If you want an outdoor shade for recreation at home and want it to complement the home aesthetic and décor elegantly, you are left with many options. It includes gazebos, pergola, arbors, and pavilions mostly. But no one beats the impact and practicality of the gazebos?
But what is a gazebo actually? Also, what is its difference with the pergola or arbors?
We will find the answer to these popular and awe-striking questions of most homeowners. Plus, we will show you versatile uses of the gazebo to make it your premier recreational and entertainment center at home.
So, let’s get on with it.
What Is A Gazebo?
To put it simply, a gazebo refers to a freestanding structure or a pavilion structure. Also, some people call it an open structure in a garden. It can be of two shapes mostly-
- The octagonal shape
- The hexagonal shape
The octagonal gazebos are slightly large in size. Hence, these are placed mostly in big gardens and even in commercial spaces. The gazebos are built with metal or wood and sometimes have a combination of both metal and wood.
Inside the shed, there could be a built-in seating arrangement. If there’s no previous seating arrangement, you can use patio or lawn chairs inside the sheltered space. The main purpose of the gazebo is to offer shedding from the sun during the summer. Plus, it protects you from highwinds.
There’re scopes of installing curtains or latticework to add privacy and enclosure. These curtains also prevent pests and flee from getting inside.
The gazebo will often be the focal point of the garden setting. It will immediately grab attention and appreciation from audiences if installed and decorated properly. In medieval Europe, gazebos were part of showing aristocracy.
Also, wind-resistant gazebos will withstand highwinds and protect you and other items from blowing away. Thus, it offers versatile use.
In different regions and culture, gazebos have different names too-
- Alhambra,
- Belvedere,
- Kiosk,
- Pagoda,
- Rotunda,
- Shed, and
- Summerhouse or tea house.
A Brief History of Gazebos
The word gazebo was introduced in Europe during the early 18th century by British architect and designer John and William Halfpenny. They used the words as part of the title of their book that discussed Chinese gazebos and another outdoor garden setting.
Oxford Dictionary refers that the word gazebo is closely linked with the word gaze. Thus, it refers to roaming around, mostly.
Gazebos became a state-of-the-art décor item in parks and town centers in the early 19th and 20th centuries. But these shaded shelters were long ago introduced at homes. The 1st use of gazebos is truly traced back to ancient Greece and Rome.
Also, Egyptians had a great fascination for gazeboes and pavilions. In Greece, temples were accompanied by large and decorated gardens. Gazebos were one of the most engaging parts of such gardens.
The trend continued and during the medieval age, European and American Knights and landlords integrated the gazebo culture in their home, garden, and lawn space. In the modern era, gazebos have become an integral part of a garden setting, outdoor wedding arrangements, and parties.
Also, specialized gazebos such as gazebo for snow are used during the wintertime to keep you secure from the freezing cold.
Different Types of Gazebos
Depending on the design and usability, gazebos can be of different kinds. The common gazebo types include-
- Lean-to gazebos: it will actually lean towards the outside of the home. It leans over the back door of the home, mostly.
- Pop-up gazebos: The pop-up gazebos are pretty handy. You can set them within a few minutes when need be. And when it is not needed, you can easily fold and store it.
- Freestanding gazebos: Freestanding gazebos are the mainstream ones these days. These gazebos are pretty permanent set up and don’t need extra support. It can be positioned anywhere gives that it has adequate space.
- Gazebo tents: As the name suggests, this is a combination of gazebo and tens. Usually, these gazebos have sidewalls and canopy. The walls have windows too.
These different kinds of gazebos come with various uses.
Use Of Gazebos
A gazebo is a pretty versatile outdoor garden setting. It adds elegance and aesthetics tothe home and exterior space. Plus, it tells about your taste. The common uses of gazebo include the following-
- The main use of the gazebo is to offer you a shelter for seating space. It works as an excellent recreational and entertainment center. You can safely sit underneath its roof and enjoy the beautiful sunshine or snowing evenings.
- Gazebos with curtains also add a sense of privacy. It could be a remarkable place to enjoy some quality time with your friend and beloved people. The curtains will offer you privacy and a soothing ambiance for romance.
- Modern-day gazebos are used as wedding arrangements too. As the cost of wedding venues is going up, wedding gazebos have come up as a brilliant solution. Also, you can use them for anniversary, or birthday celebrations. In fact, even the wedding event planners are now using the gazebo as their décor item.
- If you are not afraid of a bit of adventure, you can even set up a bathtub or spa in the outdoor garden gazebo. You can enjoy the fresh air and remain safe from the sun underneath the gazebos on the spa. Plus, grill gazebos are used for instant parties and BBQ sessions.
- Gazebo spaces are usable as fitness areas or dressing rooms for the pools. You can set them near the pool and allow people a cozy space for a dress change. Also, you may install a few fitness types of equipment and use them under the cozy ambiance.
Final Words
This was our inclusive discussion on what is a gazebo. A gazebo with its shaded space truly brings aesthetic and comfort to the garden space. The gazeboes are available in different shapes, styles, and colors to suit every home décor.
Plus, they serve you with multidimensional applications from simple evening shelter to BBQ party and whatnot! Once you install a gazebo at home it will also tell about your taste and upgrade your status in the neighborhood too.
Henry Jurk is an experienced architect with over 20 years of expertise in paving. He shares his knowledge and provides solutions through his blog posts at OkPatio.com. If you have any questions about patios, gardens, and outdoor spaces, you can find the correct answers from Henry. You can contact him via email at ar.henryjurk@gmail.com or through the website’s contact page.
