15 Stunning Modern Pergola Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space
Looking for a way to add outdoor shade to your back garden while also modernising the space? Let’s talk pergolas. There are so many outdoor living space ideas to upgrade your home, but pergolas offer completely unrivalled practicality and style.
A pergola is an outdoor structure that typically consists of columns or posts that support a roofing grid of crossbeams and an open lattice. It is often used to create a shaded passageway, walkway, or sitting area in gardens or patios, providing a sense of enclosure while still allowing air and light to pass through.
A pergola also provides shade from the sun, making your outdoor area more comfortable and enjoyable, especially during hot and sunny days.
Modern pergolas upgrade this traditional structure to keep your space beautiful and functional for entertaining and relaxing. There are so many ways to customise a pergola and make it your own. Below, we’ll go through our favourite modern pergola ideas for UK gardens to inspire your outdoor transformation.
1. Cover a Corner Nook
As we’ve seen, a pergola can help define different outdoor areas, such as dining and lounging spaces, to create a sense of structure and organisation in your back garden.
You can let the pergola stand out as a central focal point if you want. Or, consider placing your pergola in a corner nook.
A well-designed corner pergola can create an intimate, cosy, and secluded space for you to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A wall-mounted pergola that attaches to the side of your house is a great way to naturally tuck the shade structure into a corner. Plus, when the pergola is close to your house, you’re likely to use it more often.
2. Set the Mood With LED Lights
PergoSTET 3m x 3m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £3,349.00
Most pergolas are great at keeping you shaded and cool when the sun is out, but what if you want to stay outside after nightfall, too? LED pergola lights can keep the party going. LED mood lighting strips around the perimeter of the pergola roof are a super fun feature that can help you set the mood for get-togethers. With a remote control, you can easily adjust the colour and dimness of the lights to your liking.
3. Kick Back in a Relaxation Zone
PergoSTET 3m x 4m Steel Rectangular Pergola with LED Lighting in Grey - £1,749.00
One of the main purposes of a pergola is to provide a shaded area for relaxation. If relaxation is your goal, make sure to furnish the area under the pergola with peaceful décor and furniture.
Some particularly relaxing garden furniture ideas include plush garden sofa sets, lounge chairs, hammocks, and even hot tubs. Decorate the area with soft, neutral-coloured cushions, throw blankets, and outdoor rugs to create a tranquil atmosphere.
This outdoor hangout zone will become your go-to spot for unwinding after a long day. It’ll feel like you have an outdoor spa waiting for you right outside your door.
4. Keep Warm With Pergola Heaters
PergoSTET Wifi & Bluetooth Heater in Grey - £349.00
Don't let colder temperatures restrict your time outdoors. Incorporate pergola heaters to keep the space warm and comfortable during chilly evenings or the colder months.
You can easily attach pergola heaters to the roof of the structure, seamlessly blending with your pergola's aesthetic while providing ample warmth for you and your guests. Heaters can transform your pergola from a simple shade structure into a year-round spot to socialise in comfort.
5. Brighten the Pergola With More Light Sources
Höfats SPIN 120 Table-Top Fire in Grey £139
You can extend the usability of your modern pergola well into the evening hours by incorporating more light. Additional outdoor lighting sources can lend illumination to night-time dining and hosting under your pergola or on the surrounding patio space. Some great pergola lighting options include string lights, floor lamps, portable lanterns, and fire pit setups.
6. Shade a Large Area With a Grand Pergola
3m x 6m Rectangular Pergola with 4 Drop Sides in Grey - £6,999.00
If you don’t have a covered patio but want to shade an expansive area, a large pergola is an excellent option.
If your outdoor area allows, opt for a big pergola that will cover a substantial portion of your patio or deck and create an eye-catching focal point in your back garden. A grand pergola not only provides tons of shade but also creates an open and inviting feel, making your outdoor space feel more like an extension of your indoor living area. A large pergola is especially beneficial if you love to regularly entertain guests or host large gatherings.
7. Design a Covered Outdoor Kitchen
Fontana Mangiafuoco Stainless Wood Pizza Oven Including Trolley - £2,699.00
Cooking outside is a classic summer activity, but the area near the grill can get unbearably hot under the scorching sun. Make outdoor cooking a more enjoyable experience by using a pergola to shade your outdoor kitchen setup.
With the right outdoor cooking appliances, countertops, and storage options, you can create a fully functional cooking and dining area outside. A shaded area over or near your outdoor kitchen will take the space to the next level.
Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a fancy dinner, or firing up the pizza oven, a pergola offers a sheltered area that is conducive to cooking, dining, and socialising. Your guests will be amazed by the convenience and elegance of your covered outdoor kitchen.
8. Make the Most of a Small Space
PergoSTET 3m x 3m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in White - £3,349.00
Even a smaller pergola can create a transformative outdoor experience. Design your pergola space to resemble an intimate outdoor living room, complete with a fireplace or a fire pit.
This setup encourages meaningful conversations and adds a touch of cosiness to your outdoor space, making it the perfect spot for spending quality time with loved ones. Zoning off an intimate seating space is also a great way to add dimension to your garden, even if you have a small space to work with.
