Patio Cover Ideas: 15 Ways to Keep Your Outdoor Space Protected (2023)

Make the most of your outdoor space with smart patio cover ideas that extend use all season long.

Whether you have a small patio, a compact patio or a large spacious patio, thisgarden ideasfor added protection it can make your outdoor space fully usable come rain or shine.

Patio covers can range from simple to more elaborate. An extra large umbrella or folding canopy provides shade in a small space and can be stored in a shed when not in use.

Or consider a fixed structure like a pergola or awning if you want more permanent protection from the elements.

patio canopy ideas

Over the past few summers, we've spent more time than ever in our outdoor spaces, improving and investing in ourterrace ideasand gardens to become an extension of our homes. Adding extra shade from the sun (or protection from the rain) helps maximize the time we spend in our gardens, allowing them to be used beyond the summer.

"Government guidelines recommend that the walls of the safest outdoor shelters be at least 50% open," says Ginevra Benedetti, deputy editor of Ideal Home for the Elements, Outdoor Shelter.'

1. Create a compact, covered living area

Make your outdoor space more usable by installing a wooden pergola covering a patio seating area. A wooden structure provides shade from the sun and shelter from the wind, and with vines trained to grow over it, the added vegetation will provide additional protection over time.

Add wow by painting a wooden pergola dark gray or black. The dark colors contrast with the greenery and foliage, making the living area a focal point. Treating the wood also helps protect it from the elements for a longer-lasting finish.

2. Oversize a pergola to cover a large patio

To supplygarden shadeand protection over a larger area, consider increasing the size of a pergola so that it covers the entire patio area. A simple wooden pergola combined with lush greenery helps enclose the space and adds extra privacy when overlooking a garden.

Using a suspended structure can also be a smart device, helping to divide a large outdoor area into smaller, more intimate zones – for cooking, dining and relaxing, for example. Hanging outdoor lighting and hanging greenery from the ceiling joists creates a natural separation that visually divides the space.

3. Keep it compact with a simple outdoor umbrella

For a simple and hassle-free way to create patio shade ideas, opt for an easy-to-set-up parasol. Choose a design that complements the size and shape of your patio table - square or round - and make sure it's large enough to provide shade for everyone seated.

The height of the bar must be high enough that people do not have to bend down to sit under it, while a cantilevered design with a side bar does not obstruct the view of the table and can be used independently of the table, although it requires a taller base. heavy, to keep it stable.

4. Train the green to provide additional coverage

Give a patio pergola extra protection by training vines to grow over it. Opt for fast-growing vines that establish quickly and provide coverage in less than two years.

A climbing rose is an ideal choice for growing over a pergola. It normally blooms once a year to provide a blanket full of color and sweet fragrance. As an alternative to an uncomplicated plant that does not require pruning, the Virginia Creeper is ideal. This flowering vine grows quickly and offers a splash of bright color. Wisteria is another successful choice for a pergola.

5. Be smart with your plant selection

When replanting a decking area from scratch, it always pays to plan some shaded areas with taller plants and trees strategically placed around the space to provide shade from the sun at different times of the day.

Adding shade to an existing patio is easy with large potted plants or small patio trees that can be positioned to provide shade in areas where shade is lacking. Planters on wheels are a great option on paved patios, as they allow plants to be moved when they are in bloom or not, or moved to provide extra shade in sunny locations.

6. Expand the outdoor protection with an awning

Provide shelter where you need it most with a retractable awning that can be installed on the side of a property to cover a patio or patio. A brilliant option for spaces where permanent coverage is not required. With the push of a button, it can be shown or hidden to provide instant shade when the sun is at its hottest, or hidden when protection is not needed.

A retractable awning like this one is controlled via a handy remote control, with added extras like built-in electric heaters and stylish light strips to light up the patio area after dark. Intelligent built-in vibration sensors automatically retract the awning in case of wind.

7. Keep it chic with a coordinated design

For larger patios and terraces, an outdoor awning will provide more coverage than a standard-size sunshade. Choosing a project that fits the style of the property and the look of the garden is essential, as it will be used and seen for years to come.

"The awnings come in a variety of fabrics, allowing you to find the color, pattern and texture that works best for you," says Lisa Slack, Head of Product atThomas Sanderson(opens in new tab). “So it's worth thinking about what you like. Want a color that complements your interior design to make your patio feel like an extension of your home? Or do you prefer something different to give your outdoor space its own identity?”

