Looking to transform your outdoor space into a stunning retreat?
Whether you’re working with a sprawling backyard or a compact area, the right covered patio design can completely change how you use and enjoy your outdoor living space.
From sleek modern structures to cozy rustic escapes, we’ve gathered 19 inspiring designs that showcase the best in covered patios, decks, pergolas, and fire pit areas.
Let’s explore these ideas and show you exactly how to recreate each look in your own backyard.
Table of Contents
1. The “Nordic Noir” Modern Fire Pit Lounge
For those who love dramatic, architectural spaces, this modern backyard patio design covered with a sleek black steel pergola creates an unforgettable evening gathering spot. The louvered roof system gives you control over sunlight and airflow while maintaining that clean, contemporary aesthetic.
To achieve this look, start with your flooring—large-format slate grey tiles create a sophisticated foundation that’s both durable and easy to maintain. The centerpiece is a long, linear concrete fire pit that becomes a natural focal point as flames dance along its length. Surround it with a sunken conversation pit filled with deep charcoal weather-resistant sofas. Layer in faux fur throws for texture and warmth on cooler nights.
The magic happens in the details: hide warm LED strip lighting under your bench seating to create ambient glow without harsh overhead lights. Plant tall bamboo along the perimeter for natural privacy screening. The combination of matte black structure against warm firelight creates that high-contrast “Nordic Noir” mood that’s perfect for intimate gatherings.
2. The Boho-Chic “Tiny Oasis”
Don’t let limited square footage hold you back! This small backyard covered patio design proves that compact spaces can feel luxurious and inviting. A light-wood pergola frames this cozy covered deck without overwhelming the space.
The key to this bohemian luxe look is going vertical. Hang two macramé egg chairs from sturdy pergola beams—they’re both functional seating and decorative elements. Create a “living ceiling” by suspending hanging planters filled with trailing pothos and ferns. The greenery softens the space and adds natural texture overhead.
For the floor, layer Persian rugs in terracotta and sage green tones directly over your wooden deck boards. This adds warmth and defines the seating area. String festoon lights in a crisscross pattern above for magical evening ambiance. Keep furniture minimal—a small, round gold coffee table is all you need to hold your morning tea or evening cocktail. The dappled shadows from hanging plants create constantly changing patterns as sunlight filters through, making this covered back patio feel alive and dynamic.
3. The Indoor-Outdoor Infinity Pool Transition
This is the dream-home design that makes everyone stop scrolling. These backyard covered patio designs with pool create a seamless resort-style transition between indoor comfort and poolside relaxation.
Start with a high, white-washed wood vaulted ceiling—it makes the space feel grand and airy. Install a large ceiling fan for both function and visual interest. The real magic is in the flooring: blonde teak wood planks should extend from under the covered area right to the edge of your crystal-clear rectangular infinity pool, creating visual continuity.
Furnish one side with a large L-shaped beige sectional facing the water—perfect for lounging with a book or watching kids swim. On the opposite side, place a dining area featuring a live-edge wood table for alfresco meals. Support the structure with thick white stone columns, and tie back white linen curtains at each pillar. These curtains can be released for shade or privacy, and they add romantic movement when they catch the breeze. Surround with tropical landscaping to complete the resort vibe.
4. The Industrial-Rustic Hybrid
This backyard patio design partially covered is perfect for those who can’t choose between rustic warmth and industrial edge—because you can have both. The structure uses heavy timber beams paired with industrial black metal mesh, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.
Pour a concrete floor and border it with gravel for that modern-industrial foundation. The geometric patterns cast by the mesh covering add visual interest throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. Under the covered section, center a heavy iron dining table—the kind built to last generations. Set it for dinner with greenery centerpieces and let the natural materials shine.
In the uncovered section, place two classic Adirondack chairs facing your landscaping or garden view. This gives you options: shade for dining or sun for relaxing. Plant climbing wisteria vines at the base of timber beams—they’ll gradually wrap around the structure, softening the industrial elements with cascading purple blooms in spring. Photograph during golden hour when warm light makes everything glow.
5. The “Glass Box” Modern Extension
For minimalism lovers, this modern backyard patio design covered by a floating glass roof pushes contemporary design to its limits. The transparent roof appears to hover, supported by slim steel beams that almost disappear from view.
This design truly shines during rain—you stay completely dry while watching water drops create patterns on the glass overhead. Under this protection, install a sleek outdoor kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a bar counter for entertaining. The reflective surfaces and ultra-clean lines create a sophisticated backdrop for gatherings.
