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Looking for a way to take all of your summer parties and al fresco dinners to the next level? Consider adding a patio cover and you and your guests will have it made in the shade! Covering your patio is one of the easiest ways to instantly transform your yard on any budget, especially when you add cozy additions like an outdoor fire pit or tie in some fresh landscaping ideas. It's also a great way to stay out of the hot sun and prolong the life of your pretty patio furniture by protecting it from fading and bleaching.
But with so many great patio cover ideas to choose from, how will you know where to begin? That's where our recommendations come into play. Ahead, find genius ideas that'll have you excited to head to the nearest hardware store and pick up supplies for a patio revamp. Go for a sleek, modern look with natural fibers or corrugated metal, or create a whimsical atmosphere (perfect for a garden party!) with backyard lighting and fabric accents. The choice is yours! There are options on this list for quick five-minute fixes as well as full-scale renovations—so grab your tools, create your vision board, and get ready to increase the square footage of your home year-round.
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1
Add Mosquito Netting
You won't have to worry about bugs bothering you with this project! The DIY canopy shade will block the sun, while whimsical net curtains will protect you from all those pesky mosquitos!
Get the tutorial at Thrift Diving.
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2
Build a Slat Wood Pergola
Get in on the slat wood trend by building this stunning white pergola. Because the slats are so close together, it'll offer plenty of shade while still giving you the experience of being outside. This project also features slat wood walls on three sides and one open wall with curtains.
Get the tutorial at A Beautiful Mess.
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3
Attach a Half Pergola to Your Home
You don't need a full pergola to get the shade you're looking for. Follow this easy tutorial for attaching a half pergola to your home. You'll love how open it feels!
Get the tutorial at The Created Home.
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4
Install a Clear Pergola Roof
Turn your patio into a three-season oasis by installing a clear pergola roof. One of the best parts about this roof is that it lets in lots of light but blocks UV rays, which means your pretty patio furniture will be well-protected from fading and sun bleaching!
Get the tutorial at Houseful of Handmade.
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5
Add Light Fixtures
To dress up a built-in patio and add a pop of color, paint the ceiling this pretty shade of pink (or any favorite color!). Then install matching light fixtures so you can use your patio well after the sun goes down.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
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6
DIY a Hammock with a Built-In Pergola
If you like the idea of a pergola but don't want to build a full-sized structure, consider making these adorable hammock chairs for your patio. They feature mini built-in pergola tops that will offer just the right amount of shade on sunny days.
Get the tutorial at Houseful of Handmade.
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7
Make a Fabric Shade
If you already have a pergola, making your own fabric shade is a great way to elevate your space and keep the sun off your patio furniture.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
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8
Paint your built-in cover
How great is this patio cover transformation? The secret to this chic, minimalist look is a simple, fresh coat of white paint.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
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9
Use String Lights
Add some simple string lights to your patio cover to create instant ambiance. It's a quick and easy way to refresh your space without investing a ton of time or money.
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
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10
Build Your Own Pergola
If you've always wanted a pergola but don't love the look of galvanized steel, check out this tutorial. Here, a stunning wood structure is constructed with basic materials you can get from your local hardware store.
Get the tutorial at Jen Woodhouse.
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11
Let the Light In
Not all patio covers need to keep the light out. A clear sun roof is a great way to cover your patio without making things too dark.
Get the tutorial at Catz in the Kitchen.
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12
Install a Shade Sail
A shade sail is a simple and effective way to cover your patio. Just anchor one end of the shade sail to the roof of your house, and secure posts at the other end.
Get the tutorial at House Tweaking.
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13
Build a Pavilion
Go all-out with a pavilion-style deck addition, complete with a ceiling fan to cool off on hot days.
Get the tutorial at Love Grows Wild.
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14
Upgrade your Old Patio Umbrella
If you have an old patio umbrella that's seen better days, paint it! This blogger recommends using a solid-colored umbrella and latex-based paint to re-create her look.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
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15
Use Paper Lanterns for a Layered Effect
Dress up your patio cover for an elegant dinner party by creating a layered look with paper lanterns, string lights, and faux wisteria.
Get the tutorial at Room for Tuesday.
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16
Create a Whimsical Cover
This stunning patio cover idea uses various colored fabrics to give this shaded seating area a playful aesthetic.
Get the tutorial at Mi Casa.
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17
Use Tie-Back Curtains
Another way to add dimension to your pergola is by adding sheer curtains with tie-backs. Simple, inexpensive mesh panels can help achieve this elevated effect.
Get the tutorial at Tidbits.
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18
Take Advantage of Natural Shade
You can get the look and feel of a covered patio without having to actually build anything. Simply take advantage of natural shade in your yard, and add an umbrella if you want a little extra cover.
Get the tutorial at Homey Oh My.
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19
Go industrial-chic with a metal roof
Revamp a corrugated tin roof by pairing it with simple pendant lights. It's easy!
Get the tutorial at Vintage Revivals.
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20
Choose a Retractable Awning
If you only want your patio covered sometimes, then a retractable awning is your best bet. It can be pulled back when you want a little extra sunshine.
Get the tutorial at Homemade by Carmona.
