Want a backyard transformation?
Pergola covers are a top home improvement trend for outdoor living areas. It’s no longer enough to just have shade. The right cover can make or break garden style and ambiance.
The good news?
Outdoor pergola covers have never been more stylish than they are right now. And the right option can help increase property value while creating a gorgeous outdoor living area.
In this post you’ll find:
- Reasons pergola covers are trending now
- Popular pergola cover styles that look great
- Durable pergola cover materials to use
- Pergola cover styles for any garden space
Why Pergola Covers Are Trending Now
The stats don’t lie. In its report, Grand View Research pegged pergolas and patios to lead the U.S. outdoor living structures market in terms of revenue share of 63.6% in 2024.
The data from GVR does not lie!
As more and more homeowners make pergola covers an important component of pergola cover solutions, they’re investing in high-quality pergola covers to integrate indoor-outdoor living. A great pergola cover:
- Enhances the visual appeal of a garden;
- Protects from rain, sun, UV rays;
- Extends the outdoor living space of a home.
Of course, not all pergola covers are created equal. There are some out there that will look dated after one season. On the other hand, some turn your pergola into the envy of the neighbours for decades.
Cool Pergola Cover Styles That Look Amazing
There are a number of trendy pergola cover styles you may want to consider. Each has its own pros and cons.
Retractable Fabric Canopies
Retractable canopies are ideal for homeowners who need flexibility in their outdoor pergola covers. Retract them on overcast days for ambient lighting. Pull back when the sun comes out full force.
Retractable fabric canopies come in all kinds of colours and patterns. They work great with modern pergola styles and traditional designs.
Louvered Roof Systems
With louvered pergola covers, there are rotating slats you can adjust. They’re akin to blinds, but for your pergola cover.
It’s a premium choice for pergola cover solutions because of the complete control they offer. Louvers are ideal because they:
- Block the sun when closed
- Filter sunlight at any angle;
- Provide rain protection with many models
- Have a clean, modern design.
Designer-conscious homeowners have been snatching louvered pergola cover solutions up. It’s because you can change outdoor conditions with a flick of a switch.
The louvered pergola cover works great at blocking the sun but, when open, they’ll also let filtered light in at any angle. Some models also offer rain protection.
Grow Natural Vines Over Your Pergola
Homeowners looking for a more natural aesthetic should look no further than vines to beautify their pergola covers. Climbing plants like wisteria, jasmine, and rose work beautifully over a pergola.
Patience is key, as it’ll take time for the vines to establish and drape across your pergola. But once they do, the result is breathtaking.
The scent alone is enough to make this cover worth the effort. There’s something about sitting beneath jasmine flowers on a warm summer night.
It’s one of the rare experiences you simply can’t buy anywhere.
Polycarbonate Panels
For weather protection without losing sunlight, consider pergola covers with polycarbonate panels. They’ll let the sunshine in but block rain and harmful UV rays.
Polycarbonate panels are light yet tough and durable. Many modern pergola cover systems also use tinted polycarbonate for a classy touch.
Shade Sails
As the name implies, shade sails offer a contemporary, artistic flair to pergola designs. These triangular or rectangular pieces of fabric drape across pergolas in interesting patterns.
They’re budget-friendly and easy to install, too. Plus, the colours they come in are simply endless.
Pergola Cover Materials For Long-Term Use
The material for your pergola cover matters just as much as the style.
What are the best?
Aluminium Frames
Aluminium doesn’t rust or rot. It can take on extreme weather without warping. Powder-coated aluminium frames last 20+ years with little to no maintenance.
Marine-Grade Fabrics
Marine-grade materials resist mould, mildew, and fading. Since they’re built for tough marine environments, backyard pergola covers are a breeze.
Treated Lumber
Cedar and redwood, for example, resist rot and pests. They also get a nice patina with age that many homeowners love.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Made from recycled plastics, HDPE is eco-friendly and built to last. You won’t have to paint or stain it, either.
Pairing Pergola Cover Styles To Garden Themes
The best pergola cover for your space is one that doesn’t clash with existing garden style. You might as well throw out money and pick one that makes the entire space look disjointed.
If you want to know how to match them just right:
Stick with simple lines and neutral colours for modern spaces. Louvered pergola cover solutions in white, grey, or black are ideal.
Nothing too ornate or busy.
Natural elements work best in cottage gardens. Wood lattice with climbing plants, for example, give off that romantic cottage vibe.
Soft fabric canopies also work here in muted colours.
Terracotta tones and earthy colours suit Mediterranean-themed gardens. Pick canvas or fabric pergola covers in warm shades to bring out olive trees and stonework.
