When it comes to elaborate garden structures, one of the most complex but useful examples is the venerable gazebo. There is no other outdoor home structures that add so much beauty and functionality in a single package, and we’re excited to see the possibilities they present.
With a nice gazebo in your yard or garden, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors while protected from the elements in a comfortable space. Many gazebos provide both shelter and seating, in addition to being a visual anchor for the landscape. It’s one thing to enjoy your garden from the patio, resting on a bench or wicker chaise against the house, but it’s a whole new experience to relax in a proper gazebo.
These structures cover a wide range of sizes and styles, so there’s bound to be one that’s perfect for nearly any yard and garden. You might prefer one that matches the siding and roof of your home, or you might choose something that truly stands apart. Regardless, we think there are enough interesting options out there to explore together.
Let’s look at some of our favorite garden gazebo designs.
1. Ornate Roof Gazebo
With its railings and support arches done up like an ornate porch fence, this gazebo looks ready to impress. Topped with a light natural wood tile roof in three layers, with a bespoke peak at the top, it’s a subtly complex structure that stands out in stark elegance amidst a garden. A gazebo like this might be best designed to match the roof of your home.
2. Pointed Roof Gazebo
We love the ornate carving on the fence posts wrapping this gazebo, paired with the paper-cutout look of the arches between support pillars above. The pristine white paint contrasts with the earthen foundation, while the rustic wood roof adds a sense of timeless charm. It’s topped with a unique spear design that helps it stand out.
3. Intricate Wood Gazebo
The obvious standout feature on this gazebo is the intricate wood carvings appearing on each side of the octagonal structure. Placed within the side fencing and between the support beams below the roof, these gorgeous carvings offer a unique bit of artistry in an unexpected place. The sumptuous roof design, with exposed beams, adds another layer of visual intrigue.
4. Greek Pillar Gazebo
While we’re used to seeing any and all manner of wooden gazebo designs, it’s truly surprising to see one built from stone. This massive structure is wrapped in bespoke white pillars, supporting a tiered green roof over a concrete and stone base. Wrought iron fencing fills in the space between pillars, while the interior space is more than ample for a full dining party.
5. French Door Gazebo
While most gazebos have a very open design, with simple pillars or a slow-slung fence denoting the boundaries of the structure, we occasionally find one as pictured above, with a mostly closed-in design that blocks wind and rain for those inside. The French door design is mirrored by the windows mounted all around, allowing it to be completely opened up or closed for comfort.
6. Lakeside Oval Gazebo
With its rich natural wood structure and weathered, rustic styled roof tiles, this gazebo could be at home on any traditionally styled home’s property. What truly sets it apart, aside from its large, oval shaped design, is its placement near a body of water. It provides the perfect backdrop to an outdoor dinner, a relaxing day in the garden, or even a wedding.
7. Breezy Metal Gazebo
If having a thick, solid structure isn’t the most important thing to you, a thinner metal gazebo might be the perfect fit. This model features trellis-like supports designed to hang flower baskets, and can be placed virtually anywhere because of its light weight. Here we see it set atop a rich wood base, but a gazebo like this can be planted right in your garden.
8. Antebellum Gazebo
We love the grandiose, Southern heritage-inspired look of this grand gazebo. Its thin structural elements bely an elegant structure with a bold garden of red flowers wrapping its foundation. Placed at the center of an expansive brick patio, it’s a standout feature of the landscape and an obvious focal point for social gatherings. If antique style is your thing, look no further.
9. Geometric Gazebo
Similar to one of the more ornate gazebos pictured above, this gorgeous white model features intricate designs in the wood spanning between pillars. The geometric shapes give it a unique presence among other similarly built gazebo structures, while the small dome on the top of the roof adds another instance of intrigue. We love the wraparound bench seating built inside.
