Versatile pergola design ideas

A pergola is a garden feature that forms a shaded walkway, passage or sitting area, often with retractable screens for added versatility. It differs from eaves or a veranda, in that it is usually a separately constructed feature with open sides.

In terms of home improvement fashion, the pergola has come a long way since it was first used described in the mid seventeenth century. A range of different frames and covering materials are now used, from highly engineered sunproof fabrics to arbour-like trained creepers including grapes, bougainvillea and ivy. Here are a few of our favourites:

1. True indoor-outdoor spaces

With a little planning and proper insulation, pergola areas can be supplied with electricity. This is ideal for entertainers who want to incorporate cafe heaters, BBQs and other amenities into the area.

2. Perennial/evergreen creepers

Grapes and other fruiting climbers (passionfruit, etc) look great while they’re flowering, but can be tricky as a form of cover at other times of the year. Some plants are also more prone than others to dropping leaves and flowers when the weather changes sharply, meaning there’s more to clean up. Ideal choices for year-round shade and shelter include clematis, trumpet creeper, jasmine, potato creeper, and Boston ivy.

3. Alternative profile shapes

Your pergola doesn’t have to match the width of the building, nor does it have to extend to an even depth. Consider forming a covered walkway from one part of the pergola to another outdoor structure, or changing the outer border of the pergola to better blend with the landscaping of your garden.

4. Automation

Don’t want to spend time extending and retracting screens or blinds? Consider a fully automated system.

5. Mutli-level pergola

Especially for homes situated on hillsides or near the beach, a pergola composed of multiple connected decks can create a versatile entertaining space, as well as a more natural gradation from indoors to outdoors.

6. Built in furniture

To save space and create cleaner lines, you can integrate seating and versatile bench space into the actual structure of your pergola. This is a great idea for reinforcing an indoor-outdoor theme.

7. Vertical gardens

If you don’t particularly like vines, and want a little more privacy in your pergola, consider a vertical wall of plants. Using either fixed vertical planters or a frame on which baskets can be hung, you can create multi-dimensional interest and utility.

8. Clear corrugated PVC

This roofing material is a great low maintenance choice, and can be installed so as to direct rainwater runoff away from the house without any gaps.

9. Raised decking

Building a slightly elevated deck is a great way to distinguish the pergola from the rest of the garden, as well as keeping the space clean and tidy. Timber decking is a classic choice, but other materials such as polished concrete can also be versatile durable.

10. Decorative columns

Instead of plain support posts, consider decorative columns. These create a sense of grandeur and romance, and hark back to the very earliest terrace arbour and pergola designs.

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