50 Relaxing Pergola Designs for Family Bondings

Your bare garden or yard could use a little more zest with a pergola. Often confused with a gazebo and arbor, pergolas are a major architectural structure with rafters, beams, and posts that can be attached or detached to a house. Pergola designs are often defined by their flat roof.

Pergolas add beauty and function to any yard or garden. It provides seating, shade, and comfort as you enjoy a relaxing time outside of your home. Different pergola designs are available to match your needs. The perfect pergola designs are the ones that will elevate the look of your outdoor space. It could be a relaxing corner, or a cozy garden nook, or an outdoor dining area.

How much does a pergola cost?

The cost to build a pergola range from $2,200 to $5,900 or $4,000 on average. For a basic build, it could cost you as little as $1,300. But for a custom design, you may have to pay as much as $10,000 or more.

Several factors could affect the cost of building a pergola. Most of this lies with the kind of pergola designs you may have.

1. Pergola cost by size

First of all, the size of your pergola is going to matter.

As expected, if your pergola is quite the sizeable thing, then you may have to spend more.

2. Pergola cost by material

Another factor is the type of material used in building a pergola.

Pergolas made of aluminum are seen as the cheapest. But fiberglass is going to cost you more.

3. Pergola cost by type

Another cost factor is the type of pergola. Here’s a breakdown of average costs for each type.

Louvered pergolas are ones with window blinds or shutters with angled horizontal slats to admit light and air, but keep out rain and direct sunshine. Smart pergolas are the type that open and close according to the weather and are controlled by remote control or your smartphone. And of course, retractable type is when the roof can be completely pulled back from the top of a pergola.

4. Pergola cost factors

Other pergola cost factors include whether your pergola is going to be stand-alone or attached to the house, or if it’s going to be built over a patio or deck. Custom builds are also going to cost you more.

Take note, that you will also need to spend on labor costs. DIY pergolas are less expensive than expected since you won’t need to hire professionals to do the job. But material costs would remain the same if it were built by a pro, though, there are DIY pergola kits that range from $600 to $7,500 or more.

How to determine which pergola is best for my garden?

You may have several ideas for pergola designs. But with a lot of options, you may need a guide to determine which pergola is best for your garden!

1. Placement
An obvious matter of consideration is the placement of your pergola in your garden. You need to consider practical issues like how is building a pergola going to impact the existing plants and wildlife in your garden or how the positioning of your pergola affects the sunlight in your neighbor’s garden.

2. Measurements
Make sure the measurements you have for your pergola are right. Check the length, width, height, and area size before deciding on the pergola you want. Check them once, check them twice. Is your pergola just the right fit in your yard or have you made some room for a bit of space?

3. Material
Most pergolas are generally made of wood. But different wood types have different benefits. Some materials may need quarterly maintenance. So, look into which materials are the most recommended and consult a professional.

On the other hand, good-quality steel pergolas don’t rust or decay easily. They are also best for a large-sized pergola, needing less structural support than wooden pergolas.

4. Function
Determine what function your pergola will serve as it goes beyond just an aesthetic structure in your garden. Is it solely going to be for seating or do you plan to use it for vine-based plants? Or maybe both?

Pergola Designs for Inspiration

Now, let’s take a look at some fantastic pergola designs perfect for relaxing!

Pagoda Roof Deck

Otoniel Solis

Pergolas are not only limited in your yards. You can have one installed on a roof deck like this one. It doesn’t look like your typical pergolas, but it’s custom-built so to adapt to the wind and direct sunlight you get when you’re on the rooftop.

Newman Pergola

Rolling Landscapes Incorporated

Straying away from your typical pergola designs, you get this arched pergola. For a spacious garden like this, one could totally afford to have this kind of pergola.

Sonoma in the City

dSpace Studio

Attached pergola designs like this are perfectly placed for resting and relaxing, considering the configuration of the rest of the garden. With a pool close by, this couldn’t be an even more perfect place to have a pergola for lounging as it offers some privacy too.

