10 Pergola and Shade Cover Pairings That Help Beat the Sun
These outdoor structures bring hardworking style and cooling shade with wood, metal, cloth and other materials
The simple structure of a pergola is hard to beat when it comes to adding subtle definition to a landscape. Lovely as they are in their basic form, however, pergolas are not as effective in providing relief from the sun without something overhead. If you’re looking for ways to add shade to your pergola without completely blocking the light or the breezes, check out these options from greenery to awnings.
2. Metal Louvers and Retractable Awning
The louvers of this pergola give loungers a respite from the bright sun without hindering the cooling ocean breezes or view. The pergola and seating area are nestled into a corner of this Malibu, California, roof deck designed by Hayne Architects, with easy access to the nearby hot tub. A retractable awning provides additional protection from the sun or rain.
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The louvers of this pergola give loungers a respite from the bright sun without hindering the cooling ocean breezes or view. The pergola and seating area are nestled into a corner of this Malibu, California, roof deck designed by Hayne Architects, with easy access to the nearby hot tub. A retractable awning provides additional protection from the sun or rain.
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3. Wood Slats and Patterned Panels
The metal overhead and matching screen on this Chicago pergola turn an otherwise sun-blasted deck into a comfortable space for relaxing, working or gathering with friends. The patterned metal design, part of an overall remodel by Rooftopia, is a sophisticated take on a traditional baby-block quilt pattern and adds a three-dimensional look. The overhead wood louvers set along one end of the pergola, combined with the wood screening along the lower edges of the deck, add contrast while still keeping the modern vibe.
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The metal overhead and matching screen on this Chicago pergola turn an otherwise sun-blasted deck into a comfortable space for relaxing, working or gathering with friends. The patterned metal design, part of an overall remodel by Rooftopia, is a sophisticated take on a traditional baby-block quilt pattern and adds a three-dimensional look. The overhead wood louvers set along one end of the pergola, combined with the wood screening along the lower edges of the deck, add contrast while still keeping the modern vibe.
Which Pergola Is Right for You?
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4. Wood Beams and Rafters
This traditional wood pergola in Jacksonville, Florida, designed by Pratt Guys, has a combination of beams and rafters to provide shade from the bright sun while allowing light to filter through. The result is an ideal entertaining spot overlooking the nearby water, with an outdoor kitchen, a lounge area and an outdoor TV. A ceiling fan keeps things cool and the air moving on humid summer days.
This traditional wood pergola in Jacksonville, Florida, designed by Pratt Guys, has a combination of beams and rafters to provide shade from the bright sun while allowing light to filter through. The result is an ideal entertaining spot overlooking the nearby water, with an outdoor kitchen, a lounge area and an outdoor TV. A ceiling fan keeps things cool and the air moving on humid summer days.
5. Rusted Steel and Rustic Wood Slats
Irregular branches set across a pergola perched over a plunge pool ease the transition from the covered patio to the open yard in this landscape in Tucson, Arizona, from Prideaux Design. The rustic overhead branches are a tribute to Sonoran Desert architecture and also provide some relief from the hot sun without blocking all of the light.
Irregular branches set across a pergola perched over a plunge pool ease the transition from the covered patio to the open yard in this landscape in Tucson, Arizona, from Prideaux Design. The rustic overhead branches are a tribute to Sonoran Desert architecture and also provide some relief from the hot sun without blocking all of the light.
6. Whitewashed Wood With Hanging Planters
This covered pergola designed by DIDA Home is a great place for enjoying the outdoors sheltered from the Miami Beach sun. The pergola’s roof is high enough to allow refreshing breezes through, and the rafters are ideal supports for a mix of hanging plants and pendant lights. A wall of greenery provides the backdrop, while an extra-long sectional allows plenty of room for relaxing in comfort.
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This covered pergola designed by DIDA Home is a great place for enjoying the outdoors sheltered from the Miami Beach sun. The pergola’s roof is high enough to allow refreshing breezes through, and the rafters are ideal supports for a mix of hanging plants and pendant lights. A wall of greenery provides the backdrop, while an extra-long sectional allows plenty of room for relaxing in comfort.
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7. Wood Pergola and Shade Sail
When it comes to modern design, simple is often better. NUMI Home kept the covering for this small backyard pergola simple with a shade sail stretched across the top. The look is a good match for both the Los Angeles home’s midcentury style and the clean lines of the wood-and-metal pergola. As a bonus, the shade sail deflects the glare from the wall-mounted television.
When it comes to modern design, simple is often better. NUMI Home kept the covering for this small backyard pergola simple with a shade sail stretched across the top. The look is a good match for both the Los Angeles home’s midcentury style and the clean lines of the wood-and-metal pergola. As a bonus, the shade sail deflects the glare from the wall-mounted television.
8. All-Weather Panels and Awning
In the Pacific Northwest, sunshine is always welcome but rain is a fact of life. Board & Vellum took both elements into account when designing this entertaining area in Kirkland, Washington, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, as the homeowners love to host large groups.
The team worked with a structural engineer to design a custom wood-and-steel pergola with minimalist posts to keep the look open and airy. They then added translucent polycarbonate panels overhead to provide shelter on rainy days while still letting the light in. A retractable awning is a bonus for when the sun is too bright, ensuring that the space can be used throughout the year.
In the Pacific Northwest, sunshine is always welcome but rain is a fact of life. Board & Vellum took both elements into account when designing this entertaining area in Kirkland, Washington, complete with a full outdoor kitchen, as the homeowners love to host large groups.
The team worked with a structural engineer to design a custom wood-and-steel pergola with minimalist posts to keep the look open and airy. They then added translucent polycarbonate panels overhead to provide shelter on rainy days while still letting the light in. A retractable awning is a bonus for when the sun is too bright, ensuring that the space can be used throughout the year.
9. Convertible Courtyard
The retractable awning over this patio in Spain gives the owner the best of both worlds, opening up almost completely when the sun is welcome and creating a barrier when things are too bright or wet. Vitale chose a sun-resistant fabric that folds when extended to soften the look. The awning itself is slightly tilted to one side so rain can run off and drain rather than puddling on top.
The retractable awning over this patio in Spain gives the owner the best of both worlds, opening up almost completely when the sun is welcome and creating a barrier when things are too bright or wet. Vitale chose a sun-resistant fabric that folds when extended to soften the look. The awning itself is slightly tilted to one side so rain can run off and drain rather than puddling on top.
10. Wood Rafters and Shade Tree
KD Landscape made good use of the existing quaking aspen trees to create a screen over this pergola in Chicago. The trees let in filtered light, providing shade without overwhelming the space. In addition, overhead rafters (rough-sawn cedar stained in Behr’s Solid Black) set in groups with spaces in between provide additional shading. They also help create a plaid pattern on the ground that plays up the custom screen along the back wall of the pergola.
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KD Landscape made good use of the existing quaking aspen trees to create a screen over this pergola in Chicago. The trees let in filtered light, providing shade without overwhelming the space. In addition, overhead rafters (rough-sawn cedar stained in Behr’s Solid Black) set in groups with spaces in between provide additional shading. They also help create a plaid pattern on the ground that plays up the custom screen along the back wall of the pergola.
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Read more landscape design stories
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Pergolas and plants are a natural pairing that works for nearly any design style. In this landscape by Mom’s Design Build in St. Paul, Minnesota, thick vines climb the posts and cover the top of a wooden pergola for an outdoor dining spot. With a two-sided fireplace that acts as an anchor, the space is separate from but still connected to the rest of the backyard.