Create Your Perfect Covered Garden Seating Area

February 03, 2022

Would you like to enjoy your garden more? Creating a covered garden seating area is the perfect answer.

One of our Dark Grey metal garden pergolas, shown here with two sides lowered, transforms your paving area into a chic, contemporary space, as achieved here by Agata Henderson and Daizy Gardens.

The benefits of outdoor cover

Spending more time outside in the fresh air is great for our mental health and relaxation. So, something that gets you outside more often can only be good. With the right cover, come rain or shine you can enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest. If your covered garden seating area is placed near your kitchen or patio doors, it's an immediate step towards Indoor Outdoor living, uniting home and garden. Essentially, you've added a room to the house, in your garden, integrating it into your way of living.

Ways to create a covered garden seating area

Cover can be created in a variety of ways: * large, cantilevered parasols * shade sails * gazebos * wooden pergolas covered with climbing plants However, a metal pergola is ideal - a permanent, low-maintenance structure that stands up to bad weather, offers versatile coverage, and is in place, ready for use, all year. Choose strong, durable materials and an adjustable roof. This allows dappled shade when fully open and, if the weather takes a turn, the roof can be closed, offering a completely water- and even snow-tight cover.

Our Area 800x800mm Porcelain Paving is used in this undercover outdoor space.

Where to create your covered garden space

You might think it's obvious, but there are plenty of people who wish they'd placed their covered garden seating area elsewhere. Here's a checklist to help you decide:

Proximity to the house

Think about the accessibility and convenience of placing the pergola near your house. If you plan to use it for outdoor dining or entertaining, having it closer to your home's entrance or outdoor kitchen area can be a blessing when you're fetching and carrying. If you'd like to entertain in your garden, then putting it further away could make it an inviting destination that helps spread guests around the space.

Sunlight and shade

Consider the amount of sunlight and shade in different areas of your garden throughout the day. It might seem obvious to place it for protection from evening sun, but perhaps that coffee spot might benefit more from late morning shade? Or, for the most versatility, discover what a pergola with adjustable sides and open/close roof has to offer.

Views and privacy

Evaluate the views and privacy aspects of your garden. While you may not have much leeway on exactly where to place your sheltered area, paying attention to the angle you place it at could give views of the parts of the garden you most enjoy or help increase privacy from next door's gaze. You might even like to consider a sunken seating design under your pergola.

Our Dark Grey Metal Pergola is perfect for creating your covered garden seating area.

Creating a focal point

A covered garden seating areas can serve as an attractive focal point, so don't be afraid to place it "front and central". Step back and consider the potential view when you're not underneath it and integrate it as much as possible with trees, water features and beds to create a harmonious view.

Choose the right size

Again, consider the intended use. Do you already have furniture you wish to use? Or will you be buying new items? For hosting, large outdoor dining sets will work; for sunbathing, sun loungers; for relaxing by yourself, an egg chair. If you want to seat a varying number of people, then a modular set can be the right choice. Know what it is you want to put under before installing your shelter. This way you can ensure you choose a roof that will cover everything beneath. You don't want one person getting wet at the end of the outdoor sofa every time there's a shower! However you intend to use your covered outdoor seating, take time to think. You will want to ensure you position it for optimal usability. For more information on our versatile metal pergolas, visit one of our showrooms where our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to show you what's on offer (we recommend you phone first to check what models are on display). Post updated: February 2026