10 Modern Pergola Ideas & Designs For Your Backyard (2024)

10 Modern Pergola Ideas & Designs For Your Backyard (1)

In modern house design, the pergola has been updated, resulting in many new pergola concepts.

Pergolas have evolved from small structures in ancient gardens to modern ones in our homes.

Needless to say, outdoor spaces are becoming increasingly important as our living spaces expand outside our walls.

So, we will share with you a list of trending modern pergola ideas and designs for your backyard.

The modern pergola combines function and style to reflect homeowners' desire to create an outdoor oasis.

What Is A Modern Pergola?

10 Modern Pergola Ideas & Designs For Your Backyard (2)

A pergola is an aesthetic outdoor structure that is meant to provide shade, gathering place and protection from the sun.

But when talking about a modern contemporary pergola, the word means a lot more.

It's not just about the structure; it's also about how it looks, how it works, and what benefits it has.

The modernity of a pergola is reflected in clean lines, minimalist designs, and versatile functionalities.

Gone are the days when pergolas were mere wooden overheads. Today, they often incorporate advanced materials, from sleek metals to sophisticated advanced tech features, aiming to last longer and require minimal maintenance.

Advanced features like integrated sensors, ceiling fans, customizable, retractable sun shades, and contemporary outdoor furniture all contribute to their modern appeal.

10 Modern Pergola Design Ideas

10 Modern Pergola Ideas & Designs For Your Backyard (3)

The evolution of pergolas has been nothing short of spectacular. These outdoor structures have gone from simple, classic shapes to stylish, modern works of art. Each current design is made to fit a different style and need.

Here are ten beautiful modern pergola ideas that will change the way you use your outdoor places, from a quiet coffee in the morning to a lively get-together in the evening.

1. Lounge Space Under Your Pergola

Immerse yourself in the pure luxury of a lounge area under your pergola. Perfect for people who like to relax and want a space for their guests at the same time.

String lights, an area rug, and soft outdoor chairs are what it's mostly about.

It combines comfort with modern design to make the perfect atmosphere for any event.

2. Pergola Rooftop Retreat

This design is a testament to urban ingenuity, offering a serene escape without consuming a large footprint.

To create your own, start by focusing on vertical space. This not only optimizes the area but also provides a unique vantage point amidst the cityscape.

Choose materials with clean lines that complement the urban environment. A modern look can be achieved with sleek metals, like aluminum or polished wood.

The louvered roof structure is key; it allows for a harmonious interplay of light and shade, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.

Tip:

Consider theHanso 10x10 Feet Pergola.Its dimensions and design align well with the modern aesthetics of the rooftop retreat, making it a suitable choice for urban dwellers seeking a personal oasis.

3. Sunken Bathtub Sanctuary

The very essence of luxury and relaxation, a sunken bathtub in an outdoor setting redefines what it means to truly unwind.

Located in your backyard enveloped by a louvered pergola, this modern pergola's design provides cozy space and with its adjustable louvers allows for optimal fresh air, ensuring that your soak is nothing short of divine.

Together, the smoothness and durability of the metal and the fluidity of the water make a great mix.

If you put in soft lighting and lots of natural plants, you can make a cozy hideaway that is both beautiful and up-to-date.

4. Decked-Out Pergola

Moving on, the idea of an elevated platform or deck on a patio naturally draws attention.

When crowned with a pergola, this space becomes the centerpiece of your outdoor space.

A stylish pergola built on top of a deck makes the perfect setting for morning coffee or evening get-togethers, and it also gives homeowners a better view of their landscaped garden.

The integration of the attached or even a freestanding pergola with the deck provides seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

The overall design offers a fresh perspective on traditional backyard settings, making it one of the most sought-after modern pergola ideas for contemporary homes.

5. Kitchen Pergola

Modern outdoor design's focal point is a dining area that invites family and guests to meet and kitchen pergolas are all about bringing delicious food outside to enjoy.

Surrounding the communal dining space, an open outdoor cooking area brims with possibilities – from firing up the BBQ for a summer cookout to baking in an oven for that perfect fresh pizza.

Keep in mind:

When cooking outside, it is safer to use aluminum pergola than wood, vinyl, or any other material due to its heat-resistant properties and non-toxic nature.

6. Lounging Underneath

Here's the deal:

Transforming your outdoor space into a serene and comfortable retreat is the essence of modern pergola designs.

By integrating comfy outdoor lounges or daybeds under the natural wood or metalpergola structure, you create an inviting and modern outdoor living space.

With an area rug to add warmth, potted plants for a touch of greenery, and a pergola for the right amount of shade, you strike a balance between sun protection and enjoying the fresh air with your beloved.

7. Glass Enclosed Patio Pergola

Glass enclosed pergola is a great choice for creating your modern outdoor living space.

The glass design combines the open feel of a traditional pergola with the comfort of an indoor space, making it usable in all kinds of weather.

It's a smart, practical solution for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the elements. The glass lets in plenty of light, making the space bright and welcoming, perfect for relaxing or entertaining guests at home.

Outfitting your patio pergola with a slightly angled roof with contemporary furniture sets the stage for both relaxation and entertainment.

Do not forget to decorate your pergola.

By the way, some people use glass enclosed pergola as theiradditional place to store things.

8. Pergola with a Fire Pit

Nowadays you could see that a lot of modern pergolas have the integration of fire pits which have totally revolutionized outdoor living spaces.

With an outdoor fireplace-like setup, evening gatherings under the pergola become a highlight, offering warmth, light, and a perfect ambiance.

Couple this with outdoor furniture that complements the overall design, and you will be set for innumerable evenings of perfect gatherings and relaxation.

9. Poolside Pergola

A poolside pergola is more than just a simple design idea.

