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The pergola is a way to enjoy the sun yet have some relief from the heat. They’re commonly built above decks and patios in the backyard.

We put together a huge photo gallery showcasing 50 pergola designs and ideas. Browse the photos below.

Pergola Photos

A gorgeous set of stone steps surrounded by flourishing bushes leads up to this garden pergola. The cottage pergola has a rustic wooden appearance with lattice on either side and a beautiful hanging flower pot.

A set of aesthetic pergolas with simple pillars and rafters. Blooming bright flowers are set on top of the pergolas.

A pergola made to match the look of the rustic wooden fence. A stacked stone between the pillars adds style and fluid movement from the walkway down to the fence.

A pergola using a different colored stain for a bright pop against the tan pillars. The stain matches the wooden furniture for a unified appearance.

This stunning pergola styled into a garden swing holds petite vines and blossoming hanging flowers.

A pergola that uses a stone wall with the wooden pillars for an especially private sitting area. It adds a splash of color and privacy to the pool’s lounging space.

A white pergola surrounded by the beautiful greenery and red blooming flowers.

This pergola looks vintage. It features a rustic wood finish covered in a thick brush of vines.

This one combines the idea of a stunning pergola and a beautiful patio. Decorated in lattice and hanging flowers for a really beautiful finish and it is really an absolute stunner.

This pergola hangs over the edge of the pool. The rafters are topped with lattice while the wood features deep chocolate brown finish.

A romantic pergola providing a perfect walkway. The design is very classy.

This long pergola surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers offers a stunning walkway under the bright moon during the night.

A traditional pergola featuring towering stone pillars and vintage rustic rafters.

This pergola surrounded by blooming and colorful flowers is a perfect romantic spot in this garden area.

A jaw-dropping train of pergolas houses the different and many kinds of vines and foliage in the area. This walkway is just stunning.

This pergola extends from the concrete deck and over part of the pool. You can enjoy the shade of the pergola from inside the pool on from a chair on the deck.

A set of aesthetic pergolas with simple pillars and rafters. Blooming bright flowers are set on top of the pergolas.

A pergola made to match the look of the rustic wooden fence. A stacked stone between the pillars adds style and fluid movement from the walkway down to the fence.

A pergola using a different colored stain for a bright pop against the tan pillars. The stain matches the wooden furniture for a unified appearance.

This amazing pergola has been transformed into a garden swing! It holds a wooden swing as well as petite vines and blossoming hanging flowers.

This design uses a stone wall with the wooden pillars for an especially private sitting area. It adds a splash of color and privacy to the pool deck.

This pergola looks vintage. It features a rustic wood finish covered in a thick brush of vines.

This pergola has been transformed from a simple outdoor structure to a magnificent patio. It’s decorated in lattice and hanging flowers for a really beautiful finish.

This pergola hangs over the edge of the pool. The rafters are topped with lattice while the wood features deep chocolate brown finish.

A romantic pergola providing a perfect walkway. The design is very classy.

This long pergola surrounded by beautiful plants and flowers offers a stunning walkway under the bright moon during the night.

A traditional pergola featuring towering stone pillars and vintage rustic rafters.

This pergola surrounded by blooming and colorful flowers is a perfect romantic spot in this garden area.

A jaw-dropping train of pergolas houses the different and many kinds of vines and foliage in the area. This walkway is just stunning.

Enjoy the shade of the pergola from inside the pool or from a chair on the deck with this extended pergola from the concrete deck and over part of the pool.

This pergola is much more rustic with stone pillars holding wide rafters. Bare vines climb up the stone and wrap around the rafters for a country atmosphere.

This all-natural wooden pergola makes a gorgeous sitting area for the backyard patio. A lighting fixture hangs easily from it to make hassle-free lighting in the yard.

This pergola has lattice between its pillars that keep the space romantic. It is draped in bright flowers and makes a great garden sitting spot.

This poolside beauty looks absolutely stunning on the stone patio. The pergolas pillars match the white wicker furniture it keeps cool.

This bright white pergola stands tall as it acts as an awning for a summer patio. It shades the patio without completely blocking out the sun with it’s spaced out rafters.

This elegant walkway is covered by tall pergolas held by romantic stone pillars. Brilliant green vines hold onto the pillars for a shaded secret garden look.

Pergolas make the perfect private patio as well. This darkly stained pergola holds breezy white curtains that can be pulled shut for some privacy on the beach.

This pergola is held by handsome pillars and lines a gorgeous traditional walkway.

Pergolas can make a great poolside partner by looking classy on a patio. These cottage white pergolas cast a cool shade onto the seating without blocking the view of the pool and landscape.

Instead of a large pergola used as a walkway, try a smaller one for an adorable gated entrance. This one has painted a soft cream color and has the perfect walkway to a home.

This breathtaking pergola is laced in vines that climb the lattice and entwine onto the rafters. The vines wrap around the structure and create shadows for a gorgeous shaded walkway.

This pool-side pergola matches the wooden fence’s finish for a unified look surrounding the swimming pool.

A romantic pergola-patio combo overlooking the beautiful beach and sea.

A traditional pergola matching the vintage finish of the wooden fence. The pillars are being taken over by the vines surrounding it.

This pergola surrounded by large vines and greens makes the perfect walkway in this gorgeous mansion.

A large and modish pergola houses this romantic dining table set lighted by a gorgeous ceiling lighting.

These long pergolas with romantic ceiling lights installed provide the perfect space for a night party with family and friends.

What is a pergola?

A pergola is a structure with four posts and a roof that’s a series of boards or slats with gaps in between. They both shield the sun but let sun through as well. They are usually built in a deck, patio, poolside deck (i.e. cabana) or over walkways.

The pergola dates back to the 1600s, and it is a flawless choice for an outdoor feature that is cheap and beautiful. It doesn’t take up a lot of space (if you don’t want it to) and it can be decorated in any way you want.

The pergola is easily personalized, whether you want it stained or hot pink, it’s your choice. You can cover it in flowers, or leave it nude and standing freely.

Throughout history, the pergola could be made of all wood, or out of wood with stone or brick pillars. Modern day pergolas stand tall and mighty on wood, vinyl, fiberglass, aluminum or even CPVC.

You can use a pergola as a beautiful addition to your backyard by staining the wood and putting some seating under it. If you want to use your pergola traditionally, you can add plants and flowers for a shaded walkway along with a wooden lattice.

The pergola can also be used as a private sitting area. Add sheer white curtains to the pergola that can be drawn shut to enjoy some quiet private space in your backyard.

Pergola vs. Gazebo

A pergola is different than a gazebo in several ways.

First, a pergola’s roof, which is the defining element, is a series of boards with gaps in between, whereas a gazebo roof is solid.

Second, a pergola doesn’t necessarily have a wall, although it can (but is unusual). Gazebos have partial walls with the upper half usually open or screened in. Some gazebos have walls that span floor to roof.

Third, gazebos are stand-alone structures that may or may not sit on a deck or patio. A pergola, on the other hand, is often built on a deck or patio or walkway.