If your garden feels incomplete, a pergola arch might be the missing piece you need. Other than their shade and shelter, they are stylish and you can decorate them with lights, plants, and lanterns.
Contrary to popular opinion, building a pergola is easier than you think, so here is our list of the top five ways to use pergola arches in your garden design to get you started.
1. Create a Grand Entrance to Your Garden
If you are thinking ‘how do I set the tone for my garden?’ a pergola arch at the entrance can define the boundaries in your home and add structure to the outdoor space.
Positioning wooden pergola arches, which have gates, at the start of your garden path will give it order and guide visitors into the space. This subtle yet striking touch makes your garden more elegant and you can even decorate it with your best flowering vines to add a charming layer to the design.
2. Frame a Lounge or Seating Area with Pergola Arches
With the perfect balance between openness and privacy, pergola arches can subtly enclose a lounge area without shutting off the space entirely.
Positioned over a seating area, the wooden arches can act as a natural frame, separating the seating area from the rest of the garden while still maintaining a fluid connection. To create a more tranquil, shaded environment for relaxing, allow climbing plants like jasmine or clematis to drape overhead.
For a more formal and enclosed option, consider a pagoda, which provides both shade and shelter for climates prone to sudden rain or a lot of sun.
3. Build a Covered Patio or Dining Area Using Pergola Arches
When building a covered patio or outdoor dining area, use a series of interconnected pergola arches to create a stylish and functional space.
Interconnecting pergola arches can transform a regular patio into a stunning outdoor dining area. By arranging the wooden arches in a way that filters natural light through while providing shelter, you can build a comfortable environment for small gatherings.
For shade control, use adjustable brise soleil to provide just the right amount of sun protection throughout the day. You will be able to enjoy your dining experience without worrying about the heat or sudden rain.
4. Add Lighting Features to Your Pergola Arches
To enhance the evening ambience of your garden, add fairy lights, solar-powered lanterns, or in-ground spotlights for a warm, inviting glow as the sun sets.
Fairy lights draped, wrapped, or hung along the beams of your wooden arches bring a festive touch that feels cosy and intimate.
For a more dramatic and enclosed lighting effect, add lanterns or hanging lights under a pagoda. The enclosed space can amplify the glow from the lanterns, making it feel like a secret hideaway at night.
Wooden elements soften the light, creating a warm and inviting environment that feels connected to nature.
5. Use a Pergola to Zone Your Garden
Placed strategically, pergola arches create distinct areas that are visually appealing yet maintain openness. The natural texture of Weeden arches blends with the garden environment, making them a beautiful choice for dividing areas without imposing a hard boundary.
When designing a pergola, consider its purpose: will it serve as a focal point, a transition space, or perhaps a seating area? Ideally, it should make a statement in your garden.
From expansive county gardens to cosy patios, these pergola ideas are versatile enough for any backyard size. Use them to define your outdoor spaces.
