Best Features to Add to Your Pergola

Pergolas are one of the best ways to elevate outdoor living. They add style, shade, and function while creating a space that feels like an extension of your home. With the right features, a pergola can do more than provide cover. It can transform how you enjoy your backyard.

As experts in custom outdoor design, Aluminum Co. has helped homeowners create spaces that blend beauty and performance. Here are some of the best features to consider when designing your own pergola.

Built-In Lighting: Extend Enjoyment into the Evening

Lighting can completely change how a pergola looks and feels. Options like recessed LEDs, string lights, or integrated fixtures create a comfortable glow that makes the space both practical and inviting. If you enjoy spending time outdoors after sunset, built-in lighting is definitely a feature worth including.

Adjustable Shade Options: Comfort in Any Weather

A good shade system gives you more ways to enjoy your pergola. The StruXure Pivot System uses advanced automation to make adjusting for sun, shade, or rain feel seamless. It’s built to withstand years of sun and rain without warping or fading, creating a pergola that’s effortless to use and comfortable all year long.

Ceiling Fans and Climate Control: Beat the Heat

When the weather heats up, airflow can make your outdoor space far more enjoyable. A StruXure pergola pairs perfectly with ceiling fans or misting systems to keep the area cool and comfortable. The steady breeze also helps deter bugs, so you can relax or entertain without distraction.

Curtains and Privacy Screens: Style Meets Seclusion

Privacy features add both comfort and character to your pergola. Outdoor curtains, lattice panels, or aluminum inserts bring a sense of seclusion without closing off the space. They also soften the structure’s look and help block the sun or wind, making the area more inviting throughout the day.

For homeowners who like to change things up, fabric curtains are an easy way to refresh the look seasonally. Whether you prefer a more relaxed feel or a clean, modern style, privacy features make your pergola feel natural, welcoming, and made for everyday living.

Entertainment Features: Turn Your Pergola into a Gathering Hub

Adding entertainment features is one of the best ways to make your pergola a true centerpiece for outdoor living. Options like built-in speakers, mounted TVs, or outdoor projectors make the space ideal for family movie nights, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Just make sure any equipment you choose is weather-rated and made for outdoor use so you can enjoy every gathering with confidence.

Outdoor Kitchens and Dining Spaces: Upgrade to Full Living

Few features enhance a StruXure pergola like an outdoor kitchen or dining area. Adding a built-in grill, countertop, or dining table creates a versatile space for cooking, serving, and gathering, turning a simple patio into a true extension of your home.

Smart Pergola Technology: The Future of Outdoor Living

StruXure’s louvered design brings technology and comfort together. With the touch of a button, you can open or close the roof, set preferred positions, or automate movement based on weather conditions. It’s a hands-free way to keep your outdoor space comfortable without constant adjustment.

For homeowners looking to take comfort even further, optional smart features like app-controlled lighting or climate sensors make the space even more intuitive to use. Together, these elements create a modern outdoor area built for ease, comfort, and lasting value.

Designing Your Perfect Pergola

A pergola can completely change the way you experience your home. When it’s designed with the right features, it becomes a comfortable, welcoming space that invites you to spend more time outdoors. It’s where quiet mornings, family dinners, and late-night conversations all come together.

At Aluminum Co., we help you turn that idea into reality. From design to installation, every StruXure pergola we install is made to complement your home and built to last. Ready to bring your dream pergola to life? Contact us today for a free consultation.