Add a modern bio-ethanol fire strip running along a stone accent wall. These clean-burning fires don’t require venting and create a dramatic linear flame. Light the space with cool blue and amber ambient lighting—use LED strips hidden in architectural details rather than traditional fixtures. This backyard covered patio design with fire pit works especially well for modern homes with lots of glass and steel, creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor aesthetic.
6. The Southwest Desert Sanctuary
Bring the warmth and texture of the American Southwest to your backyard covered patio design with fire pit using natural materials and earthy tones. The roof is a traditional ramada style made from dried latilla sticks arranged in a herringbone pattern. These wooden poles cast intricate, constantly shifting shadows that are part of the design’s charm.
The focal point is a massive, curved white stucco kiva fireplace—these traditional rounded fireplaces have been used in Southwestern architecture for centuries. Stack firewood nearby both for function and as a decorative element. The white stucco reflects firelight beautifully at sunset.
Choose low-profile wooden benches and top them with cushions in rust-orange and turquoise—classic Southwest color combinations. Lay irregular flagstone for the floor; its natural variations add to the organic feel. Line the perimeter with cacti and succulents planted in large terra cotta pots. Time your photos for sunset when the golden-pink light makes everything glow with warmth. This covered back patio feels like a private desert resort.
7. The “Secret Garden” Dining Deck
This covered deck design is for gardening enthusiasts and romantics who want their outdoor space to feel like a hidden retreat. Start with a white wooden pergola, but here’s the twist—don’t keep it pristine. Let blooming pink bougainvillea completely overtake the structure, creating a natural floral roof that provides dappled shade and incredible fragrance.
The surprise element? Hang an outdoor-rated crystal chandelier from the pergola beams. The contrast between rustic garden and elegant lighting creates an enchanting, unexpected vibe. Choose a vintage wrought-iron dining set painted sage green—scour antique shops or give new furniture a distressed finish.
Use weathered grey wood decking that looks naturally aged. Let a small pebble path wind away from the deck into your dense garden plantings, creating the feeling that you’ve discovered a secret space. This small backyard covered patio design works beautifully in narrow side yards or tucked into corner gardens. The key is embracing abundant plant growth rather than fighting it—let nature soften every edge.
8. The Modern Farmhouse Porch Swing Bed
This covered back patio taps into the hugely popular modern farmhouse aesthetic while adding an irresistible comfort element—a hanging daybed swing. Build or commission a large custom wooden swing suspended from the ceiling with sturdy chains or rope. Pile it impossibly high with cream and oatmeal-colored chunky knit blankets and pillows.
For the structure, paint the main framework white but leave exposed natural wood beams for warmth and contrast. The vaulted beadboard ceiling adds traditional charm while making the space feel larger. Lay antique red brick in a classic herringbone pattern for flooring—the rich color grounds the lighter elements above.
Flank your swing with large galvanized metal planters containing olive trees. These add height and greenery without blocking sight lines to your lawn beyond. This covered deck design is all about creating a space so inviting that you’ll spend entire afternoons reading, napping, or simply swinging gently. Soft, overcast daylight actually enhances the cozy atmosphere rather than detracting from it.
9. The Mediterranean Archway Escape
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean coast with these backyard patio designs covered by architectural stucco archways. Form three large arches painted warm terra cotta and support them with stone columns. This creates defined spaces while maintaining an open, breezy feel.
For the ceiling inside the arches, install woven bamboo reed—it’s traditional, provides filtered shade, and adds wonderful texture. The floor is where you can really have fun: lay patterned blue and white Spanish tiles. These decorative tiles instantly set the vacation mood and are surprisingly durable for outdoor use.
Build white stucco bench seating that curves organically around a mosaic tile table—perfect for leisurely meals that stretch into evening. Plant bougainvillea vines at the base of your arches and train them to climb up and over the structure. The bright magenta flowers against terra cotta walls create stunning color contrast. This covered back patio works especially well if you have even a glimpse of water view in the background, but the design is strong enough to stand alone.
10. The Minimalist Zen Garden
This small backyard covered patio design embraces Japanese-inspired minimalism where every element has purpose and nothing is excessive. The flat roof features light-colored slatted wood screens on two sides that create beautiful linear shadow patterns without completely blocking light.
For flooring, use large, smooth gray concrete pavers with river stones filling the gaps between them—this connects to traditional Zen rock gardens while being comfortable to walk on barefoot. In one corner, install a small rectangular stone water basin with a gentle bubbling feature. The sound of water adds tranquility without overwhelming the space.
