15 Stylish Patio Cover Ideas & To Elevate Your Garden
Transform your patio and turn your garden into the ultimate living space with our easy garden cover ideas.
Whether you want to shelter from the sun’s rays, add a touch of sophistication, create the perfect spot for your next gathering or simply extend the time you spend outside throughout the year, a patio cover can make all the difference! When it comes to selecting the right patio cover, the possibilities really are endless.
What is a patio cover?
Outdoor patio cover ideas are the unsung heroes of outdoor comfort, providing shelter from the elements and a unique and personal touch to your garden.
Patio covers can be anything that shields your patio from the sun and rain, from pergolas and glass to natural canopies from plants and trees, turning your patio into a versatile living space regardless of the weather or time of year.
A well-chosen patio cover is important. It extends the living area of your home, creates a comfortable outdoor environment and protects your furniture from weather damage. Plus, a stylish patio cover can significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden and home, making it a more welcoming space for relaxing or entertainment.
Create a Botanical Canopy
Monterrey Deluxe Square Rope Corner Dining Set with Rising Table in Grey - £3,299
Embrace the beauty of nature with shady, leafy botanical canopies. Use climbing vines and blooming flowers, like ivy and sweet peas, to form a living full or partial patio shade cover either over or surrounding your patio.
Install structures like trellises or pergolas as a foundation for your green canopy. Then, choose fast-growing climbers like wisteria for quick but beautiful coverage or fragrant blooms like jasmine to stimulate the senses.
As these plants weave their way up, around or across, they’ll create a lush and natural cover that provides shade and enhances the air quality of your patio.
Play around with retractable Roof Systems
PergoSTET 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £3,999
Retractable roof systems take your patio to a whole new level, giving you ultimate control over your outdoor environment and unparalleled flexibility. At the touch of a button, these covers can open to show the sky, inviting in the sun’s light and warmth, or close to provide complete protection from unpredictable wind,rain and the great British weather.
Their convenient design also integrates with any architectural style, meaning you don’t have to worry whether or not they’ll suit your home. Whether you’re seeking sunlight or shade, a retractable roof will transform your outdoor area into your versatile, dream patio that you can use year-round.
Maximise your view with glass Patio Covers
With glass patio covers, you get two-for-one. Not only are they durable, but they also introduce a modern elegance, offering unobstructed views of the sky while still shielding you from the elements.
Designed to withstand various weather conditions, these sleek and transparent covers allow natural light to flood in. They create a bright and airy space that’s perfect for cooler weather and provide a sturdy and reliable cover that will maintain its appearance year after year.
You can also choose whether you want your glass panels to be tinted or clear, allowing you to customise the design as well as the level of sunlight and heat entering your patio. Add a comfortable and cosy sofa set with a coffee table and outdoor rug to create the perfect outdoor room to sit and relax in.
Get zen with bamboo shades
Introduce a warm, earthy feel to your patio with the natural charm of bamboo shades. These eco-friendly covers are a style statement, providing cosy functionality and complementing virtually any outdoor setting. Their light, natural tones help to create a serene and stylish patio that feels effortlessly zen.
Relatively easy to install, bamboo shades’ durability makes them a practical choice for those looking for a quick and aesthetic cover solution. Whether rolled down for full privacy and protection or partially drawn to let in a gentle breeze, bamboo shades can be adapted to your needs and look perfect with a fire pit for rustic elegance and warmth during cooler months.
Customise your Pergola
PergoSTET 3m x 3m Steel Square Pergola in Grey - £1,399
Customising your pergola allows you to tailor your patio to your exact preferences and needs and inject a bit of your own personal style, turning it into a focal point for your outdoor living space.
Select the design and materials that you like and best complement your garden, whether it’s classic wood, modern, sleek metal or a combination of both.
Incorporate climbing plants like ivy or roses to add a touch of nature and add lights, like LEDs or pendant lights, to create your desired ambience. Elevate the look further with a stylish lounge set with textiles in your favourite colours. You could even install adjustable panels to give you ultimate control of the amount of sunlight coming in.
Make use of plants and trees
Sempre Double Lounger in Light Grey - £2,665.00
Upgrade your patio by integrating lush, leafy trees to add a burst of life and colour. Providing a multitude of shade, when strategically placed, these trees not only offer relief from the sun's rays but also let you customise your patio quickly, easily and conveniently.
Dappled light filtering through the greenery will create a tranquil and cool environment, perfect for relaxing or hosting intimate gatherings. Plants and trees are a unique and eco-friendly shade and patio cover solution that'll continue to grow more and more beautiful over time.
Add a Parasol
Challenger T2 3.5m x 2.6m Rectangular Cantilever Parasol in Taupe - £604.99
Providing functionality and flair, parasols are another versatile and stylish patio cover option. Traditional parasols bring a timeless elegance, while more modern cantilever designs offer expansive shade without obstructing the area with a central pole.
Seeking durability as well as style? Traditional aluminium and wooden parasols offer robust protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays and a sophisticated and almost vintage touch.
Each style not only shelters you from the heat but also complements and elevates your patio's aesthetic, making it the perfect versatile accessory for any outdoor setting.
Use partially shaded Furniture
Lima Deluxe Aluminium Swing Seat in Latte - £1,999
For those with smaller spaces who prefer something less permanent, consider investing in partially shaded furniture.
