Pergolas can quickly become a real statement in any garden especially when they're decorated beautifully. With some added touches, it's easy to create a whole new look and feel to your garden!
Here's how to transform your pergola with 6 modern design ideas.
How to decorate a pergola: 6 modern pergola ideas
From outdoor lights to beautiful climbing plants, there are so many stunning ways of turning your pergola from boring to bold!
1. Add climbing plants for a burst of colour
Have you thought climbing plants for your pergola? Plants including clematis, climbing roses, jasmine, grape vine and wisteria can cover pergolas beautifully with colour!
Which climbing plants are best for a pergola?
- Clematis: If you pick the right clematis, you can have colour throughout the year. Choose between spring-flowering varieties, summer-flowering clematis or autumn-flowering clematis.
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- Jasmine: Most jasmine plants need a warm, sheltered, sunny spot, and can be quite vigorous once established. They grow in various colours and have beautiful foliage.
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- Climbing roses: If you love a cottage-style garden, rambling roses are the perfect way of decorating your pergola.
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- Passion flowers: These exotic plants can give your pergola a tropical feel. They require little maintenance but offer a stunning display.
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- Wisteria: Wisteria with its long clusters of flowers hang down beautifully from pergolas.
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What's the fastest growing climbing plant for a pergola?
Honeysuckle and clematis are two of the fastest growing climbing plants. In the right spot, they can both be vigorous climbers and easily cover a full pergola.
2. Hang pergola lights for stunning evenings outside
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As well as providing a beautiful spot to relax in the sun, pergolas also make cosy areas in the evening especially when outdoor lights are added.
Solar outdoor string lights can be wrapped around the beams of the pergola using clips or by simply weaving them around the structure. Lanterns can also create beautiful mood lighting.
3. Install a firepit for cosy evenings
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Imagine sitting under the pergola on a summer's evening around a firepit or chiminea. A fire pit will upgrade your pergola, taking it from your average shaded spot to the very heart of your garden and home's social life.
Of course, you need to be careful about where you position your firepit or chiminea. Make sure there is good ventilation and enough space surrounding the fire.
4. Hang a comfy egg chair or wooden swing
Adding wooden swings or egg chairs to your pergola creates the ultimate relaxation zone. Pile them with decorative cushions and throws to create a and you'll have a lovely spot to snuggle up in the evening or somewhere to soak up the sun in the afternoon.
5. Install a retractable roof to more functionality
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Not all pergolas come with roofs but if you'd like some extra shade and weather protection, creating a pergola with a retractable roof will make your pergola multi-functional.
6. Add colourful cushions and rugs
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One of the easiest but most effective ways of styling your pergola is by adding colourful outdoor cushions and rugs. A pop of colour and pattern will instantly make the area feel more put together whether you choose bold and vibrant tones or subtle shades - it's easy to swap different style in and out too!
Pergola Styling Inspiration
There are plenty of ways of decorating a pergola to make it a more functional and stylish space. Here are three style ideas to suit three different gardens:
Feeling inspired to create a beautiful pergola? Remember you can purchase pergolas online and in-store as well as beautiful plants and accessories to complete the look!