Choose a single sculptural Japanese maple tree in a modern concrete planter as your primary plant—its form and seasonal color changes become living art. Furnish minimally with just two low-profile teak lounge chairs. The aesthetic here is calm, uncluttered, and perfectly balanced. This modern backyard patio design covered works beautifully for meditation spaces, morning coffee spots, or anywhere you need to escape visual noise and mental clutter.
11. The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen & Bar
For serious entertainers and cooking enthusiasts, these backyard patio designs covered focus on creating a fully functional outdoor culinary space. Build a large timber frame pavilion topped with a standing-seam metal roof—this combination is both attractive and highly weather-resistant.
Create a massive stone veneer wall that houses all your cooking equipment: a built-in stainless steel grill, a wood-fired pizza oven, and a large smoker. Having everything in one wall creates a professional kitchen flow. In front, install a long polished concrete bar island where guests can sit on leather barstools and watch you cook.
Hang woven basket pendant lights above the island—they provide task lighting while adding natural texture that softens all the hard surfaces. This covered back patio has a masculine, robust feel that’s ready for weekend cookouts or game day gatherings. Light it at dusk with warm under-counter lights that make the polished concrete glow.
12. The Coastal Hampton’s Retreat
Capture the breezy elegance of a beach house with this covered deck design inspired by Hamptons style. Paint every structural element—walls, ceiling, railings—in crisp white. The vaulted beadboard ceiling adds architectural interest, and a large white wicker ceiling fan provides both cooling and classic coastal charm.
Choose furniture made from weathered grey teak with navy blue and white striped cushions—this color combination is timeless and nautical without being cliché. Place a round jute rug over white-painted decking to define the seating area and add natural texture underfoot.
Fill large white planters with abundant hydrangeas—their big, fluffy blooms are synonymous with coastal gardens. If you’re lucky enough to have beach or water views, position seating to take advantage, but even without those, the bright, high-key lighting and breezy color scheme create a vacation atmosphere. This covered back patio feels fresh and relaxed, perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails.
13. The Mid-Century Modern Retro Glow
For design lovers who appreciate retro style, this modern backyard patio design covered celebrates the bold colors and iconic shapes of mid-century modern design. Install a flat, cantilevered roof—the defining feature of MCM architecture—and paint the underside turquoise for an unexpected pop of color.
The focal point is a bright orange, freestanding cone-shaped fireplace (reminiscent of classic Malm designs) that vents straight through the roof. These sculptural fireplaces are works of art even when not lit. Place two iconic mid-century modern wire chairs with yellow cushions on a geometric patterned outdoor rug—don’t be afraid of bold color combinations.
Lay terrazzo tile for flooring—its speckled pattern was hugely popular in the 1950s and 60s and adds authentic retro flair. Build a breeze block wall for partial privacy at the back—these perforated concrete blocks create graphic shadow patterns and are having a major comeback. Photograph during golden hour when warm light emphasizes the saturated colors. This backyard covered patio design with fire pit is for those who want their outdoor space to make a statement.
14. The Luxury Poolside Cabana
These backyard covered patio designs with pool turn your swimming area into a resort-quality retreat. Build the structure from dark wood—the rich tones create a sophisticated backdrop against water and sky. Install flowing, sheer white curtains on tracks that can be drawn for privacy or shade, or left open for breezy views.
Inside your cabana, the main feature is a large, plush double daybed piled with pillows—this is for serious lounging after a swim. Use travertine tile for the floor, extending the same material to the pool coping for visual continuity. The neutral stone complements the turquoise water beautifully.
Surround your structure with palm trees and tropical foliage—even in non-tropical climates, you can achieve this look with hardy palms and bold-leafed plants. Photograph in late afternoon when sun reflecting off the water creates gorgeous light effects. This covered back patio is all about creating that five-star hotel feeling in your own backyard.
15. The Rustic Lodge Winter Patio
Who says covered patios are only for summer? This backyard covered patio design with fire pit proves that the right design makes outdoor space usable year-round, even in cold weather. Build your structure from heavy, rough-hewn timber logs—the kind you’d see in a mountain lodge.
The centerpiece is a massive floor-to-ceiling natural stone fireplace with a roaring fire. This isn’t decorative—it’s serious heat that makes the space comfortable even when snow is falling. Pull two large leather armchairs close to the hearth and drape them with plaid wool blankets.
