Pergola decorating ideas for relaxed outdoor living

Author Lisa CooperHead of Product at Hunter DouglasUpdated 27/07/2026

Exterior of a modern house, with a large paved patio down to a lawn with small inset flower beds at random points in the patio and a freestanding grey pergola with louvred roof over four chairs and a table,

A pergola can transform the way you use your garden, giving you protection from the elements and an extra space for entertaining or relaxing. Here are our top pergola decorating ideas for a practical outdoor area with plenty of personality.

Exterior of a modern house, with a large paved patio down to a lawn and a freestanding grey pergola with fabric roof over four chairs and a table on a raised section of patio, with two grey rattan sofas at 90 degree angle with cream cushions.

A pergola space for…

First things first, you need to think how you’re going to use the space. Is it a tranquil outdoor lounge, a stylish dining area, a social hub for gatherings, a solitary escape? Or perhaps it needs to be a more flexible space that can accommodate all of the above at any time. Establishing its function will guide your design choices and help shape your pergola decorating ideas.

"A top tip is to consider what areas in the garden you enjoy sitting in from the first sunny spring days right until those warm autumn afternoons."
Luke Newnes, The Pink Gardener

Colourful outdoor seating area with patterned cushions, tulips and plants under a pergola in a sunny garden.

Bring the indoors out

Think of your pergola as part of your home and furnish accordingly. An outdoor dining set will set the scene for entertaining friends or al-fresco family dinners. Or for a more relaxed feel, go for a garden sofa – their surge in popularity means there’s something for every budget.

Outdoor rugs have become a big trend, making them a great option to anchor the space, adding warmth underfoot.

“Seating can be as simple as a small bench or bistro set with some cushions placed in the sunshine. There’s nothing better than a summer evening in the garden."
Luke Newnes, The Pink Gardener

Evening view of a dark grey louvred pergola with integrated lighting above stone steps and raised planted borders.

If in doubt, add lights

Lighting is always a good idea. As well as creating atmosphere, it will also come into its own for those sunny afternoons that turn into long, balmy nights.

Our pergola shown here features integrated dimmable LED lighting. Other options include string lights, hanging lanterns and hurricane lamps. Or try battery- or solar-powered pendant lights – a row or cluster of rattan shades would look beautiful above a dining area.

Sleek pergola shading a garden seating area, with rattan sofas, pale cushions and lush planting arranged across a sunlit stone patio.

Soften the structure with planting

Left completely bare, a pergola can feel a little stark – more like an architectural feature than somewhere to sit and relax. Plants provide an easy fix, helping to soften the edges and make everything look more cohesive.

Climbing plants like wisteria, jasmine and clematis can be trained to wind around vertical posts or fixed side screens. Planters or baskets can be hung from horizontal beams, and pots or raised beds can be used to help zone the area and give a more secluded feel.

“I love to hang plants and decorative accessories from my pergola to also utilise space, simply adding a hanging ornament can make my pergola feel more special!"
Luke Newnes, The Pink Gardener

Pergola seating area styled with colourful patterned cushions, a floral table runner and a decorative vase head filled with tulips.

Layer in textiles for comfort

Soft furnishings will instantly make your pergola look and feel more inviting, adding colour and texture as well as comfort.

It’s such an easy upgrade that you could even switch up your textiles depending on the season. Here, the bright colours and bold motifs bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine. For cooler months, muted shades and fuzzy textures would help create a cosy outdoor retreat.

Freestanding dark grey louvred pergola with louvre side screens in a landscaped garden with lawn, gravel and mature planting.

Add screening for shelter and privacy

Depending on where your pergola is – and how overlooked your garden is – you may want to add some form of screening to one or more of the open sides.

Our pergolas come with optional retractable, fixed or adjustable louvre side screens, letting you choose the level of shelter and privacy that works for you. Other options include trellis or lattice panels and trough-style planters with built-in trellis or screening. Climbing plants, ornamental grasses and bamboo can all help to break up sightlines and provide extra protection from the elements.

Close-up of a mirrored disco ball beside a lantern and patterned outdoor cushions on a garden patio.

Give it a final flourish

Finally, have fun with the finishing touches – they’re what makes your pergola uniquely yours. Bring in personality with stylish accessories. Decorative cushions, lanterns or even an outdoor mirror can elevate the look.

From flea-market finds and architectural antiques to drinks stations and disco balls, anything goes: those small decorative details will really bring your outdoor space to life.

“I have so many little touches in my garden as this makes it feel special and unique to me and allows me to put my own stamp on my outdoor space. Decorative signs, mirrors and ornaments makes my garden feel more of an extension of my home.”
Luke Newnes, The Pink Gardener

Our favourite pergola decorating ideas

Rattan garden sofa set with blush and grey cushions on a stone patio, styled with black lanterns and surrounded by lush planting.

Treat your pergola like an extra room. Dining sets, sofas, rugs and coffee tables all help it feel like a genuine extension of your home.
Lighting, whether that's integrated LEDs, string lights or simple lanterns, means your pergola stays usable for longer.
Climbing plants and pots soften the structure and help it blend into the rest of the garden.
Textiles are an easy way to add comfort and colour.
Side screens let you control privacy and shelter without losing the open feel.
Decorative finishing touches make the space your own. Experiment and enjoy.

Bringing it all together

A pergola has the potential to be so much more than a simple garden structure. With some careful planning and a dash of creativity, it could well become your new favourite spot.

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