50 Stylish Covered Patio Ideas (2024)

Room Design

Outdoor Spaces

• 01 of 50

  Add Perspex

  

  A rooftop patio in Hong Kong designed byAlexandra Lauren features plenty of texture and vibrant colors. The Horchow rug with a geometric pattern provides a statement piece that many outdoor areas often miss. Thepergola is topped with a sheet of clear Perspex, a type of plexiglass with UV resistance—so there's no shortage of light but it's still safer than sitting in direct sunlight. With a few bright pops of color, the space nearly feels summer getaway-inspired.

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• 02 of 50

  Make It Modern

  

  This outdoor area with a ceiling feels cozy yet still enveloped in the great outdoors. Designed by South African firmLevEcoArchitects, the composite polystyrene made IsoPine material functions well outside, provided it doesn't get direct rain. The timber roof rafters are pocketed into the brickwork of the house, so you don't see any connections. Thanks to the roof, time spent outside doesn't need to be cut short by the rain or less than ideal weather.

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• 03 of 50

  Opt for Shade Cloth

  

  The husband-and-wife design team known asThe Ranch Mine covered a house in corrugated steel and treated the concrete flooring with Cohills Enviro Stain. Shade-sail anchors were tied into the roof trusses under the eaves to support the shade sails. Shade sails are often a less expensive option than brick, mortar, and other built-ins, reducing the need for an architect and construction crew.

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• 04 of 50

  Go Green

  

  Plants always add to the charm of a space, especially when they become the main focus. This beautiful and eclectic eco-conscious outdoor space was created byCarson Douglas Landscape Architecture (CDLA)for a Santa Ynez, California,ranch. Manyfeatures arecustom-designed, like the redwoodpergola,which supportshealthy, lush vines, the redwood vegetableboxes, cold-season A-frames, and metal-frame fire pit, infilled with stone toresemble a gabion.

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• 05 of 50

  Mix Modern and Rustic

  

  For a look that straddles the line between rustic and modern, take a note out of Gast Architects' book. This shade idea was created for a scored-concrete patio in Arroyo Grande, CA. Courtesy of a custom-made steel frame, this outdoor area is sleek but still has that slight farmhouse touch due to the corrugated galvanized steel.

  Tip

  Patio cover kits remove the hassle of designing a patio cover by leaving that work to their manufacturer's architectural experts. You follow the instructions and build it, removing the guesswork. The pre-made kits come in many budget, size, and style options. Some kits require you to buy the materials, while others include everything.

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• 06 of 50

  Blend Natural Materials

  

  Natural materials are a smart design decision when working on an outdoor space. They blend in beautifully with their surroundings and have a stunning overall effect when two or three are mixed together, such as this brick, stone, and wood combination. Designed by Eklektic Interiors of Houston, the patio floor is made of reclaimed Old Chicago brick, while the facade and arches are made of Texas limestone.

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• 07 of 50

  Try a Cedar Pergola

  

  New York City-basedResolution: 4 Architectureconstructed a stained-cedar pergola over a bluestone-paver patio for a home and pool house project. It's another prime example of just how lovely natural materials look while protecting a portion of an outdoor space. That matching wooden chairs are just the icing on the cake.

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• 08 of 50

  Hang a Chair from the Roof

  

  The roof protects this otherwise patio from Forge & Bow Dwellings, and provides a place to suspend a hanging chair that adds a touch of whimsy to the outdoor space.
  

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• 09 of 50

  Add Industrial Vibes

  

  This particular entry courtyard was made for a home-based work/art studio designed byHomes by Monticello. Featuring cedar decking, slat walls, and a protective plastic roof, it's a great area for spending time outside in rain or shine. The home is built around a grain silo, giving it a "modern industrial" sensibility.

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• 10 of 50

  Embrace Midcentury Modern

  

  Raising the roofline and adding clerestory windows tothis midcentury ranch flooded the living spaces with natural light. Rowland and Broughton added a rooftop patio to the single-story home, along with a patio off theback of thehouse with whitepolishedconcrete flooring. The style is further elevated thanks to the Texas limestone columns and cozy fire pit.

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• 11 of 50

  Add Unique Touches

  

  See Also

  24 Covered Patio Ideas to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Living SpacePatio Enclosures, Patio Covers & Porch Enclosures20 Shade Sail Ideas for Covered Patio Solutions

  The modern Rising Glen house in the Hollywood Hills by Tocha Projectfeatures a custom-designed deck. The patio cover's levelers (shades or blinds) are motorized and operated by elevator buttons located in the home's bar area.