10. Cottage Style Gazebo
The high-peaked roof on this bespoke gazebo gives it an instant sense of charm and style, standing out among the sparse trees on this flat landscape. Built over a charming red brick foundation, wrapped in a slim garden lined with more red bricks, we see the white fencing and columns rise toward the sharply angled roof. It’s a more ostentatious gazebo, perfect for luxurious landscapes.
11. Rustic Wood Gazebo
While this gazebo flaunts its rustic charm, with rich wood tone and ornately carved columns we see it bringing a spot of warmth and brightness to the stark winter landscape. Even covered by snow, it stands out with its welcoming curves and built-in table at the center, surrounded by built-in bench seating.
12. Luxurious Brick Gazebo
Some gazebos are more substantially built than others. As the story of the three little pigs taught us, brick is the strongest. This gazebo uses layered masonry throughout its structure to complete a very holistic, closed-in look with stairs on one end and a beautiful stone path on the other. The Spanish-style tile roof adds another layer of decadence.
13. Rustic Cabin Gazebo
We’ve seen a couple rustic-styled gazebos already, but this model takes the cake. It’s got a true log-cabin construction with natural log beams supporting a richly layered wood roof, sprinkled with moss on top. A structure like this could have been built any time in the past 300 years, and its timeless style is paired with a timeless usefulness. Built-in bench seats and a thick low wall add comfort and protection from the elements.
14. Cylinder Gazebo
While the general shape of all gazebos is roughly circular, they most often appear in the shape of an octagon or hexagon. This unique model is comprised of enough smaller sections to become a de facto circle, with a conical, highly textured roof overhead adding a dose of contrast. The lattice design of the framing makes for an open and inviting appearance.
15. Ivy-Covered French Door Gazebo
This gorgeous lakeside gazebo repeats the beguiling French door design of one we’ve shown above, with glass panels revealing the interior while offering protection from the elements. The obvious defining factor here is the lush greenery draped across the entire structure, strategically placed to leave the doors room to open.
16. Stately Gazebo
Alright, let’s be honest. This gazebo isn’t exactly meant for the average home or garden. It’s an astounding piece of sculpture, a massive stone structure on intricately carved pillars, hanging over a grand marble floor design. The domed roof centers on a spike, and the entire structure is wrapped by neatly manicured bushes. It might be too rich for our blood, but it’s inspirational nonetheless.
17. Bavarian Gazebo
While there’s a large variety of gazebo styles out there, we don’t often see Bavarian inspired models. This unique structure bears all the hallmarks of its inspiration, with a two-tone design of off-white panels and dark brown beams. Additionally, the roof structure is intricately crafted, while the foundation is set into a massive stone mound.
18. Lavish Gazebo
What stands out first, the bell roof or the ornate fencing? We can’t decide, because this entire gazebo design has us transfixed. Standing atop a bespoke brick walkway, it’s an extravagant, expertly crafted piece of art that just happens to provide shelter in the outdoors. This gazebo would work wonders in the backyard of any appropriately luxurious home or estate.
19. Outdoor Kitchen Gazebo
This might be our favorite gazebo yet. It’s not only a handsome natural wood design with a subtle red roof and matching red brick foundation. This large gazebo features a large hearth and grilling station, perfect for outdoor family gatherings and cooking out. The large roof and twin bench seats provide plenty of shelter and comfort, while the large brick oven provides all the warmth and cooking possibilities you could ask for.
20. Pergola Gazebo
We love this gazebo because, despite its completely open-to-the-sides design, it’s a beautiful way to relax and enjoy sheltered space in the outdoors. The four ornate white pillars support a natural wood upper structure, hung with potted plants and canvasing a detached patio wrapped in brick. There’s plenty of room for an entire outdoor set of comfortable furniture in here.
Don’t get discouraged: any project requires time and planning. While you’re working on details, get inspired by these beautiful and diverse gazebo ideas.
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Picture Perfect
Even though this gazebo looks simple, the woodwork is so intricate it’s its own garden art piece. The gazebo is the perfect size for two people to sit and relax together and take in the fruits of their labor.
