Adding a pergola to your outdoor space is an easy way to make your backyard more beautiful and inviting. These versatile structures give shade, create a dedicated space, and are a canvas for creative decorating ideas. Whether you want to add a touch of elegance, create a cozy retreat, or simply enrich your outdoor living area, there are countless ways to personalize your pergola. Our guide explores 14 decorating ideas to help homeowners maximize their pergola.
1. Paint It a New Color
One of the quickest and most impactful ways to refresh a pergola’s appearance is with a new coat of paint. A new color can change the structure’s look and feel, blending it with your home’s exterior or standing out as a bold statement piece.
When choosing a paint color, consider the overall design of the outdoor space. For a traditional look, go for natural wood tones, tans, or earthy hues. Use crisp white or vibrant colors that pop against the landscape if you want a more modern vibe.
If you paint your pergola, use acrylic paint, which is long-lasting and weather-resistant.
For the best results, use high-quality acrylic paint designed for exteriors. This type of paint has excellent durability and weather resistance, both of which are sturdier for withstanding the elements. Then, follow these steps:
- Finish with a water sealant to protect the paint and maintain its sheen
- Choose a dry season with low humidity for painting
- Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer
- Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next
2. Install a Swing
Adding a swing to a pergola creates a fun area for relaxation and enjoyment. Before installation, make sure the pergola can support the weight of the swing and its anyone who might use it. Here’s how to safely add a swing:
- Reinforce the structure, if necessary.
- Choose a swing appropriate for the pergola’s size and weight capacity.
- Secure the swing to the pergola’s beams using heavy-duty hardware.
- Test the swing’s stability.
A pergola swing makes for a wonderful spot for reading, conversation, or enjoying the fresh air.
3. Add More Shade with a Cover
While pergolas naturally provide some shade, adding a cover can significantly boost its comfort and usability. A pergola cover not only offers protection from sun and rain, but also increases privacy and adds character to the structure.
There are several options for pergola covers:
- Fabric covers: Affordable and easy to install or remove as needed
- Retractable awnings: Offer flexibility in controlling sun exposure
- Solid roof panels: Provide maximum protection from the elements
When selecting a cover, consider climate, your desired level of shade, and overall style. For more utility, install curtain rods and hanging outdoor curtains, which you can open or close for more privacy.
4. Add String Lights
String lights are a simple but effective way to create a magical ambiance for your outdoor space. If you’ll use the pergola at night, look for heavy-duty outdoor string lights to provide useful lighting and an enchanting atmosphere.
To determine the right amount of lighting, measure the pergola’s dimensions, choose lights specifically designed for outdoor use, and plan the layout for an even distribution of lights. String lights can be woven through the pergola’s beams or hung in swooping patterns for a whimsical effect.
5. Add Potted Plants
Adding plants to a pergola design adds natural beauty and can create a lush, garden-like atmosphere. Potted plants can be arranged in countless ways and allow for easy changes when you want to change things.
When selecting plants for a pergola, consider the following:
- Light requirements: Choose plants that thrive in the pergola’s specific light conditions, which may be partially shaded most of the day
- Watering needs: Remember that plants under a pergola may receive less natural rainfall
- Growth habits: You can use climbing plants to cover the pergola’s structure or hanging plants for a cascading effect
Popular options include climbing roses or jasmine for fragrance and beauty, ivy or clematis for rapid coverage, and succulents or herbs for low-maintenance greenery.
6. Create an Outdoor Dining Room
Turning a pergola into an outdoor dining room can create an extended living space and be a lovely setting for meals and entertaining. To create an inviting dining area:
- Install a chandelier or pendant lights for ambiance
- Set up a weather-resistant dining table and chairs
- Consider adding an outdoor rug to decorate the space
- Include a sideboard or bar cart for convenient storage and serving
For those who love to entertain, adding a small wet bar or covered grill nearby can level up the outdoor dining experience even more. You can even add a sound system with weather-resistant speakers to set the mood with music.
7. Hang a Hammock
A hammock is perfect for lazy summer days, giving you a comfortable spot to read, nap, or simply enjoy the outdoors. To install a hammock:
- Be sure the pergola structure can support the weight of the hammock and its potential users
- Choose a hammock style that complements the pergola’s design
- Securely attach the hammock to two sides of the pergola using appropriate hardware
For added comfort, include some outdoor pillows and a light blanket to create a cozy nook.
8. Build New Planters
Custom-built planters can enrich your pergola’s ambiance with plants and flowers. You can construct planters from various materials to match the pergola’s style: wood for a rustic look, concrete blocks for a modern style, stone for a natural appearance.
Planters can serve multiple purposes, including creating privacy walls, defining the pergola’s boundaries, and housing an herb garden.
9. Suspend Plant Hangers
Hanging plants adds more dimension to your pergola and saves ground space. This technique works well for flowering and foliage plants, creating a lush, garden-like atmosphere overhead. Repurpose old bottles or mason jars as hanging planters for a twist. This adds a touch of whimsy and personalization to the space.
Install sturdy hooks or brackets on the pergola’s beams to start hanging plants. Then, choose plants that thrive in hanging baskets and partial shade. Use various plant types and hanging heights for depth.
10. Build a Fire Pit
A fire pit can make a pergola into a cozy year-round retreat. It adds warmth on cool evenings and creates a natural gathering spot for friends and family that’s perfect for roasting marshmallows, telling stories, or simply enjoying the mesmerizing flames. It’s always most important to prioritize safety when adding a fire feature, so do the following first:
- Make sure there’s good ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup
- Check your local regulations regarding fire pit usage
- Place the fire pit away from the pergola’s structure and any overhanging vegetation
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby at all times
11. Hang Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns add a soft, romantic glow to any pergola setting. They come in different sizes, colors, and patterns, allowing you to customize them for your style. To choose paper lanterns:
- Find weather-resistant options designed for outdoor use
- Hang lanterns at varying heights
- Consider battery-operated or solar-powered lanterns for easy illumination
For a tied-together look, coordinate the lantern colors with other decorative elements in your space, such as cushions or planters.
12. Create a Boho Vibe
A bohemian-inspired pergola creates a relaxed, eclectic atmosphere perfect for laid-back entertaining or quiet relaxation. To get the boho look, use natural materials like rattan, wicker, and macramé and mix textures through throws, cushions, and rugs. Choose a neutral color palette with pops of earthy tones.
Add layered lighting with string lights, lanterns, and candles. The key to a successful boho pergola is creating a comfortable, lived-in feel that’s warm and inviting.
13. Put In Outdoor Lighting
The right lighting can make your pergola more usable at night and create a glow around the space. Consider a mix of lighting types, like:
- Candle lanterns for a romantic glow
- Hanging pendants or chandeliers for illumination
- Wall sconces for directed light
- Floor lanterns for ambient lighting
When shopping for outdoor lighting, power source comes into play. You can hardwire fixtures for permanent, reliable lighting or use solar-powered lights for an eco-friendly, easy-to-install solution. You can also try battery-operated lights, which give you the flexibility to place them where you want.
14. Install a Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan can make a pergola more comfortable, especially during warm summers. Adding a ceiling fan will create a cooling breeze, helping to keep insects at bay, and provide additional lighting if the fan has lights built in.
When buying a ceiling fan for outdoor use, make sure it’s rated for damp or wet locations to withstand exposure to the elements. Consider the size of the pergola compared to the fan to choose the right fit.
