Do you have a pergola installed in your Australian home? Or perhaps you’ve been sold on the idea of getting one constructed. Whichever the case, you may be wondering if there are other ways this simple home addition can be used, besides being a decorative archway and a convertible outdoor shade. In fact, there are many interesting uses for Melbourne pergolas, and we’ll enumerate them all in this blog entry.
Before we do that, though, let’s briefly explain what a pergola is.
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What is a pergola?
A pergola is a basic home addition that is usually built outside of the residence. It consists of metal or wooden pillars arranged in such a way that it forms the basic structure of a rectangular space. The pillars are then connected from above with a series of beams, each one spaced just so that it forms a ‘roof’, but with significant gaps in between that allow sunlight and air to flow through. The result is an open and airy outdoor feature that resembles an unfinished shed or room.
For some, the idea of a pergola may seem puzzling at first. After all, why would anyone want to have something that looks like an unfinished room in their garden or yard? But it’s in its bare-bones nature where its greatest strength lies. The fact that the pergola has such an open and freeform structure means that it can be used for many different purposes, and without any costly modifications. All it takes is some forethought on where it’s placed as well as a healthy dose of creativity.
Now that we know what a pergola is, let’s tackle five interesting uses for this outdoor home addition.
An extension of your indoor space
Do you want your living area to have an extension to the outdoors but in a way that doesn’t involve any extensive home renovation? Then build a pergola right outside your indoor living area. Separate the two with a transparent access way, like a series of wire screen or glass sliding doors, and the result is an open and airy outdoor extension of your home. You can also extend your indoor flooring to the area your pergola occupies to further enhance this living area expansion effect.
A hanging garden
A pergola can fulfil several roles in your garden. First, you can turn it into a hanging garden by dangling some potted plants from its ceiling beams. Second, you can introduce creeping vines to your pergola’s pillars and beams to create a natural plant archway, one with its shaded canopy of vines. Finally, you can arrange tables and chairs within your pergola to transform it into a miniature gazebo or just a general meeting and sitting area for your guests.
A swing set
If you’re bored of using your pergola as a reading area, then simply install a couple of swings to one of its beams to change things up. This turns your pergola from a quiet area to a family recreation and entertainment area. Just make sure to clear the path of the swing before actually using it, and check to see that the beam you’re attaching the swing to can take the weight.
A pallet swing bed or hammock
This is a variation of the swing set idea but with rest and relaxation in mind. This involves attaching a pallet bed to the four corners of your pergola with chains and then letting it hang off the ground. The result is a resting area that will gently rock you to a peaceful nap in a calm, outdoor setting. Furnish it with colourful pillows and mattresses, and you’ll have the perfect tranquil getaway for those lazy afternoons.
A meditation or yoga sanctum
Do you consider yourself a yoga enthusiast? Or perhaps you just want somewhere private and quiet that you can meditate and unwind to deal with everyday stress. A pergola can give you an outdoor area where you can practice these activities in peace. Just install privacy screens around your outdoor pergola and put down a mat to sit on, and you have a sanctum that will let you meditate or exercise to your heart’s content. To complete the effect, light some incense and play some soothing music in the background.
The pergola: a versatile and useful addition to your home
Don’t underestimate the cheerful pergola. Sure, it may look rather simple on its own at first glance, but this trait means that it can be modified for a variety of uses, such as those listed above. You can also freely and easily switch between those uses as the situation demands. So if you’d like to enjoy the possibilities offered by having such a multi-purpose addition to your home furnishings, then consider having a pergola built for your Melbourne home today.