24 Covered Patio Ideas to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Living Space (2024)

Covered patios blend the comforts of the indoors with the laidback atmosphere of the outdoors. Plus, if you have limited space, an outdoor living or dining room provides much-needed square footage for friends and family to congregate comfortably (come rain or come shine). Use these tips to design an outdoor gathering spot that defies the seasons and blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces.

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Colorful Outdoor Living Space

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Colorful accessories and plenty of plant life turn this covered patio into an inviting outdoor hangout. A low-profile sofa and hanging chair form a laidback living area, while a dining table and benches provide plenty of space for entertaining. Hanging ferns and pendant lamps dangle from the ceiling, which is covered in corrugated aluminum for protection against the elements.

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Outdoor Dining Area

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Outfitted with a farm table and woven chairs, this covered patio serves as a cozy dining area for alfresco meals. The furniture is grounded with a patterned area rug and illuminated by star-shaped pendants. Container gardens separate the covered back porch from the rest of the yard.

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Covered Patio Oasis

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A pergola forms a shady oasis in this lushly landscaped backyard. The covered patio is outfitted with a matching set of wicker furniture, which forms an inviting conversation area for entertaining guests. Coral pillows repeat the orange tones that appear throughout the garden.

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Covered Patio Furniture Ideas

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Teak walls and bluestone floors outfit this breezy covered patio with natural texture and durable style. The casual mix of easy-care furniture includes a glass-topped driftwood table, a woven water hyacinth chair, and a sectional slipcovered in outdoor fabric. Slatted barn doors, which lead out to the backyard, easily slide closed to keep out wind or rain.

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Small Covered Patio

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Although you might envision covered patios as grand, expansive spaces, small areas can provide a just-right spot for outdoor dining and relaxing. Here, a narrow patio offers just enough room for a pedestal table and bistro chairs. A lantern hangs above the table to provide cozy ambience in the evenings.

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All-Weather Covered Patio

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A covered patio provides an all-weather spot for this family to dine, lounge, and play. Open to the backyard, the sheltered area encompasses a built-in firepit, dining area, grill, and hot tub. The roof's louvered panels provide protection from rain or bright sun, while mounted heaters and recessed lighting provide comfort after dusk.

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Covered Outdoor Seating Area

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A covered patio provides the perfect spot to sit back and take in the view. Sheltered by a roof overhang, this shady area is outfitted with a group of modern rocking chairs, which offer laidback yet stylish seating. The east-facing patio keeps cool in the evenings while offering a bright spot to start the mornings.

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Personalized Covered Patio

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Outfit your covered patio with decorating ideas that reflect your personality. Here, pops of lime green and navy enter in the form of patterned throw pillows to dress up an otherwise neutral color scheme. A mix of wood, metal, stone, and fabric materials provides textural contrast and visual interest.

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Built-in Comforts

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Built-in features can make your covered patio even more livable and convenient. If budget, time, and construction allow, consider incorporating temperature-regulating elements into the design for added comfort. Here, built-in heaters, recessed lights, and a ceiling fan improve practicality.

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Tech for Covered Patios

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Bring indoor conveniences outdoors by incorporating technology into your covered patio. Outdoor-safe speakers and televisions allow you to increase the hours spent outside. On this patio, a TV mounted above the fireplace turns this seating area into the ultimate entertaining hub.

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Covered Patio Decorating Ideas

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When designing an outdoor covered patio, use the same guidelines as you would in an indoor space. Pick up on similar materials and colors to establish a palette for your space. Here, metal accents echo the deep tone of the wicker furniture. Scale the furniture to fit the proportions of the room, and add accents, such as the color-blocked pillows used on this patio, to mix in personality.

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Outdoor Patio Zones

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Whether by design or by accident, your house might include architectural quirks that present roadblocks. Here, the covered patio space flows into an open patio as well as one with a rooflike, windowed upper boundary. The homeowners used those transitions as a natural way to create different outdoor zones, which provide areas for lounging, dining, and entertaining.

