15 Best Trellis Ideas for Gorgeous Climbing Gardens
Cover them in flowering vines and plants!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
New patio furniture and garden accessories are a great way to spruce up your outdoor space, but there’s only so much you can add to your patio, especially when square footage is limited. So, instead of only thinking about outdoor decor in terms of your floor space, think higher! In other words, utilize the vertical space in your backyard with vine-wrapped trellises that grow up rather than out. The sky is quite literally the limit, so there are so many possibilities for climbing plants and vegetables to shoot towards the clouds, leaning on a trusty trellis for reinforcement.
The best trellis ideas not only support the growth of vines and plants but also provide privacy from neighbors and separation between outdoor living spaces and gardens without disrupting the organic flow of your backyard. And when the flowering vines woven through your trellis inevitably grow and thrive, they’ll add an extra layer of beauty, allure, and greenery to your outdoor space!
The trellis ideas on this list vary in material, size, and effort. Some consist of wood and bamboo that are secured into raised beds, while others are made from metal and are anchored to the wall to support heavier plants. And while many of these trellises follow the traditional rectangular shape, there are even some obelisk and arch trellises to mix things up! Regardless of which idea catches your eye, any of these trellises are sure to add a touch of charm to any style of garden or patio!
Gated Trellis Fence
Instead of putting up a plain old fence, utilize a trellis fence as an entrance to your backyard or garden and cover it in flowering vines and blooms. A gate and arbor duo like the one pictured makes for a private, secure entrance for guests to use instead of going through the house to get to the backyard.
Triangular Trellis
Experiment geometrically with an inverted triangle-shaped wall trellis. The unique shape sets it apart from typical rectangular trellises, and because it's mounted inside a planter, you can easily move it around your backyard whenever you fancy.
Private Patio Trellis
Separate the areas of your backyard housing your patio furniture and garden with a large trellis "wall." The natural divide that the trellis creates makes the patio area even cozier, while the cutout "window" allows for a picturesque view of the surrounding greenery.
Diamond-Patterned Trellis
Wrap ivy or flowering vines around a fence or bordering wall with a diamond-patterned trellis. The cool criss-cross pattern will elevate any blank wall for an eclectic accent within your garden.
Upcycled Baby Gate Trellis
Repurpose that old baby gate lying around your house into an elegant mini trellis. Hook it to a wall using vinyl sliding hooks and attach a window planter to the bottom to hold a couple of your favorite small potted plants!
Get the tutorial at Amber Tysl.
Copper Obelisk Trellis
There's no reason to settle for a simple trellis from the store when you can build a gorgeous obelisk trellis with your own two hands! This one utilizes copper piping to make rungs that are attached to a wood frame. Make sure to seal the copper with a clear spray paint sealer to ensure the rose gold hue lasts in rain or shine.
Get the tutorial at Homemade by Carmona.
Raised Bed Garden Arch Trellis
If your backyard is covered with raised garden beds, consider adding an arch trellis to some of them to add an air of whimsy to your garden. This garden bed trellis is perfect for climbing vegetables like snow peas and pole beans!
Get the tutorial at Delia Creates.
Trellis Planter
A trellis planter is the perfect way to create a privacy wall in your backyard or conceal unsightly aspects of your garden, like a dog pen or hose. Secure a rectangular trellis inside a planter using soil, rocks, and scrap wood, and then plant a climbing plant within the planter. Over time, the vine or flowering plant will wrap around the trellis, creating a beautiful wall of greenery.
Get the tutorial at Love Grows Wild.
Vertical Herb Garden
Take advantage of the vertical space in your backyard and attach some planters to a wall-mounted trellis. Fill the planters with soil and fresh herbs, and enjoy the fruits of your labor without taking up precious square footage!
Get the tutorial at Average But Inspired.
Geometric Trellis Panel
You don't have to sacrifice your mid-century modern aesthetic to implement a trellis privacy screen in your backyard! Use a miter saw to make the octagonal and quadrilateral cuts, then attach the trellis panel to two U-Post fence poles to secure it in the ground.
Get the tutorial at PMQ for Two.
Mini Trellis
If you aren't ready to commit to a large trellis, craft a mini one to test it in your garden first. For this project, square wood dowels and string make a simple trellis.
Get the tutorial at The Merry Thought.
Fence Panel Trellis
You don't need to be a woodworking expert to create an easy and elegant trellis. This trellis is made from a black steel fence panel that's screwed into an exterior wall. The best part about these neutral panels is that they work with many different styles, like farmhouse, eclectic, or modern!
Get the tutorial at Vintage Revivals.
Tower Garden Trellis
This tower trellis will make an adorable and affordable addition to your garden bed, as it's made with inexpensive cedar fencing that costs under $10 per trellis! Use this easy-to-make trellis for climbing vegetables like peas or fava beans.
Get the tutorial at Delia Creates.
Wire Wall Trellis
If you love the look of a shiny metal trellis but haven't yet ventured into metalwork, this no-weld DIY wall trellis is for you! It's easily assembled out of aluminum bars and rods that are soldered together. Picture frame wire is then threaded through drilled holes in the trellis frame, and then the whole thing is spray-painted in the color of your choice and sealed.
Get the tutorial at Homemade by Carmona.
Woven Bamboo Trellis
This bamboo trellis will be the best friend of peas, beans, and any other climbing vegetable that requires a trellis to support their upward growth. The woven bamboo stakes are sturdy enough to support growing cucumbers, beans, peas, and flowers.
Get the tutorial at Garden Therapy.
Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.
How to Clean an Air Conditioner Like a Pro
How to Get Rid of Chipmunks in Your Garden
How to Kill Poison Ivy, According to an Expert
Ree Has a Funny Tip for Dahlia Lovers
