15 pergola ideas to shelter your garden in style | B&Q (2024)

By Ellie Reeves | 26th February 2024 | 7 min read

Does your garden feel a little... incomplete? A pergola might be the missing piece you never knew you needed! They provide more than just shelter, pergolas add style and dimension to your outdoor space. Think of it as an open-air canvas, ready to be decorated with twinkling lights, cascading greenery, and pretty lanterns. From simple to spectacular, pergolas can liven up any garden!

What is a garden pergola?

A pergola is a structure made up of vertical posts or pillars that support a roof of crossbeams and an open lattice. The beamed roof is typically left open, to allow air to flow through. Garden pergolas provide a shaded area for outdoor dining or relaxation. They’re typically made from wood or metal, but can also be made from other materials, such as vinyl or fibreglass. Building a pergola yourself is easier than you might think, read our guide, and learn how to build a pergola. Or why not browse our extensive range of pre-built pergolas?

Pergola designs to transform your space

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1. 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. This dark wooden pergola stands out beautifully against the black external walls of this garden structure. The matching outdoor table and chairs bring the whole look together. Beckoning you to sit, be still, and relax in nature.

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2. Add bean bags for a cosy spot

Create the ultimate space for chilling in your garden. Scatter outdoor bean bagsaround a low coffee table. Now you’ve got the ideal spot for sitting and chatting with friends and family. Ideal for when you’re hosting big family gatherings or BBQ parties. You could even set up an outdoor screen and projector to create a makeshift garden cinema – perfect for an alfresco movie night with friends!

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3. Frame your outdoor kitchen

A pergola is a fantastic way of defining specific areas within your outdoor space. In this garden, a corner pergola has been used to enclose and accentuate an outdoor kitchen. Creating a designated and stylish space for cooking up a feast surrounded by the natural beauty of the garden.

4. Add a retractable canopy for shelter when you need it

Don’t let the not-so-great British weather scupper your garden dinner party plans. Add a retractable canopy to your pergola and entertain guests all day long - no matter the weather. A sudden rain shower won't dampen your spirits, and it certainly won't stop you from enjoying your garden!

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5. Create a tranquil corner retreat

Design a spot for quiet contemplation surrounded by nature. This thoughtfully designed corner pergola has a built-in bench, providing a secluded space to unwind and relax. Decorate with outdoor cushions and blankets for extra comfort, creating an inviting nook for relaxation. The trellis panels add another layer of charm, adorn with climbing plants and fairy lights to complete the look.

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6. Add visual interest to your garden pathway

A garden pergola isn’t necessarily just for framing a seating area or for creating a spot for relaxation. Why not install a pergola over your garden pathway? Not only will it add visual appeal to your garden, but it will also create a charming and inviting walkway. Install a pergola besides flower beds and allow gorgeous climbing plants like Honeysuckle or Wisteria to grow upwards and entwine around the pergola posts.

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7. Cultivate a vertical garden brimming with greenery

If your garden is small and primarily made up of decking or paving slabs – a great way to introduce greenery is with a vertical garden. The horizontal slats on this pergola offer the perfect framework for cultivating a vertical garden brimming with trailing foliage and hanging plants. This not only introduces a refreshing burst of nature into your garden, but also maximises the use of vertical space, transforming an otherwise limited garden into a luscious oasis.

8. Embrace curves with a carousel pergola

Most garden pergolas adhere to the traditional square, rectangular or arch design. For a unique look in your garden, choose a carousel pergola to create a captivating focal point. The gentle curve of the wooden beams adds an element of visual intrigue, fostering a sense of fluidity within the garden. A carousel pergola is the ideal space for relaxation, entertainment, or simply admiring the surroundings.

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9. Frame your outdoor living room

Transform the area just outside your back door into an extension of your indoor living space by installing a pergola. This creates a natural transition from the indoors to the outdoors. Add a stylish outdoor coffee set with a comfortable sofa and armchairs to curate your very own outdoor living room. Ideal for unwinding on a balmy summer evening after a busy day.

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10. Install a pergola on a raised patio

Elevate the charm of your outdoor space by installing a pergola on your raised patio. This provides an inviting spot for al fresco meals or relaxed gatherings. Alternatively, you could transform the space into a stage for your children's imaginative garden performances. By building a pergola on a raised patio, you not only enhance the functionality of the area, you also create an enchanting focal point in your garden.

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11. Attach a pergola to your summer house

Design a tranquil and inviting outdoor sanctuary by attaching a pergola to your summer house or garage, providing a serene setting to savour your morning coffee. This addition extends the functionality of your existing structure and creates a charming space for relaxation. Decorate the area with vibrant bedding plants in containers and hanging baskets, infusing the space with bursts of colour and natural beauty. This thoughtfully curated area offers a wonderful retreat to start your day.

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12. Match your garden furniture with your pergola

Create a harmonious aesthetic in your garden by building your own furniture using the same wood as your pergola. By doing so, you can achieve a cohesive look. Whether it's crafting a dining set, lounge chairs, or coffee table, using the same wood as the pergola for your furniture establishes a sense of continuity throughout your outdoor space.

