25 Covered Outdoor Patio Ideas You Must Try
When you think of a covered outdoor patio, do you think of a space that can only be used in the summer? Or only when there’s no rain or snow?
There are so many ideas and ways to create a covered outdoor space that is both beautiful and functional for all seasons.
Here are 25 ways to create a covered outdoor patio space that you will love!
1. Create a Seamless Transition to the Great Outdoors
A covered patio can be a great way to create a seamless transition from the interior of your home to the great outdoors.
By designing a covered patio that extends off of your living room, you can double your entertaining space and create a second living room that’s perfect for enjoying the fresh air.
The key to creating a seamless transition is to make sure that the design of your covered patio matches the design of your interior.
This can be done by using similar colors, materials, and furniture in both spaces.
In this covered patio design, the natural stone fireplace and wood beams are a perfect match to the stone fireplace and wood beams in the living room.
2. Add a Ceiling Fan to Your Covered Patio
Ceiling fans are a great addition to any outdoor living space, but they are especially handy in a covered patio.
Ceiling fans keep the air moving and help you stay cool, even on the hottest days.
When you add a ceiling fan to your covered patio, you can create a comfortable outdoor
living space that you and your guests will want to spend time in. Plus, ceiling fans can help keep bugs away!
If you’re looking for a way to keep your covered patio cool and comfortable, a ceiling fan is a great solution.
Choose a fan that complements your patio’s design and that’s the right size for your space.
3. Add a Fire Pit
A fire pit is a great way to create a focal point in your outdoor space. It provides a cozy place to gather and extends the time you can spend outside.
Fire pits come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. You can choose from wood-burning, gas, or propane options.
If you prefer a more permanent look, consider a built-in fire pit. Or, if you want the flexibility to move it around, a freestanding fire pit is the way to go.
Surround your fire pit with comfortable seating, and you’ll have the perfect spot for late-night conversations.
4. Add a Fireplace
If you have a covered patio, you can add a fireplace to the design. A fireplace is a great way to add a focal point to your outdoor living room.
You can build a fireplace with the same materials as your patio, or you can choose a different material to create a contrast.
If you want to go all out, you can even add a TV above your fireplace. Just make sure your TV is designed for outdoor use, and you have a plan to protect it from the elements.
5. Add a Grill
If you love to cook outdoors, adding a grill to your patio is a must. You can either build in a grill or have a freestanding one.
This patio features a large built-in grill with plenty of counter space for prepping. A built-in grill can be a great way to add a custom look to your patio.
6. Add an Outdoor Kitchen
If you love to cook, an outdoor kitchen is a must-have for your covered patio.
This outdoor kitchen has everything you need for a cookout, including a grill, refrigerator, and sink.
Add a bar for seating and a dining table, and you’ve got the perfect outdoor entertaining space.
The covered roof allows you to cook and entertain in any weather.
7. Add a Dining Area
If you’re lucky enough to have a large patio, you can easily create different zones.
Here, a dining area with a long table and bench seating is located under the covered portion of the patio.
The table is located near the outdoor kitchen, making it easy to serve meals. The dining area is further defined by an outdoor rug.
8. Add a Living Room
When you have a covered patio, you can go all out with your furniture and decor.
This living room setup is perfect for entertaining or just relaxing with your family.
The fireplace in the center of the space creates a cozy atmosphere and the large area rug helps to define the living room area.
9. Add a Bar
If you love to entertain, a covered outdoor patio with a bar is a must.
This one has all the amenities of an indoor bar, including a TV, refrigerator, sink, and plenty of seating.
The bar is located right off the outdoor kitchen, making it easy to prepare drinks and food at the same time.
10. Add a Hot Tub
What’s better than a covered outdoor patio? A covered outdoor patio with a hot tub! This addition makes your backyard feel like a private getaway.
You can even add a hot tub to an existing patio. Just make sure it’s properly supported, and you’ll be good to go.
11. Add a Water Feature
If you’re looking for a way to add ambiance to your outdoor living area, consider a water feature.
These can be as simple as a bubbling fountain or as elaborate as a koi pond.
Water features can create a soothing atmosphere, drown out noise from the street, and even provide a cool, refreshing mist on hot days.
12. Add a Garden
If you love the idea of an outdoor living space, but worry that it will feel too exposed, a garden is a great way to add a sense of privacy.
Not to mention, it will make your space feel like a true oasis.
In this design from Studio McGee, the garden is planted in a raised bed and is filled with flowers, shrubs, and small trees.
The bed is tiered, which adds some visual interest and helps to create a barrier between the patio and the rest of the yard.
