Unveiling Comfort and Style: Covered Patio Ideas for Ultimate Outdoor Living

Who among us hasn’t dreamed of snoozing in the backyard on a warm summer day or gathering around a fire on a crisp fall evening? Today’s covered patio concepts can make these dreams come true by combining all the comforts of modern living with the flora and fauna of the outdoors.

But where to start? If you’re considering building or remodeling an outdoor living space – and are scouring the internet for covered patio ideas – you’ve hit the jackpot. We’ve done the research for you! From types of patio covers to terrace design ideas to tips to make sure your house is “the place to be” no matter the season – it’s all below. Now all you have to do is sit back, relax, and choose exactly how you want your outdoor space to look and function. You know, the fun stuff!   

Types of Patio Covers: Explore Your Outdoor Haven

It’s safe to say that outdoor living areas have really taken the country by storm. People from every state (with every type of budget) are contemplating ways to extend their square footage while increasing the livability of their homes. And with good reason: A covered patio is typically a top spot to host get-togethers, enjoy dinner with family, or relax solo with a book.

Grab a refreshing drink, put your feet up, and keep scrolling for our best covered patio ideas to fit all styles, seasons, and bank accounts. 👇👇

Classic Elegance with Pergolas

According to The Spruce, a pergola is defined as “an outdoor structure consisting of columns that support a roofing grid of beams and rafters.” Most commonly made of metal or wood, these classic shade structures offer flexibility along with fresh air, though they won’t shield you from a rain or snow squall (unless they’re louvered). One of our favorite pergola roof cover ideas is to train trumpet vines or other hardy perennials to grow along the rafters, providing additional protection from the sun and storms.

Rustic Charm with Wooden Beams

Most of the pergolas you’ll see at private residences are built of wood, giving a nod to their natural surroundings. These can be made to order by a skilled carpenter or bought “off the shelf” in various sizes and shapes. If you live in an area that has cold winters, you’ll need to plan to stain your pergola yearly to extend its lifespan.

Retractable Awnings for Flexible Shade

If it’s shade, you’re after, a retractable awning (or “extendable canopy”) may be just what the doctor ordered. These canvas covers protrude from your home when needed but can be easily and automatically stored away with an app or a push of a button. Homeowners also like awnings thanks to their flexibility and customizability. 

Cozy and Enclosed Sunrooms

Sunrooms are much more structured than covered patios, featuring walls, windows, flooring, patio doors, and insulation. They’re meant to combine the feeling of the outdoors with the comfort of the indoors and are mainly designed as a cozy relaxation nook within your home. For décor, choose natural, organic elements, fabrics, and accessories. You can easily grow plants in sunrooms, for instance, which do a great job of bridging the indoors and out.

Canvas Sail Shades for Modern Appeal

One of the most common pergola roof cover ideas you’ll see at restaurants are canvas sail shades. Cheap and relatively simple to install, sail shades can be layered in different colors or shapes for a funky vibe. If you want the look at home, affix the shade sails to your pergola or deck, or have posts installed specifically as anchors. However, you choose to affix them, shade sails are an easy shade solution that make a big visual impact. 

Covered Patio Ideas for Year-Round Comfort

While your covered patio is probably never going to be the first place you run during a winter storm, there are plenty of ideas to “deck it out” with features and elements to make it more comfortable year-round.

Fire Pit Retreat

Any collection of terrace design ideas that doesn’t include a fire pit is bound to come up short. Maybe it was all that outdoor socializing during the pandemic or maybe it’s just part of human nature, but one thing is clear: people love to socialize around a fire. Install a firepit and you’ll have an all-season reason to gather together.  

Warmth and Ambiance

Fire pits are practical in that they provide warmth (and a convenient spot to roast marshmallows), but they also can serve as the welcoming focal point for your outdoor living area. Start with the pit and design out from there.

Entertaining Hub

To encourage people to come (and stay), make sure there are always plenty of seats around your fire element. Add patio storage nearby to keep seat cushions protected – and ready to be used – during the winter months.  

Ceiling Fans for Breezy Comfort: Airy Atmosphere All Year Round

Outdoor ceiling fans provide soft breezes to keep you and your guests comfortable as the mercury rises. They’re also beloved because of their flexibility. Available in endless shapes and sizes, weatherproof fans can be wired and installed on ceilings, beams, or railings to get the exact look – and temperature – you’re aiming to achieve.

Greenery and Hanging Gardens: Nature’s Embrace in Your Covered Patio

We mentioned above that one of our favorite pergola roof cover ideas is to add trumpet vine, but there are plenty of ways to achieve the same look without committing to an “invasive weed,” as the USDA calls it. You can hang potted plants from the beams and rafters, add container plants as borders, or install an herb garden for fresh flavors throughout the growing season. Now’s the time to get creative with your green ambitions. 

Natural Stone Flooring: Timeless Elegance Beneath Your Feet

Though pricey, natural stone is one of the best flooring options for your covered patio. Simple and elegant, stone is comfortable to walk on and a beauty to behold. If stone blows your budget too high out of the water, find a concrete installer who can stamp stone-like shapes into the forms. There are also many retailers that sell outdoor tiles, which can also replicate the look and feel of stone. Shop around before you commit.  

FAQs

You’ve got covered patio questions; we’ve got answers.

How can I cover my patio cheaply?

Your cheapest options will probably also be the least long-lasting options, so weigh the inconvenience of replacing the patio cover repeatedly against the cost. That said, your most affordable bets that still offer plenty of style will be cloth, as in shade sails and awnings, or natural elements like vines.

Is a covered patio a good investment?

It depends on why you’re investing in it. If it’s to make your house worth more then no, you probably won’t earn all of your money back. If it’s to spend more time with family and friends, or simply to spend more time outside, then the investment will pay off repeatedly.       

What is a covered patio called?

Covered patios are called a number of different things, from “pavillions” (covered pergolas) to gazebos to lanais. More and more, we’re seeing the whole area called an “outdoor living space,” which certainly implies more creature comforts than creatures.

Does a patio cover add value to your home?

Again, it depends on how you define value. Financially, covered patios add about 80% of the total cost of installation to your home value. Emotionally, the value is much harder to quantify but we’d be willing to bet it’s extremely high. What could be worth more than having the ability to relax comfortably outdoors? In our book, not much. See you out there!