City Sport

dSpace Studio

A contemporary and sleek style for a pergola. It definitely brings attention to the spot while offering a shaded area for relaxing.

Zinc House

dSpace Studio

This is quite the futuristic pergola design here. A hole in the roof is built, seemingly to match with the small fireplace directly down below.

Pergolas for Lounging

JR’s Creative Landscaping

With a brick foundation for the posts, this seems quite the sturdy pergola. With the brick foundation, they managed to build a fireplace and a mini wall for the television. Such design makes this seem a perfect place to unwind while catching up with some of your favorite television shows.

Lounge Area with Pergola

JR’s Creative Landscaping

Some pergola designs do not simply just provide shading. This pergola, for example, makes way for a mini bar while still providing an ample lounging area.

Pergola for Lounging

JR’s Creative Landscaping

This pergola design fits the typical design idea. With just the slatted roof practically being the only thing that gives shade, the open sides welcome lots of fresh air. And it’s a perfect design style too when your home is situated in such a place.

Stanley Avenue

MJLID

Some pergola designs manage to allow for the growth of vine plants. This and those ornamental lamps add a pretty charm to the lounging area.

Clark Street

MJLID

Tucked away in the corner of this yard, the pergola offers additional space for privacy and warmth of comfort.

West Sonoma County Estate

Jim Murphy & Associates

Some classic pergola designs are attached to the house like this. This offers a perfect spot to get some shade after spending a day in the pool.

East Sonoma County Estate

Jim Murphy & Associates

The vines and the vegetation are very charming as your attention draws to them. It’s almost like this pergola is designed more to be a structure for the vines.

Modern Minimalist

Jim Murphy & Associates

Here’s a modern minimalist design of a classic pergola design. It’s wide enough to provide plenty of shade for the family and maybe even guests.

Glen Ellen Farmhouse

Jim Murphy & Associates

Here is another one of those pergola designs that are suited for vine growth. With the ample foliage all around, it would be a nice day out relaxing underneath this pergola.

Wine Country Enclave

Jim Murphy & Associates

The very thin roof slats are an interesting contrast to the thick posts. And the little canopy is a nice touch.

Napa Valley Estate

Jim Murphy & Associates

Some pergola designs that are attached to the house will also structurally resemble that of the main home. The thick posts and beams are structurally consistent. And the paint makes it not look out of place.

St. Helena Farmhouse

Jim Murphy & Associates

Some classic pergola designs will have it look like the home’s front porch. But this one isn’t quite it as it is an architectural structure of its own.

Park Slope

Harper Design + Build

A simple pergola design for a yard that was renovated as a garden more than anything. It’s a simple design appropriate for its purpose.

Faxon

Euroline Steel Windows & Doors

For more contemporary pergola designs, take a look at this one. Constructed with steel as the main structural support, it ensures safety and sturdiness while offering a chic and sophisticated look.

Ashton Court

Mike Hammill

One of the more interesting pergola designs! When you stare hard at this, it seems like the posts and the beams are from different design styles. But it could possibly be just the incongruous colors.

Brooklandville Pool

Winsome Interior Design

String lights are a good complementary light structure for pergolas. It adds a different kind of charm that will surely have you wanting to unwind outside even at night.

Dover Shores I

Garden Studio Design

This pergola design interestingly seems to connect one part of the home to another. It’s able to accommodate a lounging area as well as an outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Interlachen Estate

Billy Beson Company

The length of this pergola allows for much room for dining and lounging.

Highlines Estate 2

Designs by Sundown

Pergola designs don’t always have to adhere to the typical design. Right here is an innovative take of what a pergola could look like.

Fairfield County

Tallman Segerson

A rustic pergola for a rustic home. It is always fitting to have your pergola style match that with your home.

Trex Deck

M&M Builders

A stark contrast to the warm, earthy colors of the patio, fences, and outdoor furniture. This pergola, in its plain white glory, stands out.

Outdoor Living Space

M&M Builders

The paint colors were wisely chosen to have that harmony in the overall look of the home. The cool, neutral colors are a nice contrast to the warm, earthy colors of the patio.

