It’s summertime, which for most of the country means one thing: We’re all trying to spend as much time as possible outdoors without melting in the heat.
But if the hotter temps have you hiding inside rather than taking full advantage of your backyard space this season, we might have a solution: Get a pergola.
This affordable, easy-to-assemble structure comes in a variety of styles and sizes, making it virtually impossible not to find one you love.
The best thing about these breezy outdoor rooms? They can be fully customized and decorated to fit your exact criteria. Need a covered outdoor dining room for entertaining? Check. Looking for a laid-back lounge space that’s protected from the sun? You’ve come to the right place.
Here are five pergola designs from Instagram that will have you running to the nearest outdoor home and garden to build your own.
1. Outdoor kitchen
One of the most common ways we see people styling their backyard pergolas this season is as a cozy and convenient summer kitchen, like this look from @mynorthernabode.
“I love how the pergola establishes another home away from home outside in this adorably fashioned little getaway,” says designer Megan Nelson, of @nestwiththenelsons. “This pergola perfectly frames this outdoor kitchen while offering some sun coverage.”
Get the look: Cook outside in comfort and style by following this DIY guide to create your very own outdoor kitchen.
2. Dining room
For those lucky enough to have a kitchen not far from the backdoor, you might be more inclined to use your pergola as a romantic al fresco dining space, like this design from @ashleytstark.
“Bringing the dining room outdoors under a pergola is a trend that’s really taking off,” says Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer of Decorilla. “I’m a huge fan of how the pergola here creates a natural and airy ceiling, blending seamlessly with the greenery and creating a sense of privacy and tranquility.”
Get the look: Decorate your pergola in hanging vines, then add a large rustic table like this one from West Elm to complete the look.
3. Laid-back lounge
While having a dedicated—and protected—outdoor dining or kitchen space is nice, there’s no hard and fast rule that your pergola has to house anything so complicated. Sometimes, just creating a simple lounge space like this from @stylefitfatty is all that’s really needed to make your pergola feel like a space you want to inhabit.
“This is a perfect space for homeowners who want to extend their living space and create a laid-back backyard retreat for relaxation and entertaining,” says Tatsioni. “I’m a big fan of choosing a mix of seating options and adding other unexpected elements like this hanging chair.”
Get the look: Make your backyard the ultimate hang spot by adding one of these chair hammocks to your pergola design.
4. Poolside bar
Speaking of places people want to be this summer, there’s nothing quite like having a dedicated poolside lounge, especially if it comes equipped with a full bar like this look from @waytogobuilders.
“Living in luxury is the name of the game here,” says Nelson. “I love this pretty pergola painted in white, which really elevates the space while still defining the comfortable, more modern, sleek lines of this luxury poolside escape.”
Get the look: Paint your pergola white and follow this DIY guide to build the perfect outdoor bar.
5. Covered deck
If your house didn’t come with the covered patio of your dreams, then why not just build one? This chic pergola from @donice.designs offers a covered gathering space that’s cozy and ideal for the porchside.
“The pergola here creates a sense of intimacy that will completely transform the outdoor experience,” says Tatsioni. “Mixing lighting elements, like string lights and lanterns, will create a magical ambiance that can help us extend the usability of the space into the evening.”
Get the look: Adorn your porchside pergola with a few lanterns like these for the perfect place to soak up the cooler air of summer evenings.