  Tip

  The simplest way to add shade to a patio or any outdoor space is by opening an umbrella. Just make sure it is sturdy and anchored by a weighted holder or it will be gone with the next big wind!

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• 12 of 50

  Bring in Loggias

  

  Places with fantastic weather should take advantage of it through outdoor spaces, which is exactly what StreningArchitectsdid when transforming this 25-acre property in Calistoga. The firm built a spectacular showcase by creatingtwo distinct loggias on the front and back of the house to fully embrace wine country indoor/outdoor living. Strening used asimple palette of stone, stucco, wood,and steel to bring refined elegance to the property. The patio cover is a combination of painted structural steel and Alaskan yellow cedar.

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• 13 of 50

  Keep Original Features

  

  There's something special about retaining a home's original features. This 1950s Seattle home, remodeled by Lane Williams Architects, features two 16-foot-wideFleetwood pocketing aluminum and sliding glass doors that open the den and dining rooms to the terrace. LWA saved the original 1960-built outdoor brick fireplace, which was incorporated into the new patio design.

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• 14 of 50

  Blend Glass and Timber

  

  Designed byMichael Abraham Architecture, this custom-built farmhouse-modern estate makes the best of indoor and outdoor worlds. The patio flooring is made of natural bluestone, while a sun-drenched outdoor room features large spans of glass with contemporary lines that frame views of the lake. Hand-hewn beams, exposed timbers, and indigenousstones were used in building this outdoor escape.

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• 15 of 50

  Go Big with a Pergola

  

  Texas Custom Patios built a pergola off the side and front of anexisting covered area and added an outdoor kitchen to maximize outside living space. Though pergolas are often seen in smaller areas, extra-large models are ideal for providing ample shade without fully covering a patio with a roof.

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• 16 of 50

  Add an Awning

  

  This 1950s-inspired Australian beach home bySanctum Design features a German Markilux motorized canopy/glass awning. Its another great example of how mechanized features can really add to a home's outdoor area. The bright off-white palette also makes the whole space feel open and airy, despite being covered.

  Tip

  A retractable awning gives you the option to cover and uncover your patio at will. Most are attached to one part of the side of the home. Some are motorized and others are wind-up. You can keep them closed during winter and bad weather, but on sunny days, they cover up with the best of them.
  

  20 Patio Awning Ideas That Will Shade and Shelter You

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• 17 of 50

  Go for Full Shade

  

  In hot locations, sometimes fully blocking the sun is essential. This custom classic home designed by PHX Architecture is situated in Arizona, making a covered area a must. The interior and exterior offer relief from the desert heat with several covered areas that extend from the main structure. It doesn't hurt that the space is impeccably styled, too.

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• 18 of 50

  Add a Dash of Color

  

  A Mexican-inspired patio for a home in Metairie, LA, was designed byMullin Landscape Associates. There is a blend of fantastic colors happening in this space. Hanging from the painted wood-frame shade structure is a gold and white pendant light that adds a playful touch of metallic. But the most powerful splash of color comes from the neon green and aqua blue chairs and pillows.

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• 19 of 50

  Warm It Up

  

  The interior and exterior of this contemporary coastal home were instantly warmed up through a remodel. Design firm Mr. Mitchell used reclaimed Australian hardwoods, natural stone, and textural fabrics to take this gray, modernized space and make it feel homier indoors and out.

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• 20 of 50

  Go Big

  

  This concrete porch from Kern & Co. has a monumental roof in contrasting rustic wood and terracotta roof tiles that gives it shade, shelter, and definition.

  Tip

  Natural tiki thatching works best in a dry, hot, and windy climate. Synthetic thatch doesn't look as authentic as the real thing, but it will hold up better if you live in a humid climate.

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• 21 of 50

  Add a Wooden Patio Roof

  

  Arbor & Co. converted the garage into a Portland, OR guest house, hanging a large wooden roof structure over the driveway-turned-patio to make it feel more like a home and provide cover for rainy day entertaining.

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• 22 of 50

  Waterproof It

  

  A high,transparent patio cover designed byin3interieurallows unobstructed sunlight into the house and also keeps the patio area warm on summer evenings. Because of the see-through nature of the material, residents still get a great view of the sky and surroundings but get more protection from sun and rain.

