Covered outdoor living space ideas to make the most of your garden whatever the weather

Indoor-outdoor spaces are on the increase in gardens right across the UK. It seems a whole lot of us want to spend more time outdoors enjoying our gardens, regardless of the weather. The obvious choice? A covered outdoor living space.

While some of us want to soak up the rays, others want to keep as cool as possible – and sometimes being in the fresh air and out of the house is a good way of achieving this.

At Forest Garden, we’re not at all surprised to hear this news. Our customers want to spend more time in outdoor spaces. Therefore, we want to embrace this growing trend and be as creative as possible, offering our customers a variety of solutions of different sizes, designs and prices.

Spending time among plants, flowers and trees, and in natural daylight, is known to be a stress reducer. So, whether you’re working in your garden room or simply entertaining family and friends in a covered outdoor living space, it’s a beautiful place to be and one that will give you a heightened sense of wellbeing.

What do you call a covered outdoor space?

A covered outdoor space will include a structure that provides shelter and enhances the usability and enjoyment of an outdoor space in all weather.

This could be a patio with a pergola, shade or awning. It could be a freestanding arbour or gazebo, both having open sides to enjoy the garden. Then there are options for garden rooms, cabins and summerhouses – a fully weatherproof and covered outdoor living space to enjoy the garden from.

How to create a covered living space on a budget?

A shade sail or simple pergola is going to be the most cost-effective way to create a covered outdoor living space. We created the Ultima Pergola available with a shade sail and offer a standard and premium option.

Choosing your outdoor living space structure ideas

Your favourite covered outdoor living space could be something as simple as a cosy nook in a quiet corner of the garden. Our Venetian Corner Arbour is simply charming. Position it in a secluded spot and it’s the perfect place for reading, chatting with friends or enjoying a mid-morning cup of coffee. This quaint and eye-pleasing structure allows the light in while keeping you dry when those unexpected showers arrive.

Our Ultima Pergola, with clean, minimalist lines and an overhead canopy, has a more modern feel. Place it in a sunny spot in the garden and it will provide both shade and shelter. It’s a peaceful place for the children to play or somewhere to enjoy a glass of wine with a friend or two. The canopy allows dappled light to enter, creating a beautiful overhead effect.

Of course, for those wanting an enclosed and private office or a summerhouse for parties, our stunning Mendip Log Cabin may be just what you’re after. This mid-sized contemporary cabin with a sloping roof is both beautiful and versatile. With its long windows and double doors (all fully double-glazed), the cabin lets in plenty of light and allows you to enjoy the garden’s scenery too. At Forest Garden, we have several gorgeous log cabins for you to choose from.

Your weatherproofed space

When selecting the best covered outdoor living space, for your needs, think about how many people the structure will need to hold and how large your outdoor space is. Consider if you want a lighter or a more solid structure – something moveable or something fixed and permanent.

Why let this summer’s strong sun or persistent rain ruin your outdoor fun when you can create a wonderful indoor-outdoor space to use whatever the weather? You’ll no longer need to cancel your plans when the weather takes a turn for the worse. After all, there’s nothing more soothing than listening to the rain falling when you’re still in the fresh air but completely dry and comfortable. Good company, some refreshments, perhaps a little music – and, of course, a roof over your head! – are all you need to enjoy the summer months.