10 modern pergola ideas for your garden

If you love your garden, we’ve curated 10 modern pergola ideas that will help you add those extra touches that will take your outdoor space to the next level. Our diverse selection of contemporary pergola ideas spans everything from deck pergola ideas and pergola roof ideas to pergola lighting ideas and hot tub pergola ideas. You can combine some of these modern pergola ideas to create something entirely unique to you.

Pergolas come in a wide range of designs, making them perfect to fit your garden.

Howarth Timber

1. Pergola roof ideas

Pergolas come in all shapes, sizes and materials though the number one choice is wood. Although all have a roof of one kind or another, the most popular of all the pergola roofing ideas is an open roof constructed from evenly spaced horizontal beams. Depending on the time of day, it will allow sunlight to filter through or offer a certain degree of shade. If you prefer 100% shade from the pergola roof, you may wish to consider a gazebo which has a solid roof and partial side panels. Gabled roof pergolas are also an option for a grander look.

Pergolas come in all shapes, sizes and materials though the number one choice is wood.

TG Supplies

2. Corner pergola ideas

Pergolas can be sited in virtually any part of your garden though one of the most common corner pergola ideas is to install it in a corner next to a fence and on a deck or tiled floor. This will provide shelter from the wind on two sides and create a more private space to relax. Add chairs, a bench and a table and you have the perfect spot to entertain or eat alfresco.

Elbec Garden Buildings

3. Pergola shade ideas

Whilst the roof of a pergola is usually open and made up of spaced-out beams, you also have the option to create a degree of shade that suits you. Wooden slats or a lattice can increase the amount of shade and give you respite from the sun in the summer months and a degree of shelter in spring and autumn.

Rutland County Garden Furniture

4. Multi-level modern pergola ideas

Why limit yourself to just one single height pergola when there are many multi-level modern pergola ideas out there? By adopting a tiered design, involving constructing different heights of pergola roofs, you can divide your garden into distinct sections and create a highly distinctive addition to your garden. It’s one of the more adventurous and innovative contemporary pergola ideas.

Layzee Living

5. Green roof pergola ideas

As well as being made from sustainable wood, another one of the better pergola roof ideas is to create a living roof. By growing and training and lush greenery, including trailing vines, you can not only add a little shade and insulations, you bring a living layer of natural beauty to your pergola.

Country Living Magazine

6. Hot tub pergola ideas

These hot tub pergola ideas can bring the ultimate in luxury to your outdoor living space. Corners or next to an external wall of your property are the perfect places to install a hot tub and a pergola with a covered roof will provide the necessary privacy and shelter you require. If you already have a hot tub and want to add a pergola, they are simple enough to install and can be modified to fit you hot tub area precisely.

Outdoor Living

7. Small garden pergola ideas

You don’t need a large garden to enjoy all the benefits a wooden pergola can bring – there are plenty of pergola ideas for small gardens. Smaller gardens are perfectly suited to the addition of a pergola. Find a corner and make it all about you and a private space to relax. Choose a design that fits the space and ensure it looks in proportion to the rest of your garden. Want small backyard ideas with pergola featured? Position your pergola at the bottom of you backyard, giving it space between the pergola and your home. Train plants to integrate it into your garden.

Buy Sheds Direct

8. Deck pergola ideas

Have an existing deck that you think it is being underutilized? Installing a new deck? One of the more obvious deck pergola ideas is to make more of it by dedicating an area of it to a pergola. Think about your lifestyle and what you might do under your pergola. For example, if you intend to dine under it, keep it closer to the house and kitchen and ensure it is large enough to accommodate a table and chairs. If you just want a secluded are of partial shade, add it to a corner of the deck.

Simply Log Cabins

9.Waterproof pergola roof ideas

Traditionally, pergolas don’t strictly have a roof, however, one of the more contemporary pergola ideas is to add a waterproof roof to enable you to enjoy your pergola in all weathers. The waterproof roof can be made of anything from traditional roof shingles or polycarbonate sheets to waterproof sails or a retractable roof. You could even incorporate solar panels to your waterproof pergola roof to power lighting and other appliances.

Hampshire Shades

10. Pergola lighting ideas

Search Pinterest or Instagram and you’ll see thousands of pergola lighting ideas. From small battery powered tea lights and rechargeable table lamps to wall mounted soft lighting and LED strip lights for long summer evenings.

One of our favourite pergola string lighting ideas is a solar powered string of drop festoon lights or garden lanterns powered by solar. Use a mix of lighting to change the ambience as the mood takes you.

Lighting incorporated into pergolas can be really effective in creating an ambience in your garden.

Pergola UK