Backyard Gazebos & Pergolas Inspiration
Gazebos, Pergolas and Pavilions have become more common in backyards as people choose to entertain at their homes more often. Pergolas are no longer there for only decorative purposes, but are a practical landscape feature offering a nice place to relax in the shade or extend the use of your space in bad weather. Gazebos and pavilions are no longer only for large estates, but are a beautiful feature to add to your garden for shade, all weather entertainment and relaxation.
Seeking backyard and patio pergola ideas? Below are some of our favorite patio pergola ideas from Tilly. But first, one of the most common questions we get are asking about the different of these site features.
Gazebo vs. Pergola vs. Pavilion
A gazebo is an outdoor shade structure with a solid roof and partially open sides. A gazebo can have a built-in floor or can be placed on a concrete base. They are often shaped as an octagon or oval. A pergola generally has a lattice-style roof that is supported by posts. They provide shade and many people will add shades or canopies to them. A Pavilion is a roofed structure with open sides and no built-in floor. They are most commonly attached to a deck, paver patio or concrete base. Most pavilions are square or rectangular. Pavilions are commonly used above a patio or seating area below.
Modern Texas Backyard Pavilion
Tilly extended this client’s backyard patio with pavers to expand the entertaining area while maintaining a consistent, modern look. An outdoor kitchen pergola or pavilion will make the space easy to use and entertain in. The modern metal structure overhead offers shade for the space.
Eclectic Virginia Backyard Pergola
This eclectic backyard design uses a beautiful pergola to create shade for sun loungers by the pool. The light wood connects the pergola to the furniture throughout the space and keeps it casual, yet very chic.
Rustic Massachusetts Pavilion
This beautiful and rustic gazebo reflects the cottage garden style of this Cape Cod landscape. It’s a perfect outdoor structure and focal point to tie the entire yard together.
Modern Washington Gazebo
This oversized outdoor gazebo protects a beautiful outdoor fireplace and creates a secondary entertaining area that can be used year round.
Calming Texas Space
This client’s meditation pavilion is surrounded with trees and shrubs to create a sense of seclusion. A minimalist water feature provides a soothing sound. The steel framed zen pergola has a retractable canopy, allowing and open roof or shade.
Classic Colorado Pergola
A large concrete patio accommodates a dining table, grill and wooden shade pergola. Concrete pavers set into the grass are incorporated on either side of the new concrete patio to provide an extension of the main patio and extra space and seating for entertaining.
Framing the View in Ohio
Beneath a new pergola there is a seating area that centers on a low stone wall and fireplace that provides a sense of enclosure and intimacy, while preserving views to the lake. The pergola shade will be perfect when watching the sunset.
Pergola in a Bustling Backyard
This backyard is maximized through smart use of space. The garden pergola is used to create an outdoor dining space that is shaded with beautiful ambiance for meals with family.
New York Patio & Pergola
This pergola has been proposed over the dining table beside a newly arranged fire pit area that overlooks two small raised garden beds. The pergola helps define and separate the outdoor spaces. It creates the feel of outdoor rooms and separation from the lounge area and the dining area.
Illinois Gazebo Entertaining Area
This design is all about backyard discovery. This feature creates the ultimate lounge space next to the new pool. With a grill area, dining area and fire pit lounge, no one will ever want to leave this party.
Virginia Cottage Pergola
A small pergola on decks or patios can make a big difference and elevate a space to the next level. We love how this shade structure looks like a natural extension of the home.
Massachusetts Pavilion for Gathering
This structure blends in with the home and creates the ultimate indoor outdoor living space for this family, maximizing the fantastic outdoor kitchen space. A pergola patio combination cannot be beat.
Texas Gazebo Design
This wood slat pergola attached to the house creates a cozy atmosphere for this lounging nook beneath it. Concrete step pads lead to the small pool, lounging deck and fire pit space – all fitting with a modern, but naturalistic feel.
Maryland Naturalistic Pergola Design
This design is pulled together by the wood fence, sauna and beautiful wooden pergola above the dining area. This yard transformed from drab to fab with incredible features throughout.
Modern New York Pergola
This client’s modern outdoor pergola stands above the 3×3 stepping stones that house the fire pit, lounge area, and dining table. It provides an opportunity to string lights and add decor to the space.
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