Cool and Shady Pergola Ideas

This rooftop dining area is situated under a beautiful white pergola, right in the middle of fresh seasonal flowers, permanent trees and shrubs, and of course, edibles—which thrive on rooftops.

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This outdoor dining room proves that humble materials can pull off a high-end look. The backyard transformation began with an installation of a 10- by 30-foot iron pergola. Wisteria was planted, which in time turned into a leafy canopy overhead.

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In Alys Beach, all structures are built in a Bermudan style with a hint of Mediterranean. This 1,100-square-foot rooftop deck is anchored by a pergola that houses an intimate seating area. Bougainvilleas are planted in urns tucked into the corners of the pergola.

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This pergola was inspired by a structure in Hestercombe in Somerset, England by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. In this version, a delightful tangle of flowering vines turns the area beneath the pergola into an intimate room.

The designer crafted this arbor from cedar posts set atop concrete pads. Drawing inspiration from a lone cedar tree that grew in his backyard, he got posts from area tree-trimming companies to build the 12- by 12-foot structure that covers the entire patio space.

Four 6 by 6 posts across the front of this patio arbor give the structure a substantial feel. Two lattice panels, which support Armand clematis vines (Clematis armandii), provide a sense of enclosure.

A wrought iron pergola lends structure to an outdoor seating area, with a charming spot for climbing roses to grow overhead.

• Tour the 2011 Idea House Outdoor Living Spaces

This unique patio includes a pergola with a retractable canopy of outdoor fabric that is great for protection from sun and rain. Comfy seating is centered around a fireplace and creates an outdoor living area that is great for parties and entertaining.

• Tour the Bayou Bend Idea House

A slatted arbor shades a sitting area at one end of this courtyard. Pots of seasonal flowers by the table and chairs add a spot of color to a palette of mostly greens, browns, and grays.

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