--- title: How to Use Pergolas in Landscaping description: Spice up a plain-vanilla backyard with a custom pergola. Pergolas create visual interest, hide flaws, and offer the perfect spot for entertaining. Learn more: image: https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/hubfs/Blog_Graphics/05-Lloyd%20BBQ%20Island%20pool%20and%20pergola%20-%20San%20Jose%2c%20CA.jpg --- - **[650-279-6506](tel:6502796506) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/unlimitedoutdoorkitchen) - [**](https://twitter.com/uokitchen) - [**](https://www.pinterest.com/uokitchen/) - [**](https://www.yelp.com/biz/unlimited-outdoor-kitchen-san-jose-3) [![Unlimited Outdoor Kitchen](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/hubfs/Outdoorkitchen%20Sep%202017%20Theme/image/White.png)](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/unlimitedoutdoorkitchen) - [**](https://plus.google.com/+Unlimitedoutdoorkitchen) - [**](https://twitter.com/uokitchen) - [**](https://www.pinterest.com/uokitchen/) - [**](https://www.yelp.com/biz/unlimited-outdoor-kitchen-san-jose-3) # How to Use Pergolas in Landscaping Posted by [Emily Park](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/author/emily-park) on Apr 13, 2017 11:18:32 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Pergola and landscaping in backyard](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Graphics/05-Lloyd%20BBQ%20Island%20pool%20and%20pergola%20-%20San%20Jose%2c%20CA.jpg?width=437&name=05-Lloyd%20BBQ%20Island%20pool%20and%20pergola%20-%20San%20Jose%2c%20CA.jpg "how to use a pergola in landscaping")Is your backyard landscaping currently a little “plain vanilla”? Maybe you’ve got a great lawn but not much else going on to attract the eye. Or maybe you’ve got a few less-than-beautiful features that you’d rather your guests not focus on. Installing a [custom pergola](http://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/pergolas/) is an effective way to create visual interest in your backyard. Pergolas can create a focal point for the eye, no matter what size your yard is. They can also be used as an anchor to tie in other elements, such as a sitting area or garden. Here are a few ways you can use a pergola to spice up your landscaping: ## 1. Provide shade We all love California sunshine, but sometimes we need a bit of a break. Create a shady retreat with a solid-roof pergola (which can also protect furniture and electronics from the rain). Just need a little shade? Opt for an open-roof pergola that can cool things down without obstructing the sun completely.   ## 2. Hide imperfections Perhaps you have an air conditioning unit, propane tank, electric meter or another item in your yard that’s important but not exactly beautiful. A strategically placed pergola can draw the eye away from unsightly appliances so that they fade into the background. ## 3. Create a garden oasis Need a place to escape and unwind at the end of a long day? Use a pergola to anchor a little piece of gardener’s paradise. Include a water feature such as a fountain or pond, or just stick with your favorite shrubs and flowers. You can even include hanging plants for more visual interest. And if your yard receives full sun, a pergola will allow you to add some variety with plants that appreciate some shade, such as begonias, hostas and impatiens. ## 4. Create a gathering place Incorporate a pergola as part of your patio or deck, and you’ll have a natural focal point for gatherings. If you enjoy [outdoor entertaining](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/party-planning-and-hosting-tips), it’s an ideal place for a patio dining table or a comfy outdoor couch.  Pergolas can also be incorporated as part of an [outdoor kitchen](http://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/outdoor-kitchens/) or to provide a roof for an outdoor living room. Whether you’re looking for something simple or something truly eye-catching, our backyard experts can help you find the perfect solution to create your own private retreat. Call Unlimited Outdoor Kitchen at (888) 747-4554 or click the banner below for a free consultation. [![Enjoy your backyard again. Request a free design estimate.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1782916/9784dee0-20c0-48b3-9539-148990c486d1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1782916/9784dee0-20c0-48b3-9539-148990c486d1) ***If you enjoyed this article, please [check out other posts on our blog](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/all) and join us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/unlimitedoutdoorkitchen), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/uokitchen), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unlimited-outdoor-kitchen), [Google+](https://plus.google.com/112832319213913335120/about), and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/uokitchen) to see how Unlimited Outdoor Kitchen can help you [build your outdoor lifestyle](http://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/build-your-outdoor-lifestyle/).***   ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Cooking Tips (57)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/cooking-tips) - [Outdoor Lifestyle (47)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/outdoor-lifestyle) - [Kitchens (26)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/kitchens) - [Grills (21)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/grills) - [Outdoor kitchen design (17)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/outdoor-kitchen-design) - [Fire Pits, Fire Tables, & Fireplaces (13)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/fire-pits-fire-tables-fireplaces) - [Backyard Trends (5)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/backyard-trends) - [Pergolas (5)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/pergolas) - [Barbecue Islands (1)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/barbecue-islands) - [Insider (1)](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/topic/insider) [see all](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog/how-to-use-pergolas-in-landscaping#) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/privacy-policy)   - [Site Map](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/site-map/)  UNLIMITED OUTDOOR KITCHEN & CONSTRUCTION, 3530 CHARTER PARK DR, SAN JOSE, CA 95136, UNITED STATES | (650) 279-6506 | CALIFORNIA GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE: 1093976 - [Home](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/) - [Build Your Outdoor Lifestyle](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/build-your-outdoor-lifestyle/) - [Our Company](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/our-company/) - [Our Work](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/our-work/) - [Blog](https://info.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/contact/) - [Request Your Free Estimate!](https://www.unlimitedoutdoorkitchen.com/request-your-free-estimate/)