9. Go Natural With Climbing Plants
Image Source: Unsplash
Want to show off your green thumb? Both wood and metal pergolas make great trellises for climbing plants. Though it will take some time for the plants to fill out the structure, growing plants up the sides of your pergola is a great way to make the area blend into nature.
As the plants grow and intertwine, they’ll provide additional shade and create a breathtakingly beautiful canopy. A plant-covered pergola looks extremely charming, fitting right in with rustic furniture and a lush garden.
Some of the best plants for pergolas in the UK include climbing roses, honeysuckle, morning glories, and wisteria.
10. Choose a Pergola With Rain Protection
PergoSTET 3m x 3m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £3,349.00
While a traditional pergola has open wooden slats along its roof, many modern pergolas allow you to open and close the roof slats.
When it starts to drizzle, you can simply close the roof and continue relaxing outside, watching and listening to the rain fall around you while you stay protected under the pergola. If that sounds appealing, consider a pergola with a closable roof.
This type of modern pergola usually includes a crank handle to adjust the roof slats. With the handle in easy reach of your sitting area, you’ll always stay dry — and so will your outdoor garden furniture. The drainage system will take care of the water, so you won’t need to worry about a thing when the skies turn grey.
11. Eat in an Open-Air Dining Space
3m x 6m Rectangular Pergola with 4 Drop Sides in Grey - £6,999.00
A patio pergola provides an excellent space for an outdoor dining room. Zone off the area and shade your guests when you have friends over for a lovely evening dinner.
Cook up some mouth-watering steaks, ribs, fish, or vegetables, and serve up meals under the pergola. Choose the perfect outdoor dining table and chairs to create a gorgeous setup for these al fresco meals. Then, adjust the pergola roof slats to your liking to provide the perfect amount of shade over the dining table.
12. Prioritise Comfortable Seating
PergoSTET 3m x 3m Steel Square Pergola in Grey - £1,399
If you’re planning to use your pergola to cover a seating space, the first things on your mind should be comfort and style. There’s a whole host of garden seating ideas to consider, from fun swing chairs to comfy sofa sets.
The pergola's overhead structure provides protection for your outdoor furniture and décor from the elements, extending their lifespan. However, it’s still a good idea to choose all-weather fabric furniture for your cosy hangout spot. Even under a completely covered pergola, garden furniture will need to be durable to withstand the seasons and stay clean looking. With speciality all-weather upholstery, you won’t have to worry about your sofa or chairs fading or degrading.
13. Go For a Moody Black or Grey Pergola
PergoSTET 3m x 3m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £3,349.00
Luxor Large Floor Outdoor and Indoor Solar Lantern in Charcoal - £99.99
Modern pergolas come in a host of colours, so how do you choose? Consider a dark shade. A black or charcoal grey pergola offers a bold and striking contrast to your outdoor space, adding a touch of drama and sophistication. A dark-coloured pergola will pair well with contemporary or industrial design themes. It can also contrast strikingly against neutral or brightly coloured surroundings, making it a focal point of the garden.
14. Embrace a Crisp White Pergola
PergoSTET 4m x 4m Square Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in White - £4,769.00
If dark colours aren’t for you, consider a light-coloured pergola instead. A white pergola generally exudes a bright, airy, and clean feel, making the outdoor area seem more open and spacious.
It will complement a variety of styles, such as coastal, modern farmhouse, and Scandinavian designs. A white pergola will look right at home with light-coloured walls and neutral outdoor furniture. It will also create a nice, bright contrast against lots of plants and flowers.
15. Personalise the Space
Monterrey 3 Seat Rope Sofa Set with Ceramic Table in Grey - £1,799.00
Acrisol Flash Multi Medium Scatter Cushion - 45cm x 45cm - £25.99
Make your pergola uniquely yours by incorporating personalised elements. Want even more shade around the pergola? Add a few garden parasols to the patio. Want a unique style of garden furniture? Include rope furniture with handwoven details.
Then, pick out some decorative elements that align with your personal style, such as colourful scatter pillows, unique artwork, or even a small water feature. Your modern pergola should reflect your personality and preferences, making it a space you truly cherish.
Also, when you include patio features for activities, like built-in seating, a hot tub, or even an outdoor film screen, your pergola will become a secluded retreat that you can’t wait to spend time in.
Final Thoughts
Though there are many effective garden shade ideas to help you beat the heat and enjoy your space, a modern pergola offers a plethora of design possibilities and features to completely transform your garden.
Having a comfortable and inviting outdoor space with a pergola will encourage you to spend more time outdoors. Whether you envision a relaxing lounge space, a large outdoor living room, or a shaded outdoor kitchen, we hope these garden pergola ideas have inspired you to create the perfect covered space that suits your lifestyle and enhances your outdoor living experience.
At Harbour Lifestyle, we offer an exclusive range of award-winning PergoSTET pergolas with luxury features that we think you’ll love. Our pergolas are designed for hassle-free installation and high durability. Browse our designs and embark on this outdoor design journey to unlock the full potential of your garden with a beautiful modern pergola.