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13. Create a rustic pergola with logs

For a truly unique look in your garden, craft a charming and rustic pergola using natural logs. By using logs as the primary material, you can create a sense of natural beauty and earthy appeal, blending the pergola with its surrounding environment. This style of pergola is perfect for complementing rustic or cottage-style gardens.

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14. Freestanding pergola with built-in benches and table

Transform your outdoor space into a tranquil oasis with a freestanding corner pergola with built-in benches and a table. This idyllic retreat is the perfect place to unwind and seek respite from the sun's rays. Providing a shaded sanctuary, this corner pergola design allows you to bask in the coolness of the shade while enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Decorate with vibrant outdoor cushions, adding a pop of colour and an extra layer of cosiness to the inviting nook.

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15. Paint your pergola white

Brighten your garden by painting your pergola in a crisp shade of white. This modern pergola provides a versatile backdrop for showcasing lush greenery and colourful blooms. A white pergola reflects natural light, creating an inviting ambience. Whether hosting garden parties or seeking moments of solitude, a white pergola sets the stage for relaxation and enjoyment.

There you have it, our pick of the best pergola ideas for your garden. Liven up your outdoors with our range of pergolas or learn how to build your own pergola.

15 pergola ideas to shelter your garden in style | B&Q (2024)

FAQs

How to make a pergola look nice? ›

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.

What is an alternative to a pergola? ›

Consider carports as your next home improvement project, for they offer a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional pergolas. When it comes to carport materials, you're not limited. Choose from wood, steel, or aluminium, each boasting their own benefits.

Where should a pergola be placed in a garden? ›

In most cases, you want to orient your pergola to target the mid-to-late day sun, as this is when you're most likely to need shade. A contemporary aluminium pergola is a great option for houses with bifold doors, reducing light and glare into the home as well as temperature during the hotter summer months.

Can you put a pergola over a garden? ›

Adding a pergola to your garden is a great way to add some structure and shade to your garden. The posts and open roof are perfect for climbing plants to take over and can create the perfect space to shelter from the sun during the summer.

How to jazz up a pergola? ›

If your pergola allows it, you can utilize hooks for hanging flower pots or trailing plants, or suspend potted plants using chains or wires around the beams or rafters. However you could decorate any one of our pergolas with you climbing plants such as wisteria or roses can also be set up on a trellis or net.

How to make a pergola cosy? ›

Outdoor room pergola

Bring the inside out with a pergola that feels like another room in your house, by adding plants, ornaments and patterned cushions and rugs. This stylish design features bamboo pergola beams as well as bamboo furniture, red metal support walls and large-leaved plants for a tropical look.

What is the point of a pergola without roof? ›

A pergola without a roof helps define a space and create a focal point in your garden, without creating a fully enclosed area.

What is the difference between a pergola and a ramada? ›

Pergola — An open top structure commonly constructed with wood, steel, or aluminum that can be attached to a house or freestanding. Ramada — Common term in AZ for a solid roof shade structure in a backyard landscape.

What is difference between pergola and pergola? ›

The key difference between a pergola and a pergoda is that the latter has a solid roof made of slats.

How high should a garden pergola be? ›

How Tall Is A Standard Pergola? The standard pergola height is 8 to 12 feet. But that doesn't always have to be the case. For example, if you want an 8-foot head clearance, the beams will take it up to 9 feet at least, and then the rafters will total 10-feet easy.

How tall can a garden pergola be? ›

Pergolas with a pitched roof (A-shaped) can be a maximum of 4 metres high. All of these outlined heights include decking, so if you have high-raised decking in particular, you'll need to ensure that your pergola doesn't exceed these requirements.

Does a pergola add value to property? ›

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%. That makes pergolas one of the more valuable additions homeowners can put on their homes.

What is the purpose of a garden pergola? ›

What is the Purpose of a Pergola? The purpose of a pergola really is to protect the homeowner. Often pergolas are used to provide shade to outdoor living spaces such as patio furniture, hot tubs, and outdoor grills. Pergolas provide just the right amount of shade, while still letting in all of the other elements.

How to anchor a pergola to the ground? ›

How to Anchor a Pergola Without Drilling: 5 Clever Methods
  1. Method 1: Use Sandbags or Water Weights.
  2. Method 2: Secure your Pergola to Heavy Immovable Furniture.
  3. Method 3: Attach the Pergola to the House or Nearby Structures.
  4. Method 4: Use Anchor Straps and Heavy-Duty Weights.
  5. Method 5: Build a Custom Anchor Base.
Nov 24, 2023

How to decorate a pergola with plants? ›

Potted plant arrangements can also be used to good effect by setting them on tables, plant stands or even an interesting chair or stool. Placing plants at different elevations will add visual interest to your pergola landscaping.

How to decorate inside a pergola? ›

Pergolas can be customized to include retractable grommet curtains for privacy, incandescent lighting for nighttime lounging, picturesque box planters or hanging planter filled with fragrant herbs or flowers, and ornate trellises for fast growing vines to climb.

How do I get the most shade out of my pergola? ›

For instance, place it in between the shade of two trees so it looks more natural. 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.

Is it better to stain or paint a pergola? ›

Even with sturdy rot-resistant wood types like pressure-treated pine and rough sawn western red cedar, the best way to preserve the pergola wood is by staining or sealing the pergola components.

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