What Is a Pergola?
A pergola is an outdoor structure with a latticed roof used to designate an outdoor entertaining space. Typically supported by four posts, they can also be connected to the side of a home's exterior wall for support. Some rely on trellis walls or outdoor curtains for added privacy. Unlike a gazebo or solarium, pergolas are not covered with a roof—letting the sunlight shine through. Still, some modern designs incorporate movable shades for added sun protection.
Outdoor Pergola Furniture
Your first step in designing the space beneath your pergola is choosing outdoor furniture that creates a relaxing atmosphere. To decide between patio sets and dining furniture, consider your own plans for the space. Do you enjoy eating alfresco and hosting meals in the open air? Or maybe you'd rather kick back and relax in a calming atmosphere with a cold brew in hand.
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Outdoor Lounge Furniture
Sectional sofas, loveseats and armchairs give guests a spot to lounge on a warm day or night. Mildew- and fade-resistant cushions increase the comfort level, while plush outdoor pillows bring a pop of color. If you go this route, add in a coffee table for drinks, snacks or a casual outdoor meal. For a distinctive look, consider a hanging sofa, swing or hammock that attaches to the top of your pergola. Then, lean back with a cool drink in hand as you unwind after a day of work. Situate an accent table within arm's reach to set your drink or phone down—or stow the latest bestseller while you enjoy the sunset. Looking for the finishing touch? Bring the comfort of the indoors to the backyard or patio with an outdoor area rug that ties the color palette together. Or, take another approach by setting up a hot tub beneath your pergola to spend cool nights outdoors—extending the use of your outdoor space into autumn and beyond. A nearby outdoor storage cabinet houses clean towels.
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Outdoor Dining Furniture
Prefer to dine al fresco? Dining furniture provides a spot for friends and family to gather around and enjoy a meal in the open air. Look for a set with a table that fits the whole family or a bistro table for more intimate gatherings over drinks. A nearby grill makes barbecuing convenient. If you're looking for ways to elevate your outdoor meals, fasten a chandelier or pendant light to your pergola. Then, swap disposable plates for shatter-resistant melamine sets and platters that mimic the look of stoneware or porcelain. Likewise, acrylic wine glasses or tumblers provide a break-proof solution for cocktails or kids' drinks. In addition, incorporating vinyl placemats, a runner or fabric napkins gives a polished look to the outdoor table.
Can't decide between a dining and lounge setup? Settle on a happy medium by opting for a dining set with plush cushions along with a versatile fabric-covered ottoman for relaxing. Or, choose a small bistro table and loveseat that incorporate elements of both styles into your space to suit your needs and preferences. To keep your cushions tidy while not in use, consider placing them in a storage ottoman or bench during inclement weather.
Pergola Plants
Embrace the outdoors by merging natural elements into your decor—from potted plants and herbs to trellising vines. They not only create an attractive backdrop, but also lower your stress levels. Before choosing your blooms, decide on your aesthetic. Do you want to feel as if your pergola is a secret garden beneath a floral cover, or do you prefer to keep your seedlings growing in planters at ground level? Follow these tips to choose the best plants for your space.
Overhead Plants
An overhead climbing garden provides a unique focal point while still letting the sunlight through. Create shade beneath it with a canopy of colorful blossoms by using the pergola's lattice top or posts for trellising plants to spread. If you go this route, be sure to give the plants plenty of support—for instance, constructing your pergola with thick wood beams, posts and latticework, or choosing one made of tough vinyl, metal or fiberglass. Pro tip: climbing plants are both stronger and heavier than they look. Be sure to trim back the plant a few times each year to cut down on weight and encourage fresh blooms.
When choosing a climbing plant for your pergola, look for one with a sunlight recommendation that falls in line with the amount of sun your space receives. Full sun perennials typically require 6 hours of direct light to look their best and survive from year to year. Check online or at your local plant nursery to see which plants are perennial in your plant hardiness zone.
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Bourbon rose
This climbing rose gives off classic appeal without the thorns. Plant these pink roses in full sun to part shade for continual blooms late spring to frost.