For minimalist garden spaces, simplicity is key. Shade sails in a solid colour keep things understated. Retractable pergola cover solutions that disappear when not in use are also ideal.
High-Tech Features To Consider
Don’t overlook high-tech features in pergola covers.
Consider:
- Motorised retractability
- Built-in LED lighting
- Rain sensors that automatically close
- Solar panel integration
- Heating elements
According to the NAHB report, 64% of homeowners now seek to create multi-functional outdoor spaces. Smart pergola covers help make that dream a reality.
This tech stuff will increase the cost of pergola cover solutions, of course. But they do drastically improve the overall outdoor living experience.
Installation Considerations
Before you decide, there are practical factors to consider.
Structural Integrity
Pergola frames may need reinforcing to support some pergola covers. Louvered systems, heavy paneling may need a professional look at existing structures.
Local Climate
Areas with high winds need a secure fastening system. Places with heavy snowfall need pergola covers that are rated for weight. For hot climates, look for UV-resistant materials.
Maintenance
Fabric pergola covers need occasional cleaning and eventual replacement. Aluminium and other hardscape materials require virtually no maintenance beyond an occasional rinse.
Be sure you’re willing to put in the time.
Wrapping It All Up
Pergola covers have definitely come a long way. Functionality is no longer the main driver of pergola cover trends these days. Aesthetics matter, too.
Very cool.
Key takeaways:
- Retractable fabric canopies are a flexible pergola cover solution
- Louvers are ideal for ultimate control
- Growing vines on your pergola is a natural choice
- The material you pick impacts durability and longevity
- Match pergola cover styles to existing garden space
The right pergola cover solution is key for transforming average backyards into outdoor living havens. There are so many stylish choices available for pergola covers these days, it’s an ideal time to add curb appeal to garden decor.
Step 1. Determine the primary function of your pergola cover.
Is it to provide shade? Rain protection? Something purely aesthetic? The answer will help you narrow down your options.
Step 2. Choose materials built to last.
Quality pergola covers will last you many years and add real value to your home.
Want a backyard transformation?
Pergola covers are a top home improvement trend for outdoor living areas. It’s no longer enough to just have shade. The right cover can make or break garden style and ambiance.
The good news?
Outdoor pergola covers have never been more stylish than they are right now. And the right option can help increase property value while creating a gorgeous outdoor living area.
In this post you’ll find:
- Reasons pergola covers are trending now
- Popular pergola cover styles that look great
- Durable pergola cover materials to use
- Pergola cover styles for any garden space
Why Pergola Covers Are Trending Now
The stats don’t lie. In its report, Grand View Research pegged pergolas and patios to lead the U.S. outdoor living structures market in terms of revenue share of 63.6% in 2024.
The data from GVR does not lie!
As more and more homeowners make pergola covers an important component of pergola cover solutions, they’re investing in high-quality pergola covers to integrate indoor-outdoor living. A great pergola cover:
- Enhances the visual appeal of a garden;
- Protects from rain, sun, UV rays;
- Extends the outdoor living space of a home.
Of course, not all pergola covers are created equal. There are some out there that will look dated after one season. On the other hand, some turn your pergola into the envy of the neighbours for decades.
Cool Pergola Cover Styles That Look Amazing
There are a number of trendy pergola cover styles you may want to consider. Each has its own pros and cons.
Retractable Fabric Canopies
Retractable canopies are ideal for homeowners who need flexibility in their outdoor pergola covers. Retract them on overcast days for ambient lighting. Pull back when the sun comes out full force.
Retractable fabric canopies come in all kinds of colours and patterns. They work great with modern pergola styles and traditional designs.
Louvered Roof Systems
With louvered pergola covers, there are rotating slats you can adjust. They’re akin to blinds, but for your pergola cover.
It’s a premium choice for pergola cover solutions because of the complete control they offer. Louvers are ideal because they:
- Block the sun when closed
- Filter sunlight at any angle;
- Provide rain protection with many models
- Have a clean, modern design.
Designer-conscious homeowners have been snatching louvered pergola cover solutions up. It’s because you can change outdoor conditions with a flick of a switch.
The louvered pergola cover works great at blocking the sun but, when open, they’ll also let filtered light in at any angle. Some models also offer rain protection.
Grow Natural Vines Over Your Pergola
Homeowners looking for a more natural aesthetic should look no further than vines to beautify their pergola covers. Climbing plants like wisteria, jasmine, and rose work beautifully over a pergola.
Patience is key, as it’ll take time for the vines to establish and drape across your pergola. But once they do, the result is breathtaking.