Mediterranean Estate

Molly Wood Garden Design

The roof cover of this pergola is the most interesting thing about it. Another interesting point to note is the fact that it is built over an elevated level of the patio.

Maine Coast Pool House

TMS Architects

A classic pergola design for a modern-day pool house. It’s an unassuming yet chic design style.

Glencoe French Chateau

Arrow Land + Structures

These pergola designs with brick or concrete foundation and structural frame of wood are quite elegant design styles. And in a garden like this, it is surely the perfect design choice.

Lake Forest English Country

Arrow Land + Structures

For quite a romantic space like this, a pergola of such caliber is a perfect architectural work to add.

American Colonial Lake Forest

Arrow Land + Structures

A pergola that doubles its function for lounging and dining. It must be of good structural support and placed perfectly to actually offer some shade to the family and guests.

Lincolnshire Terrace

Arrow Land + Structures

Some extensive pergola designs will have fireplaces built like this one. Having it built over a patio deck gives a cozy, homey feeling.

Gregg Way

Alder Pool & Landscape Company

A simple pergola design that is perfect for intimate gatherings.

Orchard Ridge

Outdoor Living

The redwood material of which this pergola is made gives off a very classy vibe. And yet amongst the foliage, it feels very at home.

Baja Courtyard Transformation

ZMK Construction Inc.

This is the more atypical pergola design on this list. With the shape of the wood used here, it is clear this is not the typical type of wood that most pergolas use.

20th Street

Brandon Architects

When you have a steel structure for a pergola, it offers perfect spots to attach headlights and even speakers amongst the beams. This will definitely complete a homey experience.

Central Phoenix

Elle Interiors

The overall architectural look of this pergola is perfect for the tropical theme that this garden seems to be having.

Outdoor Landscape

Jeffrey Heid Landscape Architect

This pergola is smartly built onto the wall perimeter, making use of all available space efficiently in their yard.

Modern Outdoor Baby Shower

Foxy Oxie

The thinly veiled curtains offer some semblance of privacy and are a rather neat addition to a simple pergola structure.

Cleveland Pergola

Ohio Valley Group

Not all pergolas have to stick with the standard square or rectangular shape. At this home, the pergola seems to match the curves of the main house.

Outdoor Entertainment

Ohio Valley Group

Admittedly one of the fancier pergolas on this list. It’s not just with the structure itself, but it also has to do with the accessory pieces, furnishing, and landscaping of its immediate surrounding.

Hilltop Barn House

Haver & Skolnick Architects

Much like the pergola we’ve previously seen on this list, this one is also configured to arch. But this one has a rustic look and has allowed for vine-based plants to grow along with its posts and beams.

Stone Farmhouse

Haver & Skolnick Architects

What’s most interesting is they have kept the vines growing on each post at consistent height as each other. This brings out a wonderful ambiance to the dining and lounging this pergola serves.

Bee Cave Outdoor Living

CG&S Design-Build

Out of all the pergola designs on this list, this is the one where it’s most obvious that the roof slats are not positioned at equal distance from each other. This is a clever and efficient way to get some shade on the lounging guests.

Custom Outdoor Living Space

Luxapatio

Interestingly, the only louvered side of this pergola is the one where they have attached a television.

Custom Outdoor Living Space Weston

Luxapatio

Similarly, there are some specific louvered spots to cover for some appliances and spots where it welcomes the open air.

Weston Custom Outdoor Living Space

Luxapatio

Massive pergolas like this are perfect for families that always welcome guests to their homes. It’s got lounging and an outdoor kitchen to cover for it all.

Custom Outdoor Living Space Miami

Luxapatio

A custom-built pergola that’s very contemporary. It’s perfectly fitting for a garden like this.

Tuscan-Style Outdoor Living

Boyce Design & Contracting

Building a pergola with a fireplace surely would have cost some fortune. In a way, this outdoor lounging area could almost pass off as one you could see indoors.

That’s it for pergola designs that you will want to have in your yards! Which one of these pergola designs caught your attention?

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