20 Beautiful Pergola Ideas That Will Create Shade in Your Yard, Patio, or Garden (2024)

FAQs

How do you block the sun on a pergola? ›

Pergola shade sails, retractable canopies, and shade curtains all provide extra shade for your patio. Pergola shade sails are an accessory that can be added to protect you from overhead sunlight.

Take the road less traveled and add a pergola to entries in need of some shade. Make the addition even more stunning with the addition of some beautiful planters filled with greenery and furniture accents like wicker chairs.

Consider placing the pergola, so it goes well with the landscape. For instance, place it in between the shade of two trees so it looks more natural. For maximum shade, consider having an open-roof pergola and place it in a way that its rafters orient both north and south.

Many people ask "Does a pergola provide shade?" The short answer is that it provides a little shade. Pergolas provide SOME shade when the sun isn't directly overhead. Usually pergolas are designed as a decorative piece, rather than a functional one.

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

Pergolas are one of the most beautiful structures that homeowners can have installed in their backyard to create an aesthetically appealing oasis for relaxation. The only problem is that a pergola on its own doesn't do all that much to block out the sun.

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.

Adorn with outdoor lights and hanging plants

The open roof design of a pergola lends itself perfectly to decoration with twinkling string lights and lush greenery. Suspend plants from your pergola using macrame plant hangers for a unique touch. Place potted plants in the corners to create balance.

What is the most popular color pergola? ›

Most pergolas are neutral tones with a grey pergola, black pergola or white pergola being very common selections. Understandably so, these color selections are safe choices for most outdoor spaces, which is why they dominate the DIY pergola kits you'll see at major box stores.

Ideally, you want to think about orienting your pergola so as to target the mid-to the late-day sun as this is when shade will be most desired. Your landscape designer should not just be plopping the pergola on any old spot. It should be situated to be able to provide the shade you're seeking.

A wooden roof is the best roof to put on a pergola in most cases. Durable once treated, it offers a plethora of different affordable and aesthetically pleasing pergola roof ideas. Whether you opt for solid wood, shingles or reeds, you can opt for the roof sets the right tone for your space.

A uniquely engineered pergola can offer superior durability and shade quality, while still offering both traditional and modern options. The shade options are dependent on the roof angle desired, from 6” width at 50% shade to 4” width at 75% shade to 3” width at 90% shade.

If you opt for a hard top roof, that will of course offer complete shade, but with no ability to let the sun light in if you'd like. Meanwhile, a more classic wooden slatted roof pergola, will offer some shade, but that will be entirely dictated by the position of the sun, and therefore out of your control.

Pergolas are typically constructed with open sides and a slatted or lattice type roof. The open roof typically allows light to filter through. The more closely together the slats or lattice weave, the more a pergola can provide some level of shade, but traditionally, many pergolas do not offer great shade coverage.

Many people ask "Does a pergola provide shade?" The short answer is that it provides a little shade. Pergolas provide SOME shade when the sun isn't directly overhead. Usually pergolas are designed as a decorative piece, rather than a functional one.

The answer to this question depends on the type of roof your pergola has. For total sun protection, the best solution is to install a pergola with a louvered roof. While traditional pergolas with open lattice roofs have sun-blocking potential, the shade level will depend on the time of day and angle of the sun.