25 Covered Patio Ideas
Looking for a way to cover your patio that extends your living space and adds value? You’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll cover 25 covered patio ideas to help you create the outdoor space of your dreams.
A covered patio is a great way to extend your living space and make the most of your backyard.
It provides protection from the elements, so you can enjoy the outdoors rain or shine.
It also adds value to your home and creates a stylish outdoor living area that’s perfect for entertaining.
1. Create a grand entrance
This covered patio designed by Sarah Wittenbraker is a grand entrance to the backyard.
The large patio is the perfect space for outdoor dining, and the outdoor kitchen is conveniently located nearby.
The covered patio is anchored by a large fireplace, which is the focal point of the space.
The fireplace is flanked by built-in seating, and a large dining table is centered in front of it.
The large outdoor rug helps to define the dining area and creates a cozy vibe.
The patio is also furnished with a mix of seating, so it can easily accommodate a large group.
2. Use a pergola to play with sunlight
A pergola is a great way to define an outdoor space, and it’s a great choice if you want to let a little light in.
The slats in a pergola roof let sunlight filter through, so it’s not as dark as a solid roof.
This patio by Home Stories has a pergola with thick, wide slats, which creates a beautiful pattern of light and shadow.
If you want more shade, you could choose a pergola with closer slats or add a canopy.
3. Create a living room feel
If you want to make your patio feel like an extension of your home, you can do so by creating a living room feel.
This covered patio by Jennifer of The Crafted Life is the perfect example.
Using a large outdoor rug, a comfy outdoor sofa, and a coffee table, Jennifer was able to create a cozy living room vibe.
The rug helps to define the space and the sofa and coffee table provide all the comforts of an indoor living room.
Plants and string lights help to add a touch of personality to the space and create a welcoming feeling.
4. Bring the indoors
This covered patio by Rehkamp Larson Architects is a seamless extension of the home.
Not only does the roofline mimic the rest of the house, but the same flooring continues onto the patio.
The space is furnished just like an indoor living room, complete with a sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table.
Patio furniture, like the pieces in this space, come in weather-resistant materials like wicker, teak, and metal.
out
If you don’t have a covered patio, you might be asking yourself, “What is a pergola?” It’s a structure that can be placed over a patio to provide shade and add visual interest.
This patio uses a pergola to create a sense of enclosure and define the space.
The pergola also creates a perfect place to hang string lights, which provide ambient lighting for outdoor dining and entertaining.
5. Add a fireplace or fire pit for extra warmth
A fireplace or fire pit is a great way to add a cozy, welcoming atmosphere to your covered patio.
Not to mention, it’s a great way to stay warm on chilly nights.
A toasty fire can make your patio feel like an extension of your living room, and it’s a great spot to gather with friends and family.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider adding a fire table.
Fire tables are a smaller, more portable version of a fire pit, and they can be a great way to add a little extra warmth and ambiance to your covered patio.
6. Add a ceiling fan to keep cool
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your patio, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for the weather.
That means adding a ceiling fan to keep the space cool in the summer and to keep the air circulating.
Ceiling fans are a great way to keep your patio comfortable without having to add a lot of extra work.
Just make sure you choose a fan that is the right size for your space.
7. Light it up for day and night use
An outdoor living space that’s versatile enough to be used during the day and at night is a valuable thing.
Make sure your covered patio is well lit with a combination of lighting options.
Overhead lighting can be installed on the patio cover or you can use string lights.
Add an outdoor ceiling fan with a light kit to help regulate the temperature and keep bugs at bay.
In this gorgeous covered patio from 2 Ladies and a Chair, a mix of string lights, a chandelier, and a ceiling fan light work together to keep the space bright and inviting.
8. Add an outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a great way to extend your home’s living space. It’s also a great way to add value to your home.
When planning your outdoor kitchen, think about what features are most important to you.
Do you want a built-in grill or a freestanding one? Do you want a sink, refrigerator, or ice maker? Do you want a pizza oven or a smoker?
9. Use a modern or industrial cover
If you want to create a modern outdoor living space, you can use a sleek and simple cover.
A metal or wood slat cover will protect you from the sun and rain, but won’t feel heavy or closed off.
This modern patio by Studio McGee has a wood slat cover and a metal frame.
The cover is angled to let in some light and create a dynamic look.
The wood slats also help to warm up the space and create a contrast against the steel frame.
10. Go for a classic look with wood
There’s a reason why wood is the most popular material for a deck or porch.
It’s durable, easy to work with, and can be left natural or stained or painted.
You can also choose from a variety of wood types, like pine, redwood, and cedar.
This covered patio by Kelsey Leigh Design Co. features a stained wood ceiling and wood beams that add warmth to the space.
The ceiling is also painted white, which helps to reflect light and makes the space feel bright and open.
11. Add a contemporary cover
If you’re a fan of modern design, then consider a contemporary patio cover.
This design by Urbanism Designs features a sleek white pergola with a retractable shade.
The pergola is attached to the home and extends over the patio, providing shade and a cozy outdoor living area.
The dark gray flooring and black accents contrast the white pergola, while the greenery adds a pop of color.
The design is simple yet stunning and perfect for a modern home.
12. Go for a rustic look
A rustic-style patio can be a great addition to a farmhouse or country-style home.
To get this look, you’ll want to incorporate a lot of wood and other natural materials.
