Designer-Approved Ideas That’ll Keep Your Patio From Being the Hottest Place on Earth (2024)

The General Assembly team designed a slatted structure over an outdoor dining area. The cascading light and partial shade make it the ideal "refuge from a busy life, a focused space to connect," says founder Sarah Zames. Apply the concept to any patio to soften harsh light without completely blocking it.

Get crafty by creating your own patio cover with wooden posts, rope, and romantic lace linens. The display in this backyard by designer Leanne Ford shades the dining table and adds to the overall dreamy atmosphere.

At furniture designer John Houshmand's Mexican property, the patio features a bamboo overhang and contrasting stone columns that bring a perfect mix of cool and warm tones to the outdoor area.

Massive trees surrounding a patio in Palo Alto, California, by designer Catherine Kwong shade the area naturally. The right landscaping really does go a long way. Kwong added bench cushions with Perennials fabric and Jenni Kayne pillows for maximum comfort around a teak table.

Or if tall trees seem like too much, opt for potted plants like the fruit trees surrounding this al fresco dining area at Monica Bhargava's California house. This way, you can more easily arrange and rearrange the setup how you wish while ensuring you always have some shade.

If you're building a new home or looking to make some permanent changes, consider a courtyard in lieu of a patio. With tall walls surrounding the area—like this hangout designed by Jean Liu—you won't need much shade protection throughout the day. Simply break out a large umbrella when the sun hits, and you'll be set.

Shade your patio vis-a-vis fabric, which adds pattern, texture, and drama. Mark Sikes opted for a fun blue and white striped cabana here.

This enclosed patio designed by Tamsin Johnson feels like a cross between a chic living room and a jungle-inspired greenhouse. The ceiling fan keeps the air circulating and the skylight allows for light filtration—while also protecting the space from the elements.

AP Design House weatherproofed this patio by adding Bermuda shutters and laying galvanized steel corrugated panels overhead. Do the same to your patio so you can enjoy your outdoor space rain or shine.

The only thing more heavenly than this cottage's pool is the wisteria growing over the pergola. Shading a table and bistro chairs, a vine-covered breezeway provides the perfect place to dine al fresco

If you have a smaller backyard space or don't want to build anything permanent, you can still reap the benefits of a covered patio with furniture (like a daybed) that features a built-in pergola. We're digging the chocolate brown cushions contrasting with the bright orange citrus tree in a backyard by Reath Design.

Caroline Rafferty decked out a small bar prep zone (conveniently located right by the cabana) in saturated colors and stripes, then optimized the space with a ceiling fan and hidden remote-controlled hurricane shutters for the off-season.

If you want to carve out a space that feels truly transportive, opt for a trellised gazebo. This one from April Powers doubles as a post-swim hang. The crawling vines, sheers, and camouflaging paint color allow the gazebo to blend right in with the garden, while the bench and coffee table ensure everything you need is within arm’s reach.

With a Baja shelf in the pool, a nearby semi-covered dining area, and an indoor-outdoor home bar, this backyard designed by Ken Fulk is the perfect place indoor/outdoor place to unwind and entertain.

A round opening in the roof offers a glimpse of the sky from the comfortable daybed in the pavilion of this Florida home. A pavilion is the perfect solution for open and airy living, while providing the added comfort of shade.

One of the most popular types of patio and deck coverings is a pergola because of the partial shade/sun combo it provides. This patio by Aamir Khandwala is covered with a white one that complements the deck for a modern approach that pops against the green landscape.

Landscape designer Jay Griffith’s standalone pagoda is a grown-up version of a treehouse hideaway. The floor cushions enhance the sense of intimacy while the curtains provide extra privacy.

With a restaurant-worthy outdoor kitchen, The roof of this Brooklyn brownstone by designer Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo is a multi-season entertainment oasis thanks to the pergola, which has an extra layer of protection from the tarp.

If you can't build a more permanent patio cover, opt for an umbrella over the most high-traffic area. On this patio by Tamsin Johnson Interiors, a simple blue and white umbrella with retro flair pairs perfectly with the whimsical aesthetic, from the striped lounge chairs to the side table.

You can still create a patio cover without spending a ton and renovating it. Instead of creating a more permanent overhead structure, secure outdoor fabric or a tarp to corner pillars. Visually, the effect is romantic and easygoing.