15 Covered Patio Ideas

When activities with family and friends move outdoors, it's nice to have shelter from the sun or gentle rain. A covered patio serves the purpose, and cover options run the gamut from a simple umbrella over a cozy table for two to elaborate pavilions that can cover a crowd. Consider your space, your design style and your budget, and click through to check out a variety of ideas.

A pergola is the cover of choice for many patios, and defines the space for the cozy outdoor room above, which features a fireplace and comfortable seating.

A custom steel pergola outfitted with eye-catching hexagonal chandeliers creates a welcoming outdoor dining room on this concrete patio. Douglas fir joists complement the wood dining table below, while an accent wall of potted bamboo pulls the whole space together.

If you're handy, a pergola can be a fairly simple DIY project. Hang plants from the posts and rafters, grow vines over the top for more shade, or string lights overhead to complete the look.

A canvas canopy shields this outdoor kitchen from the elements. The canopy's best feature: In the off-season or when full sun is preferred, the canvas can be rolled up or put away.

A vaulted canopy shields those underneath from the sun, and curtains can be pulled across to create "walls" that give this outdoor space a glamorous, tent-like feel. Overhead lanterns add to the magic of this spacious gathering spot.

If bigger is better in your landscape, then by all means, go big. The wood pergola covers an outdoor kitchen and a dining area with two picnic-style tables and a massive fireplace. String lights on the ceiling add dimension and definition to the dining area.

Smaller than a pavilion but just as welcoming, this patio leads to an inviting fire pit surrounded by built-in benches and shielded by a wood privacy wall and canopy, which act as the main focal point. A large cherry tree also shades the area while the layers of landscaping provide color and texture.

The unique structure of this custom wood and steel outdoor lounge, with its elevated diagonal ridge, is a show-stopper in the landscape. It's made cozy with a fireplace and generous seating area where the homeowners and their guests are protected from the elements.

An overhead trellis roof may be the perfect spot for a casual outdoor dining table. This structure has a built-in bench, forming a half-wall that anchors it in the landscape. Here, the white structure stands out against the green backdrop and pops with color in the pillows and chairs. Planters or hanging plants, strings of lights or an overhead fan are other embellishments that can cozy-up an outdoor dining room.

An umbrella is a portable go-to choice to shade any seating area whether it is next to an oceanside bocce court or in a small backyard. Offset or cantilever umbrellas are a great solution for a patio table without an umbrella hole or for any too-sunny space. You can find them in a variety of shapes and can range in size from about 6 feet to as wide as 12 to 13 feet or more to cover a large area.

A tiny outdoor space may only have room for an umbrella, but it can still be inviting. The umbrella over this quaint dining area provides shade and lends privacy from onlookers that may be peering in from above.

Gazebos have provided outdoor protection and style in a landscape for centuries and can still add an elegant touch out in the landscape or on the patio or poolside.

This large pergola has multiple functions: It softens the hot sun, shields the patio from nearby neighbors and gives a sense of privacy, and it provides a place to hang large lanterns for a festive gathering. A stone fireplace and a trestle table with benches set a rustic dining mood.

This lower level stone patio comes with its own covering, provided by the floor of the upper level deck above. Ceiling fans bring a breeze to this covered space, while the hanging woven chair adds a whimsical touch.