How to Decorate a Pergola Patio
A pergola is an outdoor structure that defines an area in the garden while offering shade and a cozy retreat. It can be made of many different materials, but the one that most offers a natural charm is wood.
The most important consideration is the location of your pergola. The structure should fit your space and be well-integrated with your home layout and existing landscaping.
Wood
The material you choose for your pergola will determine how long it lasts, how much maintenance is required and whether it will enhance or detract from your outdoor space. Wood pergolas are natural and blend in with garden plantings while metal structures look imposing and stark.
A pergola made of solid wood like cedar is unmatched for beauty and longevity. It is also eco-friendly and is a more cost effective choice than other pergola materials.
While a wood pergola is a more costly option than a metal one, it adds a distinctive touch to your backyard. A well-designed wood pergola can even boost your property value, making it a great investment for any home.
Curtains
Curtains add privacy to your pergola, block sunlight, protect furniture and plants from sun damage, and establish an ambiance. They can be hung from track or rod. If you choose a track, make sure it is designed for outdoor use, or it will rust quickly. Rods are easier to install, but they may not fit a narrow opening between beams.
Whether gauzy or solid, curtains soften the look of wood structures. They also add color and a sense of style. Look for curtains crafted from fabric that works outside, such as cotton, polyester, or olefin. This outdoor fabric is colorfast, water-resistant, and less susceptible to mold and mildew.
Ajai Guyot transformed a store-bought gazebo into an ambient dining area by hanging white drapes and adding Moroccan lanterns and brightly blooming bougainvillea plants. She cinched the center of her drapes with a ribbon to add volume and create an elegant appearance. White drapery edged in hot pink trim evokes a coastal cabana feel in this backyard seating area by K Kong Designs.
Plants
Using plants to decorate your pergola adds color, texture and greenery to your garden area. Plants also help hide the beams and add interest to your pergola.
Roses are a timeless choice for any pergola and come in a wide variety of colors. They can be hardy in most areas and require some training and pruning to climb on latticework or other structures, but their beautiful flowers make them a favorite for many gardeners.
A fragrant option is the evergreen Carolina jasmine. While this vine can grow to 25 feet long, it sheds little and stays neat. If you have pets, consider a more delicate flower like the bower vine. It rambles up to 25 feet and produces an array of flowers in shades of white and pink.
Another flowering favorite is clematis. These vines are easy to grow and have a long blooming season. They grow well in partial sun or shade and need regular watering with a good mix of soil.
Lighting
The right lighting can illuminate and accentuate the beauty of your pergola and other landscape features. It can also help you avoid tripping hazards and deter unwanted pests like possums and raccoons that are drawn to unseen food sources.
Choose the ideal lighting for your pergola patio by considering the atmosphere you want to create and its primary use. Soft, warm lights can offer a cozy feel ideal for relaxing and romantic moments, while brighter options can energize the space for outdoor parties and entertaining.
Consider lighting your pergola with LED string lights hung in cascading lines or weaved through latticework for a magical glow. Colorful lights come in a variety of forms to match your unique style, and many have settings that let you change the hues for a range of moods. You can also add a sophisticated touch with sconces that blend design and functionality, and you can even use solar lighting to reduce your carbon footprint and lower electricity costs.
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