Use flagstone for flooring—its irregular shapes and natural texture fit the rustic aesthetic perfectly. Wrap string lights around the interior timber beams for warm ambient light that contrasts beautifully with the cold blue light of winter outside. When photographed with pine trees in the background covered in fresh snow, this covered back patio looks like something from a luxury ski resort.
16. The Conservatory “Glass House”
This interpretation of backyard patio designs covered takes a completely different approach—instead of shade, you get light-filled protection. Build a steel and glass conservatory structure attached to your home. It feels like a greenhouse but functions as an elegant dining space.
Fill the interior with dozens of large potted tropical plants—fiddle leaf figs, monstera, birds of paradise. The glass structure creates a perfect environment for these humidity-loving plants while you enjoy them year-round. Place a long, rustic wooden dining table down the center and set it for brunch or dinner parties.
Use gravel for the floor—it’s perfect drainage for all those plants and adds texture. The design really shines on rainy days when you’re protected inside watching water streak down the glass walls while surrounded by lush greenery. This covered back patio is perfect for plant lovers who want to extend their growing space and create a unique entertaining area.
17. The Bohemian Moroccan Riad
For those who love color, pattern, and texture, this small backyard covered patio design draws inspiration from Moroccan riads. Start with a painted wood ceiling featuring intricate geometric patterns in reds, blues, and golds—you can use stencils to achieve authentic-looking designs.
Skip traditional furniture entirely. Instead, layer colorful Kilim rugs across the floor and pile the space with leather poufs and low seating cushions. Place a low brass tray table in the center—just enough surface for a mint tea set and snacks.
The lighting makes this space magical: hang dozens of pierced metal Moroccan lanterns from the ceiling at varying heights. When lit at night, they cast intricate shadow patterns on every surface. Finish the walls with tadelakt plaster in a dusty rose color—this traditional Moroccan plaster has a subtle sheen and soft texture. This covered back patio creates an exotic, relaxed atmosphere perfect for intimate gatherings where guests sit low and close together.
18. The Contemporary Concrete & Wood Sanctuary
This modern backyard patio design covered by a thick, poured concrete canopy appeals to those who appreciate brutalist architecture softened with natural materials. The raw concrete wall provides a dramatic backdrop—leave it unfinished to show the texture and formwork lines.
Mount a long, linear wooden bench that appears to “float” along the wall—the warm wood contrasts beautifully with cold concrete. For flooring, choose large-format wood-look porcelain tiles that give you the appearance of wood with the durability of porcelain.
Center a sleek, rectangular fire table made from corten steel—this weathering steel develops a rust patina that’s actually protective and looks incredible against concrete. Keep landscaping minimalist with architectural grasses and river stones rather than traditional flowering plants. Light dramatically at twilight with recessed LEDs that graze the concrete walls, highlighting every texture. This backyard covered patio design with fire pit is sophisticated and timeless.
19. The Entertainment Hub
This backyard patio design partially covered creates distinct zones for different activities, perfect for families and entertainers. Under the covered section, focus on viewing: install a deep, comfortable sectional sofa facing a large retractable projector screen. Add a built-in bar fridge and even a popcorn machine for authentic movie night vibes.
The uncovered section handles overflow seating and mingling with high-top tables where guests can stand and chat. String lights overhead create ambiance and mark the transition between zones. Use stamped concrete for all flooring—it’s durable, affordable, and you can choose patterns that look like stone or pavers.
Photograph at dusk when the projector screen is glowing with a movie scene—this shows the space in action and helps people imagine themselves using it. This design proves that backyard patio designs covered can be highly functional entertainment spaces, not just pretty seating areas. The partially covered layout gives you options: sun when you want it, shade when you need it.
Making Your Covered Patio Dream a Reality
Whether you’re drawn to the moody drama of Nordic-inspired designs, the cozy comfort of farmhouse style, or the clean lines of contemporary architecture, there’s a covered patio concept here that matches your vision. The key is choosing a design that complements your home’s existing architecture while creating the outdoor living experience you’ve been dreaming about.
Remember, you don’t have to replicate these designs exactly—mix and match elements from different concepts to create something uniquely yours. Maybe you love the glass roof from one design but prefer the furniture style from another. That’s the beauty of outdoor design: it’s flexible and personal.
Ready to start planning? Consider your climate, how you’ll use the space, and what materials work best in your region. With the right covered patio design, you’ll add valuable living space and create an outdoor retreat you’ll use for years to come.