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Wisteria
These descending purple blooms appear in the springtime and give off a fragrant scent. Plant wisteria in full sun on a pergola that is not connected to your home. It is known for growing into nearby structures and crevices. Be sure to prune these heavy plants regularly and only grow them on a pergola with thick posts and latticework.
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Clematis
Available in a variety of colors—from white and pink to deep purple—this perennial vine flowers from spring until early fall. While some varieties bloom in partial shade, most need a full six hours of sunlight each day. The Sweet Autumn Clematis does well in the shade, though it has a tendency to produce seedlings that need to be weeded.
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Honeysuckle
These hardy climbers give off a tropical look with yellow, orange and pink tubular clusters that bloom in the spring. Looking for longer-lasting color? Opt for a variety that continues flowering until fall. For an added bonus, they produce a sweet nectar that attracts hummingbirds. Plant honeysuckle in a spot where its roots will be shaded and cool, but where its foliage receives at least partial sunlight for the best results.
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Firethorn
Craving yearlong color? This semi-evergreen shrub grows white flowers in the late spring and bright orange berries that ripen in the early fall and last into the winter. Planting this low-maintenance perennial in a damp area that receives full sunlight results in a larger and healthier plant.
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Virginia Creeper
This yellow vine blooms in the springtime and takes on a striking red hue come fall. They do best in part to full sun.
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Grapevine
Prefer a practical approach to pergola shade? Grapevines create a green roof over your pergola. Flowers are produced in the early summer, followed by fresh grapes. Plant seedlings in full sun for best results—and sweeter grapes. If you're growing for coverage rather than fruit, these vines need only 2-3 hours of sunlight per day.
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Hops
This disease-resistant plant produces richly-scented cones and vibrant green vines. Plant them in full sun for late summer blooms. If you're into homebrewing, look for a female variety with cones you can harvest come early fall.
Ground-Level Plants
Balance greenery on your pergola with plants on the ground as well. If you have a green thumb, try adding some to the perimeter. Mounding plants, such as rose bushes, lavender and hostas, do well in the ground with room to grow out, as do bulb flowers—tulips and peonies. If you'd rather incorporate your greenery into the space beneath the pergola, consider sewing seeds or seedlings in decorative pots. For a streamlined appearance, opt for a coordinated set of planters in different sizes. Or, for a more eclectic vibe, try a variety of styles.
Oversized pots provide a spot for larger plants to grow—such as hibiscus, agave, feather reed grass or fountain grass. For a different approach, incorporate an upright plant alongside both broad and trailing plants in the same container for a complementary display. Create a winning combination by using thrillers to grab attention, fillers to add mass and spillers to grow over the edge of the planter.
If your pergola is attached to an exterior wall, hanging a wall-mounted planter turns nature into wall art. Additionally, working in hanging baskets, vertical planters and plant stands gives your pergola's decor some elevation and interest. Succulents provide a sleek appearance, while planters filled with perennial or annual flowers add classic garden appeal. For smaller plant varieties or fragrant herbs, consider a set of tabletop planters. Fill them with live plants, or mix in some faux plants for year-long color. Or, for a totally carefree yet realistic experience, go all faux.
Pergola Accents
To create an outdoor escape, treat your pergola as an extension of your living room—focusing on comfort and relaxation as you add in the fine details. Poufs, candle holders and baskets accent the outdoor space the same way they do indoors. If your pergola connects to an exterior wall of your home, consider hanging a wall mirror to artfully reflect the nature around you or a piece of outdoor wall art for a homey feeling. Look for accents made of outdoor-friendly materials that withstand the elements—from rattan to metal.
If you're planning on entertaining during the evening, hang lanterns or string lights from the lattice for a romantic glow. Another idea: group taller lanterns with candles inside together on or beside a side table. If your pergola is more than a few steps from the back door, create a walking path using paving stones lined with flameless candles or bug-warding torches. Then, drape a throw blanket over the back of an outdoor sofa or chair for guests who need an extra layer, or store unused ones in an oversized basket nearby. A nearby fire pit also gives off heat on chilly nights while providing an excuse for eating s'mores.
Now that you have some pergola decorating ideas, it’s time to shop for outdoor furniture, decor and plants. Show us how you style your pergola at the hashtag #CrateStyle.
