A pergola can completely transform your outdoor space — adding shade, beauty, structure, and a natural gathering place. But not all pergolas are the same. The style you choose has a huge influence on the feel of your backyard, the functionality of your patio, and the overall look of your outdoor living space.

Whether you're building a cozy retreat, a modern entertaining area, or a shaded extension of your home, choosing the right pergola style is essential. At Vicente Outdoor Living, we design and build custom pergolas that perfectly match your space and your lifestyle. Here’s how to find the right style for you.

1. Start With the Overall Style of Your Home

Your pergola should complement your home — not compete with it. A well-chosen pergola blends naturally with your architecture.

If your home is modern:

Choose sleek lines, darker tones, steel elements, or minimalistic wood.

If your home is traditional:

Opt for classic wood beams, natural finishes, and soft, rounded edges.

If your home is rustic or farmhouse-style:

Go for thick wood posts, warm tones, and natural textures.

If your home is Mediterranean or Spanish-inspired:

Consider curved details, light wood tones, and warm colors.

A pergola that mirrors your home’s architectural details feels intentional and polished.

2. Choose Between Attached or Freestanding

Your yard and layout will often determine whether a pergola should be attached or freestanding.

Attached Pergolas:

  • great for patios directly off the house
  • create a seamless indoor–outdoor flow
  • help extend your living space
  • ideal for dining or lounging areas

Freestanding Pergolas:

  • perfect for creating a destination zone
  • work well near pools, gardens, or fire pits
  • versatile placement
  • add structure anywhere in the yard

If you want your outdoor space to feel like a natural extension of your home, choose an attached pergola. If you want a standalone outdoor room, choose freestanding.

3. Decide How Much Shade You Want

Shade is one of the primary reasons people build pergolas, but shade levels vary by style.

Full Shade Options:

  • solid roof pergolas
  • insulated roof structures
  • pergolas with polycarbonate panels
  • pergolas combined with retractable canopies

Filtered Shade Options:

  • classic open-beam pergolas
  • lattice-style pergolas
  • angled beams for partial shade

If your patio faces strong afternoon sun, consider a design with more coverage. If you prefer light filtering through, an open-top pergola may be perfect.

4. Consider Your Material Options

Pergolas come in a range of materials, each with its own look, texture, and maintenance level.

Wood Pergolas:

  • warm, natural appearance
  • timeless and versatile
  • great for rustic or traditional designs
  • can be stained or painted
  • may require occasional maintenance

Aluminum or Steel Pergolas:

  • sleek, modern appearance
  • durable and low maintenance
  • ideal for contemporary homes
  • can be powder-coated in many colors

Composite Pergolas:

  • looks like wood without the maintenance
  • weather-resistant
  • long-lasting
  • great for homeowners who want the wood look with less upkeep

Choosing the right material helps create the look and longevity you want.

5. Think About the Purpose of Your Pergola

A pergola should fit your lifestyle, not just your style preferences.

For outdoor dining:

Choose a pergola with enough coverage to protect from sun during meals.

For a lounge or relaxation area:

Opt for a design with built-in shade and comfortable airflow.

For entertaining:

Consider a larger pergola with space for seating, lighting, and décor.

For outdoor kitchens:

Choose a structure with stronger shade or partial roofing to protect appliances.

Knowing how you’ll use the space helps guide the right design choices.

6. Add Functional Features to Enhance Your Space

Modern pergolas can be as simple or advanced as you want.

Consider additions like:

  • ceiling fans
  • integrated lighting
  • hanging lights
  • privacy screens
  • curtains for shade
  • built-in seating
  • climbing plants
  • retractable canopies
  • TV or speaker mounts

These features turn your pergola into a true outdoor living room.

7. Pay Attention to Proportions and Placement

A pergola should feel balanced in your space — not too small, not too large.

Consider:

  • the size of your patio
  • the height of your home’s eaves
  • the width of your outdoor furniture
  • how much shade surrounding trees provide
  • views you want to highlight or block

A well-placed pergola frames your outdoor space and feels naturally connected to your yard.

8. Choose a Roof Style That Complements Your Home

Pergolas offer multiple roof styles, and each creates a different effect.

Open Beam Pergolas:

  • classic style
  • filtered sunlight
  • timeless design

Louvered Pergolas:

  • adjustable shade
  • modern look
  • great for controlling light

Solid Roof Pergolas:

  • maximum shade
  • more weather protection
  • creates a true outdoor room

Choosing the right roof style helps shape the mood and usability of your outdoor area.

9. Use Landscaping To Soften and Enhance the Structure

Landscaping and pergolas work beautifully together. Softscaping can:

  • highlight the pergola
  • add natural color and texture
  • create privacy
  • soften the structure’s edges

Great plant pairings include:

  • climbing jasmine
  • wisteria
  • ivy
  • tall grasses
  • flowering shrubs
  • container plants

These create a warm, inviting feel around the structure.

10. Lighting Makes Your Pergola Shine at Night

Lighting is one of the most powerful ways to enhance your pergola’s ambiance.

Popular lighting options include:

  • string lights
  • pendant lights
  • recessed lighting in beams
  • lanterns
  • LED strips
  • under-cap wall lights nearby

Lighting makes your pergola usable long after sunset and adds a cozy nighttime atmosphere.

Ready To Build the Perfect Pergola for Your Home?

Tell us what you envision, and we’ll design a pergola that adds comfort, style, and lasting value to your outdoor living area.