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10 Great Covered Outdoor Seating Ideas

When it comes to making the most of your patio spaces, having a covered seating area can be a game-changer. Be it relaxing with a good book or entertaining friends with rattan sofas. Or simply savour the fresh air in all weather conditions on a homey garden bench. Regardless, these 10 covered outdoor seating ideas have got you covered.

We’ve curated a diverse range of designs to inspire your garden oasis. Keep reading!

1. Cosy canopy nook

Rooftop patio canopy

(Image Credit: Flickr)

Oh, to have a tranquil escape to call your own! This calls for a cosy outdoor nook embraced by a graceful canopy in your backyard. Set up a versatile design that offers a serene space for unwinding with a book or soaking in the sun.

To recreate this outdoor escape, prepare your DIY skills and follow these steps:

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  1. Select a spot: Choose a quiet corner in your backyard for your cosy canopy nook.
  2. Weather-resistant seating: Opt for comfortable, weather-resistant seating. Choose a cosy garden chair or a hammock.
  3. Soft seat pads: Pile on soft garden seat cushions with vibrant patterns that match your style.
  4. Graceful canopy: Hang a graceful canopy above the seating area for a cosy atmosphere.
  5. Sheer curtains: Add sheer curtains for privacy and to create an ethereal touch.
  6. Personalise: Enhance the space with personal touches, like lantern string lights.

Truly, it’s a haven for relaxation and uninterrupted reading pleasure!

2. Pergola paradise

Modern garden pergola corner furnished with furniture

(Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Elevate your outdoor seating experience with the timeless allure of a pergola. A pergola creates an inviting retreat that seamlessly merges with nature. Its open framework offers a balance of sunlight and shade, perfect for basking in gentle breezes. Plus, the structure itself imparts a sense of organisation to your outdoor space.

Create your own backyard oasis through this DIY method:

  1. Choose location: Pick the perfect spot for your pergola, considering sunlight and space.
  2. Gather materials: Collect the necessary materials, including wood, screws, and concrete mix.
  3. Measure and mark: Measure and mark the pergola dimensions on the ground. Use stakes and string.
  4. Dig post holes: Dig post holes according to your dimensions, ensuring stability.
  5. Set posts: Place posts in the holes and secure them with concrete.

Enhance its charm by adorning the beams with lush climbers, creating a living canopy. As dusk falls, weave Edison string lights through the foliage. This addition will cast a warm and enchanting glow for memorable evenings.

3. Rustic farmhouse veranda

A rustic farmhouse-style covered veranda gives off a timeless haven that exudes charm. Crafted with natural materials like weathered wood, it evokes a sense of authenticity.

Select an outdoor area for your rustic farmhouse veranda. Consider available space and desired sunlight. When it comes to the material, opt for natural ones, such as the charm of weathered wood, e.g., reclaimed lumber.

Furnish the space with vintage-inspired furniture like teak steamer chairs. Wooden garden furniture, in general, captures the timeless farmhouse style. Next, enhance authenticity with antique lanterns and weather signage. Focus on decorating the space with vintage accessories to complement the rustic vibe. Use techniques like distressing or staining to give the wood a weathered appearance.

This covered veranda beckons you to unwind. It transports you to a simpler time where every creak of the floorboards tells a story.

4. Modern minimalist patio

Immerse yourself in the serene embrace of a modern minimalist-covered patio. This design boasts a clean and sleek aesthetic that embraces the essence of less is more.

Focus on clean lines, simplicity, and a restrained colour palette. Neutral colours like whites, greys, and muted tones dominate the palette. The aluminium patio furniture follows suit, with sleek lines and uncluttered forms. Embracing the ethos of minimalism, this space urges you to let go of excess. It creates an oasis of tranquillity in return.

Use strategic plant placements for a touch of greenery without overwhelming the space. Keep accessories to a minimum, emphasising functionality. Utilise materials like concrete, metal, or wood for a contemporary look. Lastly, ensure open spaces for a clutter-free, serene atmosphere.

5. Bohemian-inspired retreat

Step into a world of carefree enchantment with a boho-style covered outdoor seating. It’s a tapestry of vibrant patterns and a melange of textures.

