Traditional vs contemporary: choosing the right trellis for your garden style

When it comes to enhancing your garden with structure and style, few elements are as effective as trellis panels. These versatile features do far more than support climbing plants; they shape spaces, provide privacy, and define the overall character of your garden. Choosing between a traditional or contemporary trellis design can dramatically influence the mood and feel of your outdoor space. Here’s how to decide which style is right for you.

What makes a trellis traditional?

Traditional trellis panels are timeless classics, often characterised by gentle curves, lattice patterns, and a sense of softness that complements more informal, naturalistic planting schemes. Designs like square trellis and diagonal trellis are especially well-suited to English cottage gardens or more formal, symmetrical layouts.

These panels are typically made from natural timber and often feature arched tops or decorative detailing. Their open weave allows plants such as climbing roses, honeysuckle, or clematis to thread through with ease, softening hard landscaping and adding height to planting schemes.

These designs work particularly well as garden dividers, screening panels, or decorative backdrops in classic garden schemes. They can add privacy and support climbing plants.

What defines a contemporary trellis style?

Contemporary trellis designs are clean, linear, and minimalist: ideal for modern homes and architectural gardens. Slatted panels, with their horizontal timber lines, are especially popular, offering both visual structure and practical function. Painted square trellis can also give a sleek, contemporary feel.

These panels are often painted in modern tones such as black, grey or sage green, and can be used as privacy screens, stylish dividers or understated garden backdrops. They pair well with structured planting schemes, think clipped grasses, raised beds, and outdoor entertaining spaces.

Which style suits your garden?

Choosing between traditional and contemporary trellis is less about following trends and more about complementing your home and garden style.

• Traditional trellis works well if you have:
  • A period property or cottage garden
  • Informal or romantic planting schemes
  • Wildlife-friendly borders or natural landscaping
  • A preference for curved lines and classic timber finishes
• Contemporary trellis suits those with:
  • A modern or newly built home
  • Minimalist or structured planting
  • Urban spaces or small courtyards
  • Painted features, bold geometry, and clean design lines

And of course, it’s entirely possible to blend both. Many homeowners choose to combine a traditional trellis gate with sleek slatted fencing to reflect their garden’s varied uses.

What else should you consider?

Regardless of the style you prefer, keep these practical points in mind:

• Climbers or decorative only?
  Choose sturdier panels like the Prestige Diagonal Trellis if you’re supporting vigorous plants.
• Positioning and light:
  Painted panels can fade in direct sun. Natural timber will mellow attractively with age.
• Customisation and fit:
  Opt for bespoke solutions to get the right fit for awkward spaces or to ensure cohesion across fencing, gates, and screening panels.

The bespoke service from The Garden Trellis Company is ideal if you’re working on a tailored design or want something that perfectly matches your garden vision.

Frame your garden with the right style

Whether you’re after the timeless charm of lattice panels or the crisp structure of contemporary slatted trellis, the right choice will elevate your garden. Trellis panels are not just functional, they’re fundamental to creating mood, guiding the eye, and defining beautiful outdoor spaces.

Ready to find your perfect match?
Explore our full collection of trellis panels and start shaping your garden’s unique character today.