42 Amazing ideas with natural pergolas in the garden, and how to organize the space around the trees | My desired home (2024)

FAQs

How to decorate a pergola space? ›

The pergola and pergoda are very similar concepts. Both are structures designed to provide shading in outdoor areas. The main difference is that pergodas feature a solid roof made up of slats, whereas pergolas feature a sliding or louvred roof for greater versatility.

Take the road less traveled and add a pergola to entries in need of some shade. Make the addition even more stunning with the addition of some beautiful planters filled with greenery and furniture accents like wicker chairs.

To grow even more plants up pergolas, trellis panels can be attached giving additional support for climbing plants. For extra shade, consider adding screening in the form of curtains or a canvas cover on top. More on growing climbing plants: Nine annual climbers to grow.

Frankly, you can put anything you'd like under a pergola—rugs, chairs, tables, toys, exercise equipment, and more—the list is endless.

But before investing in one, many homeowners wonder if a pergola will add value to their home. While there are many caveats, in short, the answer is yes. A pergola has the potential to add value to your home, with many estimates putting the return on investment at somewhere around 50% to 80%.

There are two major decisions that should be made to maximize a pergola's use: where to face it and where to place it. Because the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, these structures should be faced so their rafters run north and south.

For maximum shade, consider having an open-roof pergola and place it in a way that its rafters orient both north and south. So as the sun's direction changes, the rafter can cast wide shade under the structure.

CON: Pergolas provide little protection from weather.

Outdoor furniture under a pergola is susceptible to sun damage, and the pergola structure itself can fade over time and take a beating during storms and harsh winters.

Opting for an open pergola will allow for better air circulation and let in more sunlight, which is both great for your plants. Also, if you have amazing weather where you live, the open roof design will let you enjoy the natural surroundings a lot more.

How do you style a pergola? ›

Adorn with outdoor lights and hanging plants

The open roof design of a pergola lends itself perfectly to decoration with twinkling string lights and lush greenery. Suspend plants from your pergola using macrame plant hangers for a unique touch. Place potted plants in the corners to create balance.

The golden ratio for a pergola can be different depending on what you like and how you want your pergola to look. But, like, a good rule of thumb is to make the length-to-width ratio of your pergola 1:1.618. This ratio can make things look good and fit in well with the environment around it.

How do you make a pergola cosy? A cosy pergola may feature items such as plants, cushions, sun loungers or hanging chairs. At night, you can make a pergola feel cosy by lighting a fire pit or setting up lanterns or solar lights.

One of my favorite things about pergolas is how unique they can be. Each one, while built on the same principles, can look vastly different. Take the rafter tailsthese are the decorative edges where the rafters cantilever outside the pergola's four-sided frame.

Adorn with outdoor lights and hanging plants

The open roof design of a pergola lends itself perfectly to decoration with twinkling string lights and lush greenery. Suspend plants from your pergola using macrame plant hangers for a unique touch. Place potted plants in the corners to create balance.

Simply hang your lights straight across your structure and then double back on yourself with the lights slightly further apart to create straight columns of light. Perimeter — If you want to frame your structure space, it's a great idea to hang your lights around the edge of the gazebo.