10 Made-in-the-Shade Ideas for Covered Outdoor Spaces

(BPT) – Homeowners across the country are going undercover. It seems no matter where you live, the growing popularity of covered outdoor spaces is evident in backyards from Buffalo to Bakersfield. Here are 10 ways to add shade, shelter and style to your home’s exterior.Perk up a porch. A covered front porch provides an inviting entryway to any home, offering an elegant stage to greet guests, enjoy a morning cup of coffee or simply sit and watch the world go by.Throw some shade. A pergola provides shade and style to any outdoor setting, while still allowing for open air flow and sunshine. It also lends definition to deliver the look and feel of an outdoor room.Create a nature-inspired nook. Turn an underutilized area into an outdoor oasis by installing outdoor flooring, a ceiling and a cozy fireplace. In this design, the neutral Trex decking, exposed roof beams and modern furniture set the stage for relaxation.Raise the roof. If you love spending time outside in all conditions, consider adding a roof to a portion of your outdoor space. This small shelter paired with privacy curtains provides protection from the elements and prying eyes so you can enjoy a relaxing soak any time and in any season.Gaze from a gazebo. A deck gazebo provides many benefits, offering shade and protection from the elements while also establishing an elegant space to relax, dine and entertain guests.Go below deck. The space beneath an elevated deck is loaded with potential. With the addition of a deck drainage system like Trex RainEscape, which diverts water to keep the area beneath a deck dry, this space can be outfitted with furniture, lighting and appliances to create an outdoor room with comfort and function.Enclose for year-round enjoyment. Optimize usability by enclosing an outdoor space with screens or windows. This affords the benefits of enjoying views, fresh air and natural light without having to worry about insects, rain or fluctuating temperatures.Bolster a balcony. Make a bold, architectural statement on your balcony with a stylish pergola. Covering half of this elevated outdoor space, the pergola’s dark beams offer the perfect contrast to the home’s light exterior and provide shade over the outdoor kitchen and sitting area.Bring the indoors out. Seamlessly transition between your home’s interior and exterior living spaces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a covered outdoor area perfect for al fresco dining and parties.Retreat from the rays. Turn the space beneath your deck into a poolside paradise perfect for escaping the sun’s strong rays after an afternoon of swimming. This covered area features an underdeck drainage system paired with a soffit ceiling and integrated lighting to deliver the finished look and feel of an outdoor room.For more inspiration, visit Trex.com.