One of the easiest ways to customize your pergola is its roof.

Generally consisting of thick base beams crossed with thinner and lighter top beams, this look projects classic beauty.

Painting your pergola white will also give the entire space a lighter, more airy feel.

Thatched roof over a pergola

Afro Bohemian Living

For a more natural look, consider a vine-covered roof.

The slanted roof lends a draping quality to any foliage that grows on top of it.

It also creates a charming, cottage-style look.

Wood slatted roof on pergola

Michelle Boudreau Design

This style creates a natural grid that lends itself to easily wrapping lights.

It also lets in just a hint of sunlight, creating gorgeous rippled shadows.

Mix it up by laying down thinner double crossbeams atop your larger base beams.

Covered deck with white slatted pergola roof

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Also, note that you don’t need to own a modern home to try this look.

Teaming an ultra-modern pergola like this with a traditional-style house creates an eye-catching juxtaposition.

Generally, you want a pergola roof to be 7 feet or higher.

A pergola with a canvas covered roof

Lucky Plot 13

A sleek black pergola over an outdoor fireplace

Kendall Wilkinson Design

Entryway garden with wooden pergola covered with long branches

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

An elevated backyard with a simple pergola and pool

@ladylandscape/ Instagram

lights hanging from pergola roof

Amy Leferink atInterior Impressions

Pergola roof made of clear sheeting and wood slats

@kirsten.diane/ Instagram

A patio with a wooden pergola topped with reed mats

Afro Bohemian Living

pergola with vaulted slatted roof

The Spruce / Almar Creative

patio with slatted roof pergola and hanging lights

Emily Henderson Design/ Photo by David Tsay

Outdoor dining under a white Parsons style pergola

Design byAustin Patterson Disston Architects/ Photo by Tria Giovan