This patio, designed by Leanne Ford, has a wood ceiling and wood beams.
The furniture is also made of wood, and the concrete floor has a natural stone look to it.
The fireplace is made of stone, and the mantel is a rough-hewn piece of wood. The vintage rug adds a pop of color and pattern.
13. Add a retractable cover for versatility
Retractable patio covers are the best of both worlds. They provide a roof when you need it and can be opened to let in the sun when you don’t.
Retractable awnings can be motorized or manually operated.
If you choose a motorized option, you can even connect it to your smartphone for easy control.
14. Use a canopy for a temporary cover
Canopies are a great way to add a temporary covered patio to your outdoor space.
They are easy to set up, provide a lot of shade, and are available in many different sizes and colors.
Most canopies can be taken down and put back up with ease, which makes them perfect for a temporary solution if you like to change up your outdoor decor.
You can also purchase a canopy with a retractable roof if you want to be able to let the sun in when you want.
15. Add a colorful fabric cover
If you’re looking for a way to add a pop of color to your outdoor space, consider adding a fabric cover to your patio.
This is a great way to add color, pattern, and texture to your patio without having to commit to a permanent structure.
When choosing a fabric, make sure it’s designed for outdoor use so it can stand up to the elements.
You’ll also want to make sure it’s fade-resistant so it looks great for years to come.
16. Use a sail for a modern look
Sail shades are a great alternative to traditional awnings.
They provide shade and protection from the sun and rain, but they have a modern look that’s perfect for contemporary patios.
This patio, designed by Tamsin Johnson, features a sail shade that adds a sculptural element to the space.
The neutral color of the shade complements the rest of the decor, and it can be easily removed or adjusted depending on the weather.
17. Add a cover over a pool
This patio is the perfect place to relax after a swim.
The patio is covered with an open gable roof that extends from the back door to the edge of the pool deck.
The roof is held up by large white columns that match the white railing on the second story of the home.
The roof is made with the same white planks that are on the ceiling of the patio.
This bright white color contrasts beautifully with the black window frames and the dark wood deck.
The patio has a dining area and a living area, and it’s all tied together with a large outdoor rug.
18. Create a private retreat
If you have neighbors nearby, you may want to create a private retreat on your patio.
One way to do that is to add a privacy fence or screen, or simply add some plants to create a natural barrier.
Another way to create a private space is to build your patio in a secluded area of your yard, like behind your home or near a garden.
This covered patio by Timber and Love Design Co. is tucked away behind the home, and it feels like a secret garden.
19. Create a cozy nook
If you have a lot of space to fill, create cozy nooks, like this one with a small outdoor dining table and chairs.
A large outdoor rug helps define the space and make it feel more intimate.
A tall privacy fence, lattice panels, and large potted plants can help create a sense of privacy and seclusion in your outdoor spaces.
20. Add a pergola for a Mediterranean look
Pergolas are a great way to add a bit of structure to your outdoor space.
These open lattice structures can be used to break up a large space, provide a bit of privacy, or create a separate “room” on your patio.
Pergolas come in all shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials.
They can be simple with clean lines or more ornate with decorative lattice work.
This pergola, for example, adds a Mediterranean feel to the space with its ornate design and the climbing vines growing up and over the top.
Pergolas can be used to create a covered patio by adding a roof on top.
The roof can be made from the same lattice work as the sides, or you can add a solid roof to provide more shade and protection from the elements.
21. Add a Moroccan inspired cover
The beautiful design of this outdoor space is inspired by Moroccan style.
The pergola is draped with fabric to create a cozy and colorful space that feels like an extension of the living room.
The fabric is a great way to add a splash of color and pattern to your outdoor space without making a permanent commitment.
You can easily swap it out for a new look or take it down if you want to let the sun shine in.
22. Add a modern cover
For a modern feel, add a sleek cover to your patio. This design by Studio McGee features a flat roof with a wood paneled ceiling.
The ceiling is a great way to add some texture to your patio, and it really warms up the space.
The ceiling and the wood wall behind the sofa are painted the same color to create a seamless look.
The wood panels also help to break up the expanse of the wall, adding some visual interest to the space.
23. Add a wood cover for a natural look
If you want to add a cover to your patio but you don’t want it to feel too closed in, consider a wood cover.
It will protect your space from the elements, but the open design will still let in plenty of light.
The wood cover in this patio by Kress Jack at Home is a great way to make the space feel more connected to the rest of the yard.
24. Create a rooftop oasis
If you have a flat roof, you can easily turn it into an outdoor entertaining space.
This covered patio is located on the roof of a New York City townhouse and features a stone fireplace and a cozy seating area.
The pergola is covered in wisteria, which will eventually grow and create a lush canopy over the space.
The pergola also has a retractable canvas cover that can be used to provide shade and protection from the elements.
25. Add a modern cover
If you’re going for a modern look, consider a sleek, flat cover like this one.
The steel cover is suspended from the house and supported by two beams, so it’s completely free-standing.
The cover has a small slope to allow rain to fall away from the house and has a small gutter to catch any runoff.
The cover is made from steel and is painted white to match the house.
Conclusion
I hope you have found some inspiration in these covered patio ideas!
There are so many ways to add a covered patio to your home and also to make it look beautiful.
If you are planning on doing a covered patio yourself, remember to always check with your local building codes and get the proper permits if needed.