Building a pergola near the pool or in its space is one of the better solutions, since the implementation of such an idea is very broad.

This structure provides a shaded area right by the water, perfect for lounging or hosting gatherings without being in direct sunlight.

By incorporating adjustable or louvered roof panels, homeowners can control the amount of sun and shade, making the space adaptable to any weather condition.

The pergola can also be equipped with lighting and outdoor furniture, transforming it into a cozy, pool area retreat.

Additionally, installingside drapes on the sides of the pergola offers an extra layer of privacy.

This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a more intimate and secluded atmosphere.

Opt for curtains that are made from durable, weather-resistant materials like outdoor polyester or acrylic fabrics. Light-colored should be your preference.

10. Pergola with Side Drapes and Stone Tiles

Apart from the poolside pergola, side drapes and stone tiles make a difference even in your backyard pergola.

A lot of people who want to add a more modern and luxurious feeling to their pergolas, add side drapes and stone tiles.

These drapes, which are usually made of light, flowy materials, offer a nice mix between sun protection and fresh air. They let the breeze flow while blocking the sun's harsh rays.

But it's not just the drapes that steal the show. The foundation of this modern pergola design lies in its flooring.

Rough stone tiles, with their natural texture and rustic charm, contrast beautifully with the smooth finesse of the pergola's structure.

Together, the drapes and stone tiles create a space where interior design meets outdoor design, offering the perfect ambiance for both relaxation and entertainment.

Extra Aesthetic Touch

As we've explored, modern pergolas aren't just about shade and sun protection.

These modern ideas add an extra aesthetic touch, which is very important to most pergolas owners.

From lounge spaces to rooftop sanctuaries, from outdoor kitchen nooks to poolside retreats – the possibilities are as diverse as they are captivating.

Drawing inspiration from this curated list of modern pergola ideas, every homeowner has the unique opportunity to mold and adapt these concepts, ensuring they resonate with their personal tastes and the modern character of their outdoor spaces.

10 Modern Pergola Ideas & Designs For Your Backyard (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a pergola look good? ›

How do you jazz up a pergola? Exciting decorations you can add to a pergola include LED lights, lanterns, hanging plants and outdoor furniture such as hanging chairs.

Where is the best place to put a pergola in your backyard? ›

In most cases, you want to orient your pergola to target the mid-to-late day sun, as this is when you're most likely to need shade. A contemporary aluminium pergola is a great option for houses with bifold doors, reducing light and glare into the home as well as temperature during the hotter summer months.

Is a 12x12 pergola big enough? ›

Small Decks and Patios

The largest pergola you should choose for a small patio or deck is a 12 x 12. These sizes of pergolas will give you an area to place a few chairs and a coffee table or an outdoor dining table if you prefer to create an area to eat outside.

What is the cheapest way to build a pergola? ›

The most affordable pergola materials include vinyl, aluminum and pine. However, your pergola may look nicer, require less maintenance or fetch a higher ROI if you go with more expensive materials, such as cedar, redwood, teak or fiberglass.

What is the best color for a pergola? ›

Neutral pergola colors such as beige, gray, and white are popular choices as they complement a wide range of styles and can create a timeless look. Bolder colors such as black or dark green can add a dramatic touch and create a striking contrast against greenery.

How do you fancy a pergola? ›

Retractable roofs, louvred slats, curtains and canopies are all great ways to provide your pergola with extra shade. Climbing plants like ivy can also add natural shade while enhancing its aesthetic appeal, and solid roofs made from wood or metal are a good option for a more permanent solution.

Do you need permission to put up a pergola? ›

In the eyes of the council planning team a pergola is seen as a temporary structure. Therefore, it does not require planning permission, provided it is less than 2.5m in height and doesn't occupy more than 50% of the outdoor space available.

Does pergola increase home value? ›

While there are many caveats, in short, the answer is yes. A pergola has the potential to add value to your home, with many estimates putting the return on investment at somewhere around 50% to 80%. That makes pergolas one of the more valuable additions homeowners can put on their homes.

How much does a 10x10 pergola cost? ›

Adding additional options to your pergolas, like a privacy wall and a lattice roof, will increase the price slightly. That being said, a high-end 10×10 pergola will cost you between $3,000 to $5,000.

How much does a 12x12 pergola cost? ›

Cost to Build a Pergola by Square Foot
Pergola DimensionsAverage Cost
12x12$4,300–$8,600
12x18$6,500–$13,000
10x14$4,200–$8,400
10x20$6,000–$12,000
3 more rows
Feb 12, 2024

What is the best height for a pergola? ›

The Ideal Height: In pergola designing, achieving the right height is essential. A pergola too high might lose its intimate ambiance, whereas one too low may feel restrictive. The standard height for a pergola is eight to ten feet, providing sufficient headroom and maintaining an inviting atmosphere.

What is better than a pergola? ›

Gazebos are more robust constructions than pergolas. Pergolas tend to be less expensive and easier to build. Both pergolas and gazebos add shade and flair to your yard. Both structures can increase your home's value.

What kind of pergola lasts the longest? ›

Aluminum Pergolas

Also long lasting and almost maintenance free, your aluminum pergola is sure to last through a lifetime of both rain and shine.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a pergola? ›

Build from Scratch Pergola

A scratch-built pergola is less expensive and provides you with more control over the finished product. In fact, you can enjoy the services of an expert within your budget. It includes pressure-treated wood, usually cedar, and concrete for the base.

Is it better to stain or paint a pergola? ›

Even with sturdy rot-resistant wood types like pressure-treated pine and rough sawn western red cedar, the best way to preserve the pergola wood is by staining or sealing the pergola components.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 6213

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (58 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.