Shady Character: Stylish Covers for Your Patio
Top off your patio with a chic cover to protect guests from wind, sun and summer showers
Shawn Gauthier
August 7, 2012
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected,... More
The perfect outdoor entertaining space is all about comfort, and having just the right amount of shade or sun can make all the difference. Don't look only for practicality — shade your patio in style! If you're planning on hosting dinner parties and barbecues on your patio this summer, a permanent cover can help protect guests from the sun, wind or even the occasional summer shower while still adding to your outdoor aesthetic.
Read on to see a variety of patio cover styles and find one that's right for you.
Read on to see a variety of patio cover styles and find one that's right for you.
Retractable options let you choose when you want shade or sun. When it’s the former, this playful design folds out strips of yellow fabric to protect you from the rays.
Custom design a style with a local manufacturer to get the exact elegant look you want. These beautiful custom covers work as a posh addition to the home's exterior.
If you’re looking for better coverage over a patio that has a pergola-style roof, patio shade panels install directly into the wood roof for extra protection and a burst of colorful style.
Think carefully about the material you choose for your patio cover — the right materials can alter your backyard's look dramatically. A bamboo roof creates tropical appeal that makes this space feel like a vacation spot.
Corrugated metal is a surprisingly stylish option for a patio cover that works well with modern or industrial-style homes.
The bamboo cover on this outdoor space adds shade and texture to the patio's simple and modern design.
Fabric might feel too simple, but don't overlook it. Layering outdoor fabric panels across an overhead frame will soften the sunlight on your patio.
Regardless of the type of cover you choose, consider building the frame for your cover on an angle for extra protection. Think about the most common time of day you’ll be using the patio and work with an architect to determine the best angle for your home.
Don’t forget the sides of your patio. You may want to think about screens to help deter the sun sneaking in as it rises or sets.
Curtains can help filter out sunlight on the sides too. Flowing fabric delivers a soft, elegant touch to any outdoor space while helping to control both sun and shade.
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Beautiful pictures and thanks for the article. For a stylish retractable shade you should consider Infinity Canopy. It provides beauty and full shade when needed and easily retracted for full sun or gazing at the stars. It
runs on cables so it can be added to any structure or two opposing walls and its patented modular design allows for many configurations not possible by any other shade system. See more at Infinity Canopy Gallery