“Awning fabrics are available in a variety of solid colors, stripes and patterns. And you can also choose from a selection of support colors to ensure your awning matches your window and door frames for a cohesive look,” adds Lisa.

8. Enjoy a clear view outside

A covered pergola at the back of a property is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors while remaining covered. The option of transparent panels on the roof allows maximum light to enter, while protecting against direct sunlight or heavy rain.

Look for panels with built-in UV protection, which will help filter out the sun's harmful rays and keep patio furniture from fading in bright sunlight.

9. Create shelters in different parts of the garden

Use a large garden to create different outdoor spaces to enjoy the sun or escape the sun if you prefer. A freestanding pergola can be installed in a suitable location, either directly in front of the house on a terrace or in a paved area further down the garden.

A rotating slatted pergola like this one offers protection from the sun or rain, as well as the ability to fully open the slats when you want to catch some rays. The slats are motorized for easy operation and the aluminum design means maintenance is minimal.

10. Opt for an easy-to-mount shade sail at the end of a garden

For a semi-permanent option that can be installed on a patio or deck at the end of a garden, consider a simple shade sail. A rainproof fabric shade sail offers protection from the sun, wind and provides an extra level of privacy when an outdoor space is overlooked.

Quick and easy to set up (and take down), shade sails are attached using tensioned anchor points to keep them taut. They can be anchored to the side of a property, garden shed or conveniently placed tree or alternatively a freestanding structure or mounting posts can be used to allow a shade to be positioned remotely from the house if desired.

11. Try a pop-up party canopy

For non-permanent outdoor shade that's perfect for parties and gatherings, try an easy-to-install sun canopy that's a roomier, more stylish alternative to the regular garden parasol.

Easy to install on grass or soft ground, its center pole unfolds like a regular sunshade or parasol, but fabric side panels at each corner add protection, making it feel more like a mini gazebo. Striped fabric and elegant fringes add an airy nautical feel.

12. Install a mini outdoor dining area

If outdoor space is tight and the shade of the patio right in front of the house isn't an option, move further into the garden and create a shaded, secluded spot where space allows.

This compact, turnkey cabin sleeps four (or six if things get tight) and is an ideal spot for a quick cup of coffee or a bite to eat with friends. A wooden frame helps any garden structure blend in with trees and greenery. While a stainless steel ceiling reflects heat, it doesn't get hot and stuffy inside. This cabin comes complete with built-in table, benches and cushions.

13. Use a shady location

Place the table and chairs in a shaded area so you can escape the heat of the sun when it's warmer. Encourage low-lying plants like wisteria, honeysuckle and clematis to spread over a pergola and provide extra coverage. And all while creating an intoxicating scent that can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors.

Ideas for climbing plantsnear the base of each wooden pillar, angled toward the support, using small sticks to fill in the gap. To cover the canopy quickly, pull the shoots over the posts, using vertical wires or wire mesh as support if necessary. Tie new shoots to the rafters and side branches as the plant grows.

14. Add some glow to a patio after dark

Extend your time outdoors on summer nights by illuminating the terrace with garlands and fairy lights. A wooden pergola or outdoor shade is the perfect place to hang string lights and create an illuminated canopy that makes the room magical after dark.

Use hooks to attach lights to each corner of a pergola by hanging strings diagonally in a cross formation. Or, alternatively, use individual strings on each vertical to provide additional lighting for outdoor summer dinners or late-night parties.

15. Create a shady spot for two

If a full-size shed isn't an option, scale it down and create a shaded patio with room for just one or two people. A gazebo makes a charming addition to a patio area or can be positioned lower in the garden to create a focal point or nestled in the garden as a retreat.

What types of patio covers are there?

There are many different types of patio coverings to protect the area from the elements and ensure it is usable come rain or shine. Patio canopy ideas can range from simple to more robust. An extra-large sunshade or folding canopy offers protection in a small space - and can be tucked away when not in use. While a fixed structure such as a pergola or awning offers more permanent protection from the elements.

How can I cover my terrace cheaply?

An inexpensive and effective way to cover a patio is with a parasol or a simple awning - both are functional yet portable.