The scent alone is enough to make this cover worth the effort. There’s something about sitting beneath jasmine flowers on a warm summer night.
It’s one of the rare experiences you simply can’t buy anywhere.
Polycarbonate Panels
For weather protection without losing sunlight, consider pergola covers with polycarbonate panels. They’ll let the sunshine in but block rain and harmful UV rays.
Polycarbonate panels are light yet tough and durable. Many modern pergola cover systems also use tinted polycarbonate for a classy touch.
Shade Sails
As the name implies, shade sails offer a contemporary, artistic flair to pergola designs. These triangular or rectangular pieces of fabric drape across pergolas in interesting patterns.
They’re budget-friendly and easy to install, too. Plus, the colours they come in are simply endless.
Pergola Cover Materials For Long-Term Use
The material for your pergola cover matters just as much as the style.
What are the best?
Aluminium Frames
Aluminium doesn’t rust or rot. It can take on extreme weather without warping. Powder-coated aluminium frames last 20+ years with little to no maintenance.
Marine-Grade Fabrics
Marine-grade materials resist mould, mildew, and fading. Since they’re built for tough marine environments, backyard pergola covers are a breeze.
Treated Lumber
Cedar and redwood, for example, resist rot and pests. They also get a nice patina with age that many homeowners love.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Made from recycled plastics, HDPE is eco-friendly and built to last. You won’t have to paint or stain it, either.
Pairing Pergola Cover Styles To Garden Themes
The best pergola cover for your space is one that doesn’t clash with existing garden style. You might as well throw out money and pick one that makes the entire space look disjointed.
If you want to know how to match them just right:
Stick with simple lines and neutral colours for modern spaces. Louvered pergola cover solutions in white, grey, or black are ideal.
Nothing too ornate or busy.
Natural elements work best in cottage gardens. Wood lattice with climbing plants, for example, give off that romantic cottage vibe.
Soft fabric canopies also work here in muted colours.
Terracotta tones and earthy colours suit Mediterranean-themed gardens. Pick canvas or fabric pergola covers in warm shades to bring out olive trees and stonework.
For minimalist garden spaces, simplicity is key. Shade sails in a solid colour keep things understated. Retractable pergola cover solutions that disappear when not in use are also ideal.
High-Tech Features To Consider
Don’t overlook high-tech features in pergola covers.
Consider:
- Motorised retractability
- Built-in LED lighting
- Rain sensors that automatically close
- Solar panel integration
- Heating elements
According to the NAHB report, 64% of homeowners now seek to create multi-functional outdoor spaces. Smart pergola covers help make that dream a reality.
This tech stuff will increase the cost of pergola cover solutions, of course. But they do drastically improve the overall outdoor living experience.
Installation Considerations
Before you decide, there are practical factors to consider.
Structural Integrity
Pergola frames may need reinforcing to support some pergola covers. Louvered systems, heavy paneling may need a professional look at existing structures.
Local Climate
Areas with high winds need a secure fastening system. Places with heavy snowfall need pergola covers that are rated for weight. For hot climates, look for UV-resistant materials.
Maintenance
Fabric pergola covers need occasional cleaning and eventual replacement. Aluminium and other hardscape materials require virtually no maintenance beyond an occasional rinse.
Be sure you’re willing to put in the time.
Wrapping It All Up
Pergola covers have definitely come a long way. Functionality is no longer the main driver of pergola cover trends these days. Aesthetics matter, too.
Very cool.
Key takeaways:
- Retractable fabric canopies are a flexible pergola cover solution
- Louvers are ideal for ultimate control
- Growing vines on your pergola is a natural choice
- The material you pick impacts durability and longevity
- Match pergola cover styles to existing garden space
The right pergola cover solution is key for transforming average backyards into outdoor living havens. There are so many stylish choices available for pergola covers these days, it’s an ideal time to add curb appeal to garden decor.
Step 1. Determine the primary function of your pergola cover.
Is it to provide shade? Rain protection? Something purely aesthetic? The answer will help you narrow down your options.
Step 2. Choose materials built to last.
Quality pergola covers will last you many years and add real value to your home.
With a Master’s in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, Mitchell Green has spent over two decades dedicated to the study and practical application of home fixture design. His career started in an architectural firm, providing him a strong foundation in the structural and aesthetic aspects of home interiors. Mitchell brought his comprehensive knowledge to our platform, where he has been an influential voice in our home fixtures and fittings section. Since 2018, he has been guiding our readers through the intricacies of selecting and installing fixtures, combining technical know-how with design flair. In his spare time, Mitchell is a keen photographer, capturing architectural details and design elements, an interest that complements his professional focus.
