14 Gazebo Ideas for a Picture-Perfect Outdoor Retreat From rustic log designs to sleek modern reprieves, there's a gazebo idea for every style. Close Credit: FOTOGRAFIA INC. / GETTY IMAGES There’s something inherently enchanting about a backyard gazebo. This open-air sanctuary—nestled within the privacy of your own yard—is a place to tuck away with a good book and glass of iced tea on breezy summer days, a destination for family meals filled with delicious food, and intimate chats with close friends and family. Gazebos are also an aesthetic addition to any yard, and they can take so many forms. From traditional gazebos with ivy climbing through latticework to regal silhouettes with elegant columns to modern-day variations with minimalist details, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Plus, each can be outfitted however you please. Adorn yours with twinkling lights or a simple chandelier, gossamer-like curtains that sway in the breeze, earth-toned decor, or vibrant and splashy fixtures. Not sure where to start? Let these gazebo ideas inspire you. 01 of 14 Rustic Log and Stone Gazebo Credit: Kristyn Hogan If you're partial to a rustic cottage aesthetic, consider building a gazebo made from sturdy wooden logs. This one also features a stone floor and a working wood fireplace. Draped curtains and greenery lend some softness and romance. 02 of 14 Ultra Minimalist Gazebo Credit: Kendall Wilkinson / Bernard Andre Photography For anyone with a modern home and a taste for minimalism, consider a stripped-back design similar to this one. A sleek black roof with narrow columns provides shade, while a stone retaining wall leans into the cool tones. Even the matching furniture is kept to a minimum. 17 Garden Path Ideas That Perfectly Showcase Your Plantings 03 of 14 Small Gazebo With Curtains Credit: Brian Dorsey Studios For dreamy romance, take your cue from this beautiful free-standing gazebo. The tent-like shape—complete with ruched blue fabric roof and curtains—adds visual interest to any yard, while scalloped design details offer even more intrigue. 04 of 14 Gazebo Meets Porch Credit: Studio BV Consider building out a gazebo-style structure off your home's porch. While not a true gazebo and open on all sides, this is a great solution for those who want a gazebo but may not have the yard space. It's also convenient in the sense that it allows you to easily come and go from the house as you please. 05 of 14 Large Brick Gazebo Credit: Steven Karlisch Photography, Lucas/Eilers Associates While many gazebos are made from wood or metal, brick is an excellent material to reach for when building out a new outdoor reprieve. This large brick gazebo, designed by Eiler Associates, provides enough space for cooking, prepping, lounging, and dining. 20 Entertaining Essentials That Make Dining Al Fresco More Enjoyable 06 of 14 Traditional Cedar Wood Gazebo Credit: laughingmango / getty If you're drawn to the silhouette of a traditional style gazebo, let this beautiful design inspire your build. Made from a gorgeous and sturdy cedar wood, it features that classic rounded shape with a pointed roof. The latticework in the corners lends some extra personality, while lush greenery and a paver walkway make it extra inviting. 07 of 14 Elevated Waterfront Gazebo Credit: Feather and Twine Who says a gazebo needs to sit on ground level? This beautiful lakeside structure is elevated on stilts, providing scenic views of the water while providing storage space for a boat. 08 of 14 Ivy Roof Gazebo Credit: Claire Takacs An extra-long gazebo makes for an excellent space for entertaining. To help it feel more "at one" with the rest of your yard, grow vining plants at the base of each column and allow them to take over the roof as well. 09 of 14 Tiered Roof Gazebo Credit: FOTOGRAFIA INC. / GETTY IMAGES This captivating wood gazebo beckons you to sit and take a load off with its classic silhouette and surrounding lush foliage. The tiered roof adds another layer of drama, as does intricate corner molding, inviting solar lights, and rocking chairs. 10 of 14 Simple Gazebo Credit: Visit Beaufort, Port Royal and the Sea Islands Sometimes the simplest structure is exactly what you need to transform your backyard space into a welcoming destination. This gazebo design features a straightforward, house-like design complete with a sloped roof and platform. You could keep the walls open or add curtains, and it's perfect for everything from a small dining table to a cozy lounge. 11 of 14 Gazebo Dining Retreat Credit: Portra / getty You know you're living the dream when al fresco meals are part of your everyday routine. Whether large or small, gazebos are an excellent place for a dining table. Soft lighting and comfortable chairs will take your outdoor dining experience to the next level. 20 Beautiful Pergola Ideas That Will Create Shade in Your Yard, Patio, or Garden 12 of 14 Holiday Decorated Whatever gazebo style you prefer—and however you choose to outfit it—consider getting creative with every holiday that rolls around. From festive Fourth of July decor to Easter-inspired, your outdoor retreat can serve as an extension of your home and provide the perfect place to celebrate. 13 of 14 Enclosed Gazebo Credit: Mint Images / Getty While gazebos typically feature an open-air design, you can certainly enclose yours for more comfort. An enclosed gazebo keeps bugs away and can also remain cooler during the hot months and warmer during the chilly ones. Screens or windows allow for airflow as needed while letting in light. 25 Flower Bed Ideas That Will Inspire Your Garden Design 14 of 14 Two-Story Attached Gazebo Credit: The Edges Wedding Photography Here's an incredible idea for a two-story home with a porch that wraps around each level: a veranda-gazebo hybrid. This multi-level gazebo instantly adds character to the home, providing some wow-worthy curb appeal, but it's also highly functional. Frequently Asked Questions Can I put a gazebo on my deck? Yes, a gazebo can be placed on a deck, but only if the deck is sound and can hold the weight. A professional can help determine if the type of deck you have and the gazebo you'd like to have built are compatible. How much does it cost to build a gazebo? The average cost of building a gazebo is around $5,000, although the price can range much lower or higher based on design, materials, labor, and other factors involved in the project. What are the downsides of having a gazebo? A gazebo can take up a lot of prime real estate in your yard, it is tough to move, and the structure requires maintenance. Explore more: Home Outdoor Living Sources decorvow is committed to using high-quality, reputable sources—including peer-reviewed studies—to support the facts in our articles. Read about our editorial policies and standards to learn more about how we fact check our content for accuracy. How Much Does a Gazebo Cost? Angi.