![A fire burns in a fire pit next an outdoor sectional under a pergola. A fire burns in a fire pit next an outdoor sectional under a pergola.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-hero.jpg)
Build in relief from hot summer sun and add stylish entertaining space when you install a pergola. A pergola is an outdoor structure with columns supporting a roofing grid that provides shade and partial protection for an outdoor living space. It’s often added as an extension to the home.
The difference between a pergola and a gazebo is that a gabezo has a roof, while a pergola has an open beam structure.
In addition to offering a place to relax, pergolas frame your outdoor space with architectural style. A pergola can anchor your outdoor entertaining space all day and all night. This guide features ideas for pergolas in your backyard.
Poolside Pergola Idea
![Chairs next to a pool sit under a pergola. Chairs next to a pool sit under a pergola.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-1.jpg)
A poolside pergola offers shade within steps of the pool. For shade, it’s larger and more effective than a patio umbrella. Plus, it doesn’t need to be folded in the rain. Anchor the corners with hanging baskets, bringing plants to eye level and off the hot pool deck.
Green Idea for a Pergola
![Vines growing over a pergola provide shade. Vines growing over a pergola provide shade.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-2.jpg)
Gardeners, take note. Use a pergola to give climbing vines a place to ramble. Some classic choices are New Dawn Rose, jasmine, mandevilla or climbing hydrangeas.
Minimalist Style
![A pergola made of metal and wood stands in a minimalist garden. A pergola made of metal and wood stands in a minimalist garden.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-3.jpg)
Understated materials, just metal and wood, without architectural embellishment, offer comfort, simplicity and minimalist style.
Pergola Design for Hot Tubs
![A hot tub sits under a pergola that includes a built-in bar. A hot tub sits under a pergola that includes a built-in bar.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-4.jpg)
Shelter the hot tub with a pergola. Give the grownups their own space beside the pool. Set it apart with a pergola that features a privacy wall.
Outdoor Fireplace with Pergola
![A pergola stands above a patio with wicker chairs, an outdoor fireplace and a grill. A pergola stands above a patio with wicker chairs, an outdoor fireplace and a grill.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-5.jpg)
A spacious pergola can frame the heart of your outdoor living space. Keep your guests comfortable with cushy seating. A fireplace could anchor one side, with a grill just steps away. Fill in the space with lush container plants. Complete the look with hanging baskets.
Deck Extension
![A pergola stands above two outdoor couches on a deck in front of several open glass doors to a house. A pergola stands above two outdoor couches on a deck in front of several open glass doors to a house.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-6.jpg)
Give your open deck some shade when you add a pergola above an outdoor table and chairs. Cedar is a top choice for outdoor construction because it naturally resists rot and pests.
Pergola With a Canopy
![A canopy over a pergola provides shade folding chairs around a table. A canopy over a pergola provides shade folding chairs around a table.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-7.jpg)
You can control the amount of shade under the pergola with an adjustable slide canopy. Many fabric canopies are washable with mild soap and water.
Swinging Pergola Style
![A canopy over a pergola provides shade for a swing with white cushions. A canopy over a pergola provides shade for a swing with white cushions.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-8.jpg)
Add extra seating when you hang a swing under your pergola. On sultry summer nights, you can create your own breeze.
Patio Protection
![A pergola on a back patio stands over an outdoor dining set. A pergola on a back patio stands over an outdoor dining set.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-9.jpg)
If your patio gets harsh afternoon sun, consider a pergola to soften the light outside the house and inside. In temperate weather, just step outside to bring the party to the pergola.
A Pergola Oasis
![A canopy over a pergola shades an outdoor dining set with six chairs. A canopy over a pergola shades an outdoor dining set with six chairs.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-10.jpg)
A pergola can become an oasis in your backyard. With adjustable shade canopies, you can control the amount of sunlight under the pergola. More shade means more time you can relax in this retreat.
Outdoor Dining Room
![An outdoor dining set sits below a pergola on a patio. An outdoor dining set sits below a pergola on a patio.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-11.jpg)
Define the outdoor dining area under the pergola with a spacious table and seating. String lights overhead add a fun touch. A privacy screen can minimize distraction from homes nearby.
Privacy Screen
![A pergola with adjustable shade canopy stands above a patio conversation set. A pergola with adjustable shade canopy stands above a patio conversation set.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-12.jpg)
If your neighbors are close, you can use an adjustable canopy shade for privacy. It's often easier to enjoy the great outdoors without being in view of those who live nearby.
Frame the View
![People sit on outdoor furniture under a pergola next a pool at night. People sit on outdoor furniture under a pergola next a pool at night.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-13.jpg)
As you install your pergola, consider the views from your property. The open structure of a pergola can highlight more than one scenic vista. Maybe you’ll place a pergola to enjoy seeing both a pool and the ocean. Or perhaps it will frame a views of a lake and the mountains.
Light It Up
![String lights, candles and a lantern provide warm lighting under a pergola at night. String lights, candles and a lantern provide warm lighting under a pergola at night.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-14.jpg)
Make your pergola glow with lighting from the ground up. The right lighting can add to the ambiance and allow you to entertain well into the evening.
Small Space Pergola
![Outdoor furniture sits under a pergola in front of a privacy fence. Outdoor furniture sits under a pergola in front of a privacy fence.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-15.jpg)
Enhance a bare bones patio with a pergola that suits a smaller space. A repurposed screen can add a focal point, while abundant containers of annuals act as colorful accents.
Ultimate Outdoor Entertaining
![A large pergola covers an outdoor living room and an outdoor dining space. A large pergola covers an outdoor living room and an outdoor dining space.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-16.jpg)
When your pergola shades your outdoor living room, it opens up new possibilities for entertaining. Create the ultimate outdoor experience with a grilling station and dining area.
Compact Pergola
![A small pergola with an adjustable canopy stands over an outdoor chair and matching love seat. A small pergola with an adjustable canopy stands over an outdoor chair and matching love seat.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-17.jpg)
A pergola doesn’t have to be oversized to add interest to your backyard. You can cool off in style with a 10 foot by 10 foot arched pergola with slide canopy. It offers all the space you need for a patio set and a few decorative planters.
Up in the Air
![A pergola over chairs on a patio can be seen from above. A pergola over chairs on a patio can be seen from above.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-18.jpg)
Consider the view of the pergola from inside your home or from a deck. If you’re looking down from a second floor, or maybe even higher, seek out an architecturally interesting pergola to heighten the view from the house.
Coastal Pergola Design
![A seaside pergola covers a patio conversation set on a wooden deck. A seaside pergola covers a patio conversation set on a wooden deck.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-19.jpg)
Keep the beach vibe going with a poolside pergola paired lounge chairs and an in-ground hot tub. Vinyl pergolas are easy to clean. They typically only need to be rinsed off with a garden hose.
Make Plants Pop
![A white pergola stands above an outdoor table and next to plants in containers and shrubs A white pergola stands above an outdoor table and next to plants in containers and shrubs](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/inspirational-ideas-for-pergolas-in-your-backyard-section-20.jpg)
Extend your gardening space with a pergola. Use your pergola as a place to group containers of annuals and display hanging baskets.
With these pergola ideas for your backyard, you can add shade to your space. A pergola can also be used to enhance a view and expand the possibilities for outdoor entertaining. Knowing the site and how you plan to use your outdoor space will help as you select the perfect pergola for your backyard.
You can choose from a selection of ready-made pergolas or build your own. Installation can be a DIY project or you can contact The Home Depot to arrange a consultation for pergola installation.
Ready to add a pergola to your yard? The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them.