Types of pergolas: A complete guide for your garden and balcony

Have you ever imagined your garden or balcony as a space that is not limited to the summer months but can be transformed into a real outdoor room? A place where you can relax with your coffee, entertain friends, or simply enjoy the shade and coolness?

This is exactly the role that a pergola plays: a sturdy and elegant shading system that goes beyond the usual solutions and gives your space character, comfort, and durability.

It is not just one of the many types of shading available on the market; it is a more comprehensive and functional solution. In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know about the different types of pergolas so that you can find the option that best suits your needs and style.

Why choose a pergola instead of other shading solutions

When you think of shading solutions, you probably think of awnings, sails, or even classic umbrellas. All of these are well-known types of shading, but in practice, they have limitations: an awning wears out over time and needs to be replaced, shade cloths do not offer permanent protection, and umbrellas cover very little space.

In contrast, a pergola is a complete system that offers much more than simple coverage. With its durable construction, elegant aesthetics, and multiple options, it is the best answer for anyone looking for permanent and stylish ideas for outdoor shading.

The types of pergolas you will find

The variety of pergolas is no coincidence – every space has its own requirements and every person has their own needs. At MetaForm, where expertise and quality are a priority, you will find solutions that meet different needs: from the simplest and most economical constructions to the most advanced bioclimatic options.

Also read: How to Build a Pergola Star Step-by-Step

Folding aluminum tent pergolas

Folding aluminum tent pergolas are among the most popular choices in shading products, combining high aesthetics with functionality. Their roof opens and closes easily with electric and remote control, offering practicality and comfort in everyday use. The PVC Block Out covering material ensures shade and complete waterproofing, while their sturdy construction with stainless steel components guarantees resistance to sun, rain, and wind, making them ideal for any outdoor space.

Their options cover every need: Star and Cronos pergolas combine timeless design with reliable operation, while the larger Magna and Mega are designed for professional or residential spaces that require large surface coverage. Arch adds a special architectural touch with its curved line.

All models are available in different aluminum colors and cover materials, with the option of integrating LED lighting for an atmospheric mood. They come with quality and safety certifications, ensuring that you will enjoy a reliable and long-lasting investment. Thus, folding pergolas are not just another awning, but a complete system that enhances your garden or balcony and upgrades your space as a whole.

Learn more: How to install Pergola Top Star

Bioclimatic pergolas

Bioclimatic pergolas are the most advanced option among shading solutions, offering top quality and complete adaptability. The aluminum roof panels rotate or fold, giving you control over lighting, ventilation, and protection from rain, wind, and snow.

In MetaForm’s bioclimatic series, you will find Futura, with rotating panels – like Bio-Persa – horizontally arranged products without a slope, featuring perimeter gutters for excellent water drainage. On the other hand, Persa stands out for its folding sloped panels, while Bio-Persa combines full backward folding of the panels, offering maximum flexibility and freedom in opening the roof.

Their sturdy construction, with profiles resistant to heavy loads and strong winds, is accompanied by all the necessary safety certificates. When the panels are fully retracted, they occupy only 30% of the surface area, leaving the sky open. At the same time, the minimalist design, high-quality materials, and precision engineering ensure a perfect fit, waterproofing, and wind protection.

For greater ease of use, all bioclimatic pergolas are electrically operated, allowing you to adjust the roof easily at the touch of a button. In addition, the panels can be insulated with PU foam for thermal and acoustic performance, customized drainage solutions, and LED lighting options that enhance the atmosphere at night. Finally, the flexibility of installation—wall mounting, free standing, two pergolas back-to-back or in a row—makes bioclimatic pergolas a complete architectural solution that combines comfort, functionality, and high aesthetics.

Read also: Bioclimatic Pergola Futura – Installation

Cross pergolas

For those looking for something truly special, Cross pergolas are the solution. The Lumia model is a prime example: it combines elegant lines with high functionality, transforming the pergola into a design element. We are not just talking about shading, but about an architectural intervention that gives your space identity and stands out from any ordinary solution.

Its construction is based on curved counterweights covered with PVC Block Out, a material that offers complete protection from the sun and rain, while creating the elegance of a canopy. For even greater durability, Lumia is equipped with perimeter gutters that effectively remove water, keeping your space dry. And, of course, all this is done with ease thanks to the electric motor, which allows you to operate the pergola quickly and easily.

The Cross pergola is an option for those who want to add character, style, and uniqueness to their balcony or garden.

You may be interested in: Is your Pergola Smart?

SmartHome function

Enjoy the ultimate experience of comfort and control with MetaForm pergolas. Thanks to compatibility with Somfy®’s TaHoma app, you can manage your pergola directly from your mobile phone — even when you’re away from home or your premises.

Shading systems can be combined with smart light, rain, wind, and temperature sensors to automatically adjust to the weather conditions. This means that your pergola “reacts” to changes in the weather on its own, offering maximum protection, energy efficiency, and unparalleled ease of use.

The SmartHome function transforms the pergola into a modern, interconnected system that combines technology, ergonomics, and design—a solution that not only provides shade but also complete control at the touch of a button.

Maintenance, cost & sustainability

A pergola is not just a purchase, it is an investment. And like any investment, it needs proper care to perform at its best. Maintaining folding models is simple: PVC fabrics are easily cleaned with water and mild soap, while aluminum surfaces remain like new with a little regular cleaning. In bioclimatic pergolas, the mechanism is protected and designed to withstand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent technical support.

The cost of a pergola reflects the quality of its construction and the long-term value it offers to your space, making it a truly worthwhile investment. In addition, the use of durable and recyclable materials makes pergolas more environmentally friendly. Bioclimatic pergolas also help save energy by reducing the need for air conditioning, especially during the summer months.

How to choose the right pergola for your space

Choosing the right pergola depends on many factors. First, consider the space you want to cover: for a small balcony, a simpler fixed solution may be suitable, while for a large garden or professional space, a bioclimatic or reinforced folding pergola is ideal. In addition, for those who want even more protection, there is the option of incorporating a vertical ZIP-type casket into all types of pergolas. With canvas or other materials, the cassettes act as a perimeter “barrier” against wind, rain, or intense sunlight, making the space more comfortable and usable all year round.

From there, think about how exactly you want to use the space: you can imagine it as a relaxation area with comfortable armchairs, as a place to entertain friends or even as a professional extension, such as a café or restaurant. At the same time, don’t forget about aesthetics; the pergola is part of your home’s architecture, so the design and materials should blend harmoniously with the rest of the environment.

Finally, consider your budget. Unlike cheaper but temporary solutions, a pergola is a long-term investment that provides comfort, protection, and added value to your property.

At MetaForm, we know that every space is unique. With years of experience in designing and manufacturing shading systems, we can recommend the ideal solution from among all the available types of pergolas, so you can create the balcony or garden you’ve always dreamed of.