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• 23 of 50

  Use a Thatched Shade

  

  Higgins Architectsopted for this unique shade structure with a metal framework and a thatch-style roof instead of a more classic option. It feels ultra fitting for an outdoor space—especially for people looking to make their exteriors feel more natural. The addition of plants, stonework, and tile adds to that aesthetic.

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• 24 of 50

  Hang a Solar Fabric Shade

  

  An exterior-grade open-weave solar fabric shade helps block the rays of the sun, as this Austin patio designed byPaula Ables Interiors shows. The fabric is attached to a track along both sides and is moved via a detachable rod. It gives a little fluidity to an otherwise modern space, too.

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• 25 of 50

  Build a Wood Pergola

  

  Architect Robert A. McGrawdesigned a simple wood-slat shade structure that doesn't compete with or obstruct views of the Pacific. It's a natural overall look that provides a little coverage that doesn't block out nature entirely.

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• 26 of 50

  Attach It

  

  A young family's passion for the Colorado lifestyle is reflected in the outdoor space created byMitchell Wall Architecture and Design. Built from local woods, the covered patio attaches to thehome and flows from the living room and kitchen to the yard and swimming and spa areas.

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• 27 of 50

  Combine Fabric and Steel

  

  Custom designed and installed by Jenna Bayer Garden Design, this Palo Alto patio cover is made from a steel-engineered structure ​and a shade fabric with 70 percent filtration. It's exactly the type of coverage you'd want while spending a little time dining outside or visiting with friends.

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• 28 of 50

  Add a Green Canopy

  

  This beautiful outdoor area of a vacation home shows that human-made materials aren't the only options worth considering. Walnut Hill Landscape Co. used wisteria and Lady Banks roses to blanket the space with a little more shade. The company also evoked Tuscan charm in this space through the columns and tiling.

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• 29 of 50

  Use Carved Wood Columns

  

  It looks like Bali and is called Bali House, but this home with elaborate architectural and decorative details created by Indonesian craftspeople is actually in Kihei, Maui. The home was designed byRick Ryniak Architects and the blend of wood and natural materials makes this outdoor area feel like a tropical getaway every day of the week.

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• 30 of 50

  Build a Screened-In Porch

  

  JCR Design Groupcreated a new look for ahome with the addition of a three-season screened-in porch, along with a new and enlarged patio and hot tub.Screens are ideal for keeping pests and grime from fully infiltrating your outdoor spaces and ruining any al fresco dining experience.

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• 31 of 50

  Consider Reed Grass

  

  Architect Mark Buchanan ofNewmann Lewis Buchanan Architectsdesigned a simple shade structure at this farm using a metal arching framework to support a reed-grass cover.

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• 32 of 50

  Try a Flat Roof

  

  A modern hardwood flat-roof overhead was built by Rick Ryniak Architectsto allow the homeowners to relax and enjoy the surrounding view. When you add in a full covering like this, there's more of a chance to play with the type of furniture and accents used outside because there's less exposure to damage-causing elements.

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• 33 of 50

  Make It Linear

  

  Birdseye Designcreated a rustic and elegant path of pavers that also serves as a narrow patio for this home. It's ideal for staying out of the sun while still enjoying the warmth of summer. Lining a space like this with different seating options is the best way to take advantage of the shape, as seen here.

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• 34 of 50

  Consider the Climate

  

  Several years after the installation of this corrugated cold-rolled steel roof, there are no signs of major corrosion. According to the designers,Carney Logan Burke Architects, plain, cold-rolled mild steel doesn't corrode significantly—even after 50 years. Though style is important for creating an outdoor space you love, it's equally as vital to consider what the weather and climate are like, too.

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• 35 of 50

  Opt for an A-Frame

  

  A wood frame supports an A-frame overhead that serves as a complete outdoor living space with stone fireplace, TV, outdoor kitchen, and seating. The project was designed by Texas Custom Patios and feels wonderfully cozy not just because of the fire, but courtesy of the cushioned seating options and hot tub, too.

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• 36 of 50

  Keep It Rustic

  

  Designs on Madisondesigned this home that features a rustic outdoor wood pergola covering a simple dining setup. It allows filtered light to come through and provides just enough shade for comfortably eating outside.