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Covered Patio Retreat

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Thoughtful use of space can help covered patios feel connected to a home. Here, natural curves in the home's architecture provide a covered spot for a restful gathering of chairs and a table. Full-height windows connect the interior to the exterior, while container gardens ease the transition between the covered patio and the rest of the yard.

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Landscaping for Covered Patios

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A well-designed covered patio can help unify your home's landscaping and architectural details. This elegant space connects to the rest of the yard via arched openings. The patio's curved lines and traditional decorative details tie in with the formal style of the garden outside.

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Stand-Alone Covered Patio

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Who says a covered patio has to be connected to a home? If the structure works elsewhere in your yard and helps you enjoy amenities more hours of the day (and night), then adapt it accordingly. Here, a tile-roof structure offers shelter next to an outdoor fireplace.

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Covered Patio Seating

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Get more out of your covered patio by maximizing its flexibility. For example, include seating that can adapt to crowds big and small. Here, a narrow bench against a half wall can be used as landing spots for guests or extra food and drink items. For even more options, convert some of the bench spaces to storage, too.

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Elegant Backyard Patio

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Many covered patios are elevated above the plane of the yard, which establishes a visual separation between the house and the landscape. This casual but elegant space creates a more seamless transition, thanks to a flush connection between patio floor and lawn. Pretty details on the furniture's cushions pick up on the muted blue-gray trim on the home.

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Patio Roofline Details

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The design of a covered patio's roof can enhance its level of intimacy. Here, regularly spaced beams with gently carved ends offer a soothing visual above the rustic-style spot. Oversize hammered copper planters help create a transition from one zone to the next.

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Patio Dining Zone

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If your covered patio is large enough, create multiple zones for dining and seating. Use outdoor rugs and the placement of furniture to establish borders; and include enough space for traffic to flow from one spot to another. Here, a dining table turned lengthwise allows room to pass on either long side.

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Covered Patio Privacy Ideas

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Covered patios are often open to the landscape, as well as adjoining yards, so elements that boost privacy can be a welcome addition. Here, outdoor curtains hang from rods mounted above the patio's arched openings. The gauzy fabric provides a sense of privacy and helps diffuse light.

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Outdoor Furniture Tips

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When choosing furniture for your covered patio, consider the level of protection your space has from the elements. For spaces that might receive some moisture, outdoor furniture and fabrics are best. Slip-covered pieces can also help conquer the increased level of use (and dirt) that often accompanies covered patio spaces.

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Ceiling Features

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Although traditional covered patios have a full, closed ceiling, skylights can be a pretty way to draw natural light into a space. An opening in this patio's ceiling helps shed light on the fireplace area. Complete with cozy outdoor furniture and an area rug, this contemporary-style covered patio feels like an open-air living room.

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Covered Patio Accessories

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If your patio has limited wall space, look for unconventional opportunities to add decorative accents. Here, the homeowners took advantage of the ceiling to showcase unique accessories. The collection of pierced metal pendant lights adds an unexpected accent and global flair to the covered patio.

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Covered Patio Comforts

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Bring the comforts of the indoors to your outdoor space. This covered patio is furnished with all the amenities of a living room, including comfortable seating, plush pillows, accent tables, and even a floor lamp. Above, dual ceiling fans keep the breeze moving through the open-air space.

Covered Patio Essential Elements

When designing the perfect outdoor gathering space, focus on functionality and visual appeal. First, ask yourself how you want to use the space, and then make sure you have designated areas for your friends and family to gather, eat, and converse. Next, consider the average weather in your region. A Pacific Northwest patio will need protection from rain and wind, but warmer climates may only need an umbrella or awning to provide respite from the sun. To keep your space comfortable and inviting after the sun goes down, include some outdoor lighting, space heaters, or an outdoor fireplace. Finally, add some greenery with landscape elements or potted plants to enhance the beauty of the space and provide a transition to your garden. By incorporating these elements in your covered patio, you can curate a space that suits your needs—regardless of the climate or size.