Pieces like daybeds under built-in pergolas offer the perfect blend of comfort and shade reminiscent of summer holidays abroad, creating your own personal oasis right in your garden.
This type of furniture combines the luxury of a covered patio with the convenience of mobility, allowing you to rearrange or remove them as and when your needs change.
Partially shaded furniture also adds an extra design element to your patio and a cosy, shaded spot to relax, unwind and make the most of every sunny day. Simply add some outdoor cushions and a blanket in case there’s a breeze, and you’re good to go!
Install a Pergola
PergoSTET 3m x 4m Rectangular Pergola with 3 Drop Sides and LED Lighting in Grey - £3,999.00
Pergolas are an incredibly popular and durable patio covering, transforming your garden into an ideal sanctuary and providing the perfect combination of sunlight and shade.
If you're looking to go big, invest in one of these elegant structures with drop sides. They provide the perfect frame for climbing plants and stylish lighting, creating the ideal ambience and setting for relaxation and entertainment.
Whether adorned with vines or twinkling lights, a pergola will expand your living space and can even add value to your home — all while enhancing the natural beauty of your patio.
Splurge on an Awning
Introduce a practical yet stylish element to your patio by setting up an awning. Not only is it a great patio roof idea that will provide much-needed shade, but it’ll also add a splash of texture, colour and drama to enhance the overall look, making it a more inviting space to spend time in.
Motorised awnings provide the added benefit of retractability, allowing you to adjust your level of shade and exposure to suit any weather condition, occasion or mood.
Choose from a wide range of fabrics, from bold and vibrant patterns to more subtle and elegant designs that reflect your personal style. Add wooden garden furniture underneath to complement your garden’s natural aesthetic.
Go big with an Outdoor Kitchen
Juno 16" Pizza Oven Bundle with Stainless Steel Pizza Peel and Cover - £459.00
Completely transform your garden by adding a fully equipped kitchen under your patio cover. Not only will it make healthy eating so much easier, but you'll be able to enjoy al fresco dining and cooking from the comfort of your own patio whenever the mood strikes.
Add essential appliances like a grill, pizza oven and even an outdoor kitchen sink and preparation area to ensure everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Choose durable, weather-resistant materials and countertops for longevity and easy maintenance, and consider adding a dining area nearby to seamlessly transition from cooking to al fresco dining.
Click here to get even more outdoor kitchen inspiration.
Get dreamy with Linens
Add an almost romantic touch to your patio with either ready-made or custom-made airy linen covers. Create a setup that provides not only a soft, diffused light and elegance but also light shade to your patio area.
The gentle movement of the linens in the breeze adds a serene, dreamy quality, perfect for creating an everyday tranquil escape or a picturesque setting for gatherings. With this DIY approach, you can personalise your patio cover to reflect your style and transform your space into a relaxing chill-out zone.
Look for Inspiration abroad
Santiago 6 Seat Rattan Oval Dining Set in Grey - £1,799.00
Take inspiration from regions like the Mediterranean, Mexico, Asia and other sunny destinations to add character and colour to your patio and patio covers.
In countries known for their warm climates, patio cover designs tend to focus on combining effective sun protection, lightweight materials and interesting patterns and shapes to ensure the patio covers complement the home's style and provide protection and shade.
Add elegant metallic rails to hang soft cotton drapes in whites, creams and blues for a touch of breezy, Mediterranean flair. Weave them through the lattice of your pergola or add rustic rattan dining sets with a built-in parasol and bright yellow cushions.
For inspiration, check out our Mediterranean garden ideas — perfect for those who want a taste of the sea and sunshine back home.
Be unique
Cosipure 120 White and Teak Rectangular Fire Pit - £1,665.00
Don't be afraid to go all out and add unique touches that reflect your personality and style and also enhance comfort — just as you would in your home.
Add a fire pit as a central feature to create a cosy focal point for gatherings that will make a big impression. It’s also a great autumn and winter garden idea and will allow you to use your patio for longer into cooler evenings.
You could also bring the indoors outdoors with an outdoor rug to really define the space and add colour, texture and warmth. These work well alongside interesting art pieces and stylish but durable furniture that’s perfect for relaxing. Just don't forget to accessorise with cushions and blankets to take the cosiness to the next level!
Add a Bar Area
Kalama 6 Seat Rectangular Bar Set with Teak Table in Charcoal - £2,249
Transform your patio into the ultimate entertainment space by adding a bar area under the covers. A great feature when hosting guests, it's both functional and stylish — perfect for social gatherings and leisurely evenings with a cocktail under the stars.
Commit to a dedicated built-in bar with weather-resistant materials for seasonal drinks all year round, or choose a portable cart that can be moved as and when needed.
Stock it with all of your favourite beverages, glassware and a few retro bar stools for seating and elevate it even further with accent lighting above the bar. You could even add accessories like an ice bucket and some cocktail shakers for the ultimate professional touch.
Conclusion
Choosing the right patio cover alongside complementary garden furniture and accessories is a guaranteed way to elevate your garden and transform your patio.
The perfect option to protect yourself from the sun while still allowing you to enjoy your garden all year round, each of our ideas blends style with practicality. Just remember to choose a patio cover that addresses both your aesthetic tastes and functional needs for longevity and enjoyment, and that's ready for any occasion for years to come.
Check out Harbour Lifestyle's range to discover the perfect patio solution to define your garden, or take a look at our other patio ideas. From sophisticated designs to quality craftsmanship, your perfect patio awaits!