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• 37 of 50

  Keep It Ope

  

  Emeritus Development designed a coastal-style residence with a wood pergola that features a flat open roof and custom-built brick fireplace for stylish outdoor living. The space is optimal for letting in sunshine and a cool breeze. The blue touches make it all the more beach-inspired.

  Tip

  Pergolas are a nice alternative to entirely enclosed coverings, especially if your home's interior windows lack for sun exposure. To save timber costs for a wooden pergola, enlarging the openings between slats. You can also save some money by considering an aluminum or vinyl pergola. Redwood pergolas are gorgeous but are one of the more expensive choices.

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• 38 of 50

  Combine Wood and Concrete

  

  Concrete blocks create a decorative wall feature for this courtyard in Perth, Australia, designed by Dale Alco*ck Homes. Wood beams attach to eaves and another shade structure that creates more open space to catch some rays in the courtyard. The addition of the outdoor throw pillows makes it all the more inviting.

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• 39 of 50

  Use Polished Wood

  

  Many good patio cover ideas combine interior and exterior components. An intricately detailed, polished wood ceiling is the focal point of this outdoor structure designed by Texas Custom Patios. On top of this, interior elements like accent rugs and multiple seating areas make it feel even more elevated.

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• 40 of 50

  Use a Bamboo Panel

  

  Fantastic Frank used a natural bamboo panel to shelter the roof of this covered patio that adds warmth while letting some light shine through. Flowy curtains add an extra layer of protection against the elements.

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• 41 of 50

  Choose a Solid Roof

  

  This Seattle house was extended outside byAmerican Louvered Roofs. Wood columns and decking support a solid roof that provides shelter from sun in the summer, but also rain—a hallmark of the Pacific Northwest. It still allows residents to enjoy the great outdoors for several seasons, but more comfortably so.

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• 42 of 50

  Winterize It

  

  Even when it's raining or snowing, the Canadian homeowners of this solid-wood-covered room designed by Cedar Springs Landscape Groupcan feel like they're still outside. This is thanks to the large openings surrounding the space.

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• 43 of 50

  Keep It Freestanding

  

  Designed byC.E. Pontz Sons, this outdoor area pergola features a faux slate roof that's held up by a wooden structure. The wall-mounted TV was hung from the pergola, too, providing an outdoor living space that blends interior and exterior features flawlessly.

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• 44 of 50

  Add a Ceiling Fan

  

  Martha O'Hara Interiors added a ceiling fan to the roof of this Austin bungalow patio that helps keep the semi-enclosed space feeling cool during scorching days and nights.

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• 45 of 50

  Use a Pop Up Canopy

  

  The untapped real estate of an unused driveway is a natural spot for an outdoor patio. This patio dining space designed by Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design is sheltered by a pop-up canopy with curtains that can be tied back or closed completely depending on the occasion and the weather.

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• 46 of 50

  Mix Wood Finishes

  

  Starting with a pretty clean slate, Paradise Restoredcreated a wood pergola that extends from the house and shades the outdoor kitchen, dining table, and provides privacy for the hot tub. It's a nice way of blocking out a little sun (and neighbors' prying eyes) without fully covering up the whole space.

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• 47 of 50

  Suspend a Shade Sail

  

  Provide a small slice of refreshing shade by draping fabric across a section of an outdoor area, as this cozy corner exemplifies. The tiny pool and ample seating is a perfect place to escape the warm sun for a little bit without covering the entirety of the patio.

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• 48 of 50

  Paint It White

  

  Covered areas can also create "rooms" in an outdoor space and can separate out dedicated areas for relaxing, eating, or playing games. When considering patio cover ideas, a pergola may come to mind as a great way to do this. These outdoor structures also provide an opportunity for climbing plants to explore and create even more shade.

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• 49 of 50

  Use an Outdoor Umbrella

  

  Patio coverings don't have to be permanent. For temporary coverage that can be moved around with ease, a chic weather-resistant umbrella is perfect. It blocks out any unwanted sun or drizzle, but can just as easily be brought down or rearranged for soaking up a few rays or getting a view of the night sky.

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• 50 of 50

  Add Partial Cover

  

  Providing multiple coverage options will appeal to multiple comfort levels when it comes to spending time outside. The swinging seats in this outdoor area get more exposure to the great outdoors, whereas a fully covered roof protects the couch and anyone sitting there who may prefer more shade or respite from the elements.