Cedar Pergola over a Dining Patio

Not every structure needs to be big — this one is sized to the dining set beneath it, which is exactly why it works. Twelve by fourteen keeps the table, the chairs pulled out, and the path around them under frame without swallowing the rest of the patio.

The cedar was left in a warm finish that picks up the brick behind it, and the rafters run so the evening sun falls across the table instead of into anyone's eyes.