Pergolas are unique structures that have been in use for hundreds of years. They were originally used to train vines to grow over the top, which created a type of canopy and shade for the user.
Today, pergolas are often left open to add definition to an area. They may also have covers, canopies, or other types of top added that can provide shade.
Pergola tops come in a wide range of styles both permanent and temporary, and can add a lot of style, interest, and function to your outdoor design. If you’re wondering how to incorporate shade into the pergola that you’re building, check out these 11 pergola sun shade ideas:
1. Fixed Pergola Roof
Pergolas are being used to help frame areas like outdoor kitchens, lounges, and entertainment areas. These spaces need more protection than an ordinary, open-topped pergola can give, so fixed roof pergolas are the perfect solution. This pergola is topped with a fixed canopy made out of polycarbonate panels. The panels are UV resistant, and offer shade and protection from rain and snow as well. Learn more about Polycarbonate Shade Panels
2. Tension Fabric
Simple pergolas need a simple shade option. These pergolas have a stretched canvas canopy that offers shade and protection from a sudden shower. They’re also light, and perfect for complementing modern or contemporary pergola structures that have clean lines and no lattice top. Learn more about Tensioned Canopies.
3. Motorized Retractable Canopy
Sometimes you need shade, sometimes you don’t. That’s where retractable canopies can be of use. They roll out smoothly to offer total protection from the sun and rain, or you can retract them to let the sun shine in. Want just a little shade? Stop the canopy halfway across. These canopies work well with really modern and contemporary style pergolas, offering shade and protection along with very clean lines and a simplistic appearance. Learn more about ShadeFlex motorized canopies.
4. Oversized Modern Design
If you’re building a pergola with a canopy, you will find many styles that let you create unique and interesting structures. This modern pergola design has a retractable canopy that extends past the legs of the structure on either side. This creates a more interesting appearance for the pergola and the area as a whole. It also offers extra protection on either end, and with the retractable canopy, you can also adjust the shade as needed.
5. Classic Canopy
Tension canopies make a great addition to classically styled pergolas. This pergola has columns and beams that have decorative ends, fitting a more traditional setting. The fixed canvas effortlessly matches the style of the rest of the canopy, but also offers some much needed shade. The open sections of the canopy let more air circulate as well, helping to keep things cool inside.
6. Retractable Fabric Lengths
The fabric on this classic pergola top is draped and folded over the top of the pergola, and is manually adjustable to give you the perfect amount of shade or sun. You can switch up the colors and patterns of the fabric as well as the placement, giving you even more options for customization.
7. Fabric Walls
One way to create a traditional canopy top for your pergola also allows you to create an adjustable fabric “wall” as well. This is ideal if the location of the pergola lets the sunlight angle beneath the canopy top. Now you can have additional, adjustable shade as you need it, along with privacy and a traditional pergola design. The fabric can be switched and adjusted as needed to customize the look as well. Learn more about ShadeFlex blinds.
8. Roof Extension
Having a pergola over a patio or attached to the entrance of a home is a very popular idea. A fixed canopy over a traditional-style pergola can create a cohesive look with the rest of the home, as well as protection from sunlight and the elements. Using fixed panels on the canopy of the pergola also means that it can get more use, even on rainy days, so the patio is more versatile.
9. Retractable Awning Style
If your pergola is attached to the side of a building, you can also make use of a retractable awning style canopy. Draw it out over the traditional pergola for shade as needed, or retract it against the building to allow some sunlight into the area. A traditional top on the pergola works well in both settings, giving more flexibility for use, and to the area.
10. Multi-functional Roof
If you’re building a pergola to be the cover for an outdoor kitchen or entertainment area, having a fixed canopy gives you lots of options. In this instance, electricity has been run to the pergola, allowing lights and ceiling fans to be installed on the frame. The polycarbonate panels on top keep the Sun’s UV rays (as well as any rain or hail) off of the sensitive equipment and keep it protected from the elements.
11. Subtle Style
Sometimes you want the shade and protection from the elements, but you don’t want to call attention to it. Fixed panels installed over the top of a traditional pergola can complete that design. The panels have a subtle appearance from below, so they don’t detract from the overall appeal of the pergola, but they offer unparalleled protection from the sun and elements, so the area below can get more use.
Shade Your Pergola in Style
Adding a canopy to your pergola design adds a lot more versatility and use to the space. It can add some additional style, or facilitate more modern designs. Visit Structureworks to learn more about how you can create the perfect pergola for your next project.