13. Add a Deck
Decks are a great way to extend your home’s living space. They can be built at ground level or elevated and can be attached to your home or freestanding.
Decks are often made of wood, but you can also use composite decking, which is made of wood fibers and recycled plastic.
Composite decking is more expensive than wood, but it requires less maintenance and is more durable.
Decks can be covered or uncovered, and you can add a pergola or a roof to your deck to create a covered outdoor patio.
A deck is a great option if your yard is sloped, as it can be built on multiple levels to create a flat surface.
14. Add a Pergola
Pergolas are a great way to add some structure to your outdoor patio. Plus, they’re relatively easy to install and can be customized to fit your space perfectly.
Pergolas are also a great way to add some shade to your patio, especially if you have climbing plants growing on them.
You can also add a retractable canopy to your pergola for even more shade and protection from the elements.
15. Add a Gazebo
The gazebo has made a comeback in a big way. These structures are a fantastic way to add a covered seating area to your backyard.
Gazebos are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and some can even be custom built to your exact specifications.
You can even add a gazebo to a patio you already have. This is a great way to add a focal point to your existing patio and expand your outdoor living space.
16. Add a Sunroom
Sunrooms are a great way to add an outdoor feeling to your home while still providing a comfortable, temperature-controlled space.
If you’re considering a sunroom, you can build a custom space or look at pre-fabricated options for a more budget-friendly alternative.
17. Add a Solarium
A solarium is a type of room that is made of glass. It’s the perfect addition to any outdoor patio, especially if you love to be surrounded by natural light.
Solariums are a great way to get a little more creative with your outdoor patio design and make it your own.
You can add a solarium to your existing patio or build a new one. Solariums are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while still being protected from the elements.
18. Add a Screened-In Porch
If you’re worried about bugs and other pests, a screened-in porch is a great option.
You can still enjoy the warm weather with a cool breeze without dealing with unwanted guests.
Screened-in porches are also a great option if you want to add a patio to your home but don’t have the space for a full-on addition.
You can easily install a screened-in porch right off your home’s existing structure.
19. Add a Veranda
A veranda is a roofed platform that extends along the outside of a house. It’s a great way to add a porch to a patio.
If you’re working with a covered patio, you can add a veranda to extend the space or create a separate veranda.
Verandas are usually used as a place to entertain guests or relax. They can be left open or divided into different areas like this one.
20. Add a Lanai
Lanai is a Hawaiian word that refers to a covered patio that includes a deck and is often screened in.
Lanais are most common in the southern United States where the climate is warm year-round and homeowners want to maximize their time spent outside.
A lanai can be a great addition to your home if you live in a warm climate and want a space to relax and entertain guests.
You can add a lanai to your home as an extension or addition to an existing patio.
21. Add a Courtyard
If you have the space, consider adding a courtyard to your home. Courtyards are a great way to add a private outdoor space to your home.
They are typically surrounded by the walls of the house, giving you a sense of privacy.
This modern courtyard features a covered patio with a fireplace and a built-in grill.
The patio is surrounded by a low wall and is open to the rest of the courtyard.
This is a great way to create a sense of separation without completely closing off the space.
22. Add a Balcony
A covered balcony on the second floor gives you a place to enjoy the outdoors with a little extra privacy.
This balcony is only accessible from the main bedroom, and it gives the homeowners a place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.
The balcony is covered with a roof and has a railing to keep the space safe, but it still feels open and airy.
23. Add a Terrace
If your outdoor space is on a hill, you can add a terrace to level it off. This is a perfect way to add a covered patio to your hillside home.
This patio is covered with a pergola and has a fabulous outdoor kitchen and a dining area.
The fire pit is in the center of the patio and has a built-in bench. The bench adds extra seating and a place to put drinks and food.
24. Add a Loggia
A loggia is a covered outdoor living area that is typically attached to the front or side of a home.
It is supported by columns or arches and may be enclosed by screens or windows.
This loggia, designed by Harrison Design, is a beautiful extension of the home’s architecture.
The vaulted ceiling, stucco walls, and brick floor are all details that are repeated from the home’s interior.
25. Add a Cabana
Cabanas are a great way to add a touch of luxury to your outdoor living space. This covered patio design includes a dining area, a sitting area, and a fireplace.
The fireplace is a great way to add warmth and ambiance to your space, and it can be used year-round.
The pergola roof allows for some sunlight to peek through, but you can also add a retractable awning to block out the sun.
Conclusion
Adding a covered outdoor patio to your home will give you a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors all year long. Choose a design that fits your lifestyle, and you’ll be able to enjoy your space for years to come.
