25 Best Patio Cover Ideas to Create Your Dream Outdoor Retreat
Enjoy outdoor living year-round.
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Looking for a way to take your summer parties and al fresco dinners to the next level? Consider adding a patio cover so you and your guests can have it made in the shade. Covering your patio is one of the easiest ways to instantly transform your yard on any budget. Not only will it look great, but it'll also help you stay out of the hot sun and prolong the life of your pretty patio furniture by protecting it from fading and bleaching. And when add cozy touches like an outdoor fire pit and stylish throw blankets, you'll be able to enjoy your outdoor space all year round!
But with so many wonderful patio cover ideas to choose from, how will you know where to begin? That's where our recommendations come into play. Ahead, find genius ideas that'll have you excited to head to the nearest hardware store and pick up supplies for a patio revamp. Go for a sleek, modern look with natural fibers or corrugated metal, or create a whimsical atmosphere (perfect for a garden party!) with backyard lighting and fabric accents. The choice is yours! There are options on this list for quick five-minute fixes as well as full-scale renovations—so grab your tools, create your vision board, and get ready to increase the square footage of your home year-round.
Build a Deck Board Roof with Skylights
Want a patio cover that's as sturdy as it is stylish? Opt for decking boards. They're not only durable and weather resistant—they also provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing look that blends seamlessly with outdoor surroundings. This blogger used deck boards to build their pergola, then topped it off with shingles and two skylights to bathe the space in natural light.
Get the tutorial at My Daily Randomness.
Upcycle a Plain Metal Awning
Is your metal awning looking a little worse for the wear? You can easily transform an old patio cover with some black spray paint and good old-fashioned elbow grease. A stylish fan or light fixture offers another quick and easy upgrade.
Get the tutorial at My Daily Randomness.
Build a Narrow Slat Pergola
This narrow-slat pergola is perfect for anyone who enjoys soaking up some sun. It offers just the right amount of shade while still allowing for plenty of sunlight. Choose white or another light color to enhance the airy feel.
Get the tutorial at Pencil Shavings Studio.
Build a Lattice Patio Cover
If you love the look of the last idea but want a little extra protection from the elements, try a lattice roof. This design creates a pretty pattern of shade and sunlight, offering comfortable coverage without completely blocking out the sun.
Get the tutorial at Ideas for the Home by Kenarry.
Add Mosquito Netting
You won't have to worry about bugs bothering you with this project! The DIY canopy shade will block the sun, while whimsical net curtains will protect you from all those pesky mosquitos!
Get the tutorial at Thrift Diving.
Mix Materials
Bring a farmhouse feel to your backyard by constructing a warm wood patio cover with trendy black accents. Hang up string lights around the border to add to the charm!
Get the tutorial at Ideas for the The Awesome Orange.
Build a Slat Wood Pergola
Get in on the slat wood trend by building this stunning white pergola. Because the slats are so close together, it'll offer plenty of shade while still giving you the experience of being outside. This project also features slat wood walls on three sides and one open wall with curtains.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
Attach a Half Pergola to Your Home
You don't need a full pergola to get the shade you're looking for. Follow this easy tutorial for attaching a half pergola to your home. You'll love how open it feels!
Get the tutorial at The Created Home.
Install a Clear Pergola Roof
Turn your patio into a three-season oasis by installing a clear pergola roof. One of the best parts about this roof is that it lets in lots of light but blocks UV rays, which means your pretty patio furniture will be well-protected from fading and sun bleaching!
Get the tutorial at Houseful of Handmade.
Add Light Fixtures
To dress up a built-in patio and add a pop of color, paint the ceiling this pretty shade of pink (or any favorite color!). Then install matching light fixtures so you can use your patio well after the sun goes down.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
DIY a Hammock with a Built-In Pergola
If you like the idea of a pergola but don't want to build a full-sized structure, consider making these adorable hammock chairs for your patio. They feature mini built-in pergola tops that will offer just the right amount of shade on sunny days.
Get the tutorial at Houseful of Handmade.
Make a Fabric Shade
If you already have a pergola, making your own fabric shade is a great way to elevate your space and keep the sun off your patio furniture.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
Paint your built-in cover
How great is this patio cover transformation? The secret to this chic, minimalist look is a simple, fresh coat of white paint.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
Use String Lights
Add some simple string lights to your patio cover to create instant ambiance. It's a quick and easy way to refresh your space without investing a ton of time or money.
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
Build Your Own Pergola
If you've always wanted a pergola but don't love the look of galvanized steel, check out this tutorial. Here, a stunning wood structure is constructed with basic materials you can get from your local hardware store.
Get the tutorial at Jen Woodhouse.
Let the Light In
Not all patio covers need to keep the light out. A clear sun roof is a great way to cover your patio without making things too dark.
Get the tutorial at Catz in the Kitchen.
Install a Shade Sail
A shade sail is a simple and effective way to cover your patio. Just anchor one end of the shade sail to the roof of your house, and secure posts at the other end.
Get the tutorial at House Tweaking.
Build a Pavilion
Go all-out with a pavilion-style deck addition, complete with a ceiling fan to cool off on hot days.
Get the tutorial at Love Grows Wild.
Upgrade your Old Patio Umbrella
If you have an old patio umbrella that's seen better days, paint it! This blogger recommends using a solid-colored umbrella and latex-based paint to re-create her look.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Use Paper Lanterns for a Layered Effect
Dress up your patio cover for an elegant dinner party by creating a layered look with paper lanterns, string lights, and faux wisteria.
Get the tutorial at Room for Tuesday.
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