Start by introducing vibrant and eclectic textiles — think colourful rugs, cushions, and throws. Incorporate low seating options like floor cushions and pouffes for a relaxed vibe. Hang tapestries or lightweight curtains for added privacy. Add natural elements, such as potted plants and woven baskets, to bring in an organic feel. Embrace diverse patterns and textures to create visual interest. String fairy lights or lanterns overhead to enhance the magical ambience. Finally, curate a collection of eclectic décor pieces. This includes lanterns, dreamcatchers, and vintage finds to complete the Bohemian oasis.

This design radiates a relaxed and eclectic vibe overall. It’s an outdoor haven that captures the essence of free-spirited living.

6. Poolside cabana

Pool side thatched cabana

(Image Credit: Pexels)

Indulge in the allure of a covered seating area by the pool. Enter the cabana – a retreat offering both shade and privacy. Revel in moments of tranquillity while being shielded from the sun’s rays.

First, invest in durable and water-resistant materials for seating, such as rattan furniture. Add comfy sun loungers with plush cushions for relaxation. Install sheer curtains to provide shade and a breezy, resort-like feel. Incorporate tropical plants and potted palms for a touch of greenery. Integrate a serving area with a stylish outdoor bar cart for refreshments. Finally, accessorise with beach towels to complete the chic poolside cabana look.

With the glistening pool as your backdrop, it becomes a sanctuary of leisure and luxury.

7. Garden gazebo getaway

Sunjoy Rapi 3x3m Cedar Framed Gazebo with Brown Steel and Polycarbonate Hip Roof Hardtop
Sunjoy Rapi 3x3m Cedar Framed Gazebo with Brown Steel and Polycarbonate Hip Roof Hardtop

Envision a tranquil garden escape through the enchanting concept of a gazebo. These architectural gems stand as secluded seating retreats. Adorn with ornate and decorative elements, they can evoke a sense of opulence.

Elevate the ambience of your BillyOh gazebo by draping flowing curtains. This will provide an intimate cocoon while allowing nature’s beauty to seep through. Furnish the space with plush seating, harmonising comfort and aesthetics.

Amidst the lush surroundings, a Sunjoy gazebo transforms into an inviting sanctuary.

8. Converted shed space

BillyOh Petra Tongue and Groove Reverse Apex Summerhouse
BillyOh Petra Tongue and Groove Reverse Apex Summerhouse

Witness the ingenious trend of transforming forgotten garden sheds into covered outdoor lounges! Repurposing an existing structure offers an eco-friendly advantage, minimising waste while maximising potential.

Ensure proper insulation and ventilation for year-round comfort. Use the shed’s existing features, like windows or doors, for natural light and air circulation. Consider adding a roof extension or awning for extra coverage. Factor in storage solutions for garden tools or outdoor accessories.

The once-overlooked shed now bridges indoor cosiness with the open-air charm. Furnished with the right garden furniture, say no more!

9. Balcony bliss

For urban dwellers, the idea of covered balcony seating bares a slice of outdoor paradise. Adorn this petite canvas with compact furniture pieces purposefully designed to fit snugly. Take this rattan 8 seater cube, for instance.

Introduce vertical gardening, elevating greenery to artistic heights while conserving floor space. This creates a lush green backdrop without sacrificing floor space. Invest in foldable or stackable furniture to adapt to the limited area and easily store when not in use. Choose multifunctional pieces, like storage benches or ottomans, to serve dual purposes.

Every inch matters, magnifying the significance of optimising small spaces in urban settings. And this covered balcony becomes an idyllic escape!

10. Rooftop lounge

Rooftop pergola draped with white curtains and furnished with an outdoor sofa set

(Image Credit: Wallpaper Flare)

Evaluate the structural integrity and weight-bearing capacity to ensure safety. Transform this high-rise sanctuary with plush, weather-resistant garden sofas. Ensure comfort and sun protection by adding cushions and a stylish 3m parasol cover. Consider wind protection elements, such as privacy screens or windbreaks. Incorporate lighting for cosy evenings; string lights or solar-powered lanterns work well.

Round-up

We hope you’ve found inspiration to transform your outdoor space into a haven of comfort and style. Each design offers a unique way to connect with nature and create cherished moments. Embrace the diversity of styles and tailor them to your preferences. Most importantly, let your covered outdoor seating area become a personal oasis!

Furnish the space with our range of BillyOh garden furniture to complete the look. If the space allows, consider adding an outdoor structure, such as a log cabin or a summer house.

What you should read next: Modern Garden Ideas