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Poolside Gazebo
A gazebo has multiple purposes, from creating a relaxing spot to sit in the shade to creating different zones in a large backyard. The gazebo in this backyard houses a seating area right off the pool deck so swimmers can grab a snack or take a break from the sun and water.
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Traditional Gazebo
When you hear the word gazebo, you most likely think of something that looks like this. The hexagonal shape allows for a 360-degree view of the garden and has a quaint design that fits seamlessly with the surrounding garden.
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Natural Wood Gazebo
This natural wood gazebo is the perfect backdrop for this boho-style outdoor living room. The comfortable seating, hanging plants, string lights and outdoor rug will make you want to spend hours outdoors.
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Outdoor Living
If you live in a nice climate, you may want to create a living space outside. An outdoor sofa and rug, some plants and hanging string lights with woven pendant lights create a cozy living space where you can take in all the fresh air all weekend long.
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Combining Indoor and Out
The half wall of this gazebo gives you the best of both indoor and outdoor lounging. The lattice wall brings interest to the gazebo while allowing you to still enjoy the view beyond.
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A Whimsical Gazebo
The arched opening is an inviting entrance to this cozy gazebo. The opposite end of the gazebo features a lattice wall that provides a beautiful view of the garden beyond while still making the seating area feel secluded.
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A Spot to Get Away
A gazebo is a great way to dedicate a spot you can call your own. LuckyPlot13 created this corner spot with a pergola and awning she can pull back when she wants to get some sun. Comfortable outdoor seating and a hanging hammock chair provide plenty of options to relax.
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Dining Al Fresco
This gazebo takes dining al fresco to a new level. The simple wood frame is the perfect backdrop for a meal outside. The surrounding garden, cloth covered table and café chairs make you feel as though you’re eating on the patio of your favorite restaurant.
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Tropical Oasis
This tropical-inspired backyard is complete with a large gazebo that features curtain walls so you can easily choose between privacy or enjoying the fresh breeze and view of the pool.
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Completely Enclosed
If you have a 360-degree view of nature in your yard, a dining table inside a gazebo is a must. This gazebo has all glass walls that give you the benefits of being indoors but allow you to enjoy the natural surroundings.
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Add Simple Bench Seating
A classic gazebo is outfitted with simple wooden bench seating creates a lovely spot to contemplate the garden.
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Poolside Entertaining
Whether you enjoy getting into the pool or not, having a full-size outdoor kitchen poolside is the epitome of enjoying summer cookouts. This gazebo even includes an outdoor bathroom so you don’t have to trek all the way back to the house.
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Backyard Zones
Every area of this backyard serves a purpose, from the pool and lounge area to the garden pergola and the small gazebo that protects from the outdoor elements. One side of the gazebo features a bar top and seating so you can enjoy a cocktail or meal when you aren’t busy swimming in the pool.
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Add Glass Walls
Tempered glass protects this Scandinavian gazebo from Fantastic Frank from the elements. The metal and glass structure is placed on a stone patio connected to a walkway for a cohesive look. A round dining table and chairs turns it into an all-weather outdoor dining room.
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Upsize It
This spacious outdoor living space from Kara Mann is a luxurious take on the concept of an outdoor gazebo, equipped with a fireplace, living and dining areas, exposed wood beam ceilings, wood floors, and gauzy curtains that frame the Napa Valley, CA view.
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White Brick Gazebo
The white brick on this gazebo is the same material of the main home’s exterior and brings a cohesive look, while the wood ceiling adds contrast. With everything you would need to stay entertained, from a flat screen TV to a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, you’d probably spend more time outdoors than in.
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Go All-White
This all-white gazebo from Fantastic Frank has an intricately detailed painted wrought iron frame with a matching table and chairs on the interior, and a white canvas roof to complete the airy and ethereal look.