce vibrant pops of color through plants and vines that thrive under pergolas. Wisteria or grapevine can add timeless sophistication while tropical climbing flowers such as clematis or rose can add tropical flare. Jasmine or lavender vines can create fragrant backdrops perfect for relaxing garden nooks.
Vines are an easy and quick way to add texture and dimension to a pergola, and can easily be planted around its base or sides. Choose plants that grow quickly while being easy to care for, with Boston Ivy often being chosen due to its maple-like leaves covering structures quickly while producing gorgeous blooms in shades of purple or pink; other options might include Clematis which produces stunning blooms of purple or pink blooms; Hydrangea honeysuckle which releases its sweet fragrance at dusk; or Golden Hop which can easily reach heights of 6 meters!
If you prefer not to deal with maintenance but still wish to add plants to your pergola ideas, consider purchasing climbing plant kits online. These will enable you to build your pergola using different vines while including all the necessary supplies for starting. However, be mindful that they may not last as long or provide as many advantages compared to naturally grown vines when choosing your kit.
Just like using flowers and climbers as part of your DIY pergola design, shade-producing trees can also provide a lovely focal point in your garden and allow you to sit comfortably under its protective shade without feeling exposed to the elements. Try planting pleached trees along the side or one multi-stemmed one espaliered or trained into an espaliered shape which adds soft edges.
Canopies
One of the most popular pergola ideas for outdoor spaces is adding a canopy to your design, which adds both beauty and shade. There are various methods you can use to do this such as curtains, plants or even tarps - and many plans online that will help get you started with adding one!
Your pergola design could also benefit from adding vines that climb the sides, providing an elegant view of your garden below. However, be wary when selecting vines because they may become invasive quickly; climbing roses, clematis, and wisteria are great examples to consider when selecting vines to cover its canopy.
If you want to save yourself some work or don't have enough space for an elaborate pergola, a partial-coverage pergola might be just what's needed to provide shade while providing you with somewhere comfortable to sit back or entertain without taking over too much of your property. Additionally, this solution makes an excellent addition for urban environments or small children needing somewhere safe to play outdoors.
Better Homes and Gardens DIY pergola plan is an outstanding example of modern design that's both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Easy to follow, its end result is beautiful. To complete the look, neutral outdoor furniture that complements its structure should be added; this will make the space look larger and more welcoming.
Add romance and intimacy by hanging sheer curtains from your pergola, creating an intimate seating or dining area. Just ensure to choose lightweight weather-resistant fabric that can easily be tied back when not needed.
Dining furniture
A pergola adds an intimate charm to an outdoor dining space, perfect for setting up tables and chairs where you can share meals with friends or family while appreciating their company. To add further charm, hang some lights to create an enchanting ambience, or add curtains as decoration on its canopy for a romantic effect.
There are numerous creative ideas for adding dining furniture to a pergola. One great solution would be opting for a wooden structure featuring double posts and an A-frame design, creating an outdoor dining area. This unique pergola idea makes an excellent way to connect dining furniture to nature.
One great idea for upgrading your pergola is adding a slatted roof, such as this example from A Beautiful Mess. Slatted wood runs from the roof to the sides for added privacy without feeling constrictive in your dining space.
To add even more warmth and coziness to your dining area, why not incorporate a fireplace or fire pit into the pergola? Doing so can create a relaxing and convivial space for after-meal relaxation as you sip wine with friends - making the outdoor dining experience all the more special and memorable.
A pergola can also serve as the perfect place for parties and other social gatherings, making your home even more convenient when hosting gatherings without leaving the comforts of home. By including features like a bar and seating area in its design, more people can be accommodated without leaving home for gatherings.
Decorating your pergola is truly limitless; whether that means opting for bold hues or more muted tones on its walls and decorating with plants and flowers, string lights, and decorative pieces like mirrors to give it that personalized touch.
Paint
A pergola can become the star attraction in your garden when covered with vines or flowers, providing structure and shade on a backyard deck or patio. When entertaining outdoors, add one over your dining area for al fresco meals and beverages - you could even combine rustic wood beams with stately stone elements for added permanence! You could even combine materials, using stone pillars covered in an adobe-style concrete covering to complete this natural effect!
If you want something different for your backyard, painting your pergola can add a fresh new look. As @nest_number_9 did, this simple DIY project gives it a whole new feel! By matching its color with that of other hard landscaping elements in the space for an aesthetically pleasing effect. When purchasing pre-made pergolas as unfinished bare wood pieces you have two options; either leave them as is for an organic feel or paint over them using stylish colors like @nest_number_9 did with black hues for an added modern edge.
To keep costs for your pergola project down, it can often be found at discounted or used prices at your local hardware store, or salvaged materials such as old doors and windows can make great additions that add character and character. Doing this will not only save money on lumber purchases but will give your garden an original appearance as well.
Another great way to save on your pergola build is by reusing existing wooden posts from around your home's construction site or even an older tree in your yard. By doing so, you'll not only reduce materials costs but also speed up project delivery more rapidly.
Beginners to DIY projects will find purchasing a pergola kit is an effective way of making things much simpler. Such kits contain all the parts and pieces needed to complete your project, with an instructional manual providing step-by-step steps for building. In some cases, plans for such kits may even be available online so they can be completed at your own pace.