Simple Backyard Pavilion Ideas -
Inspiration Guide

Outdoor Pavilion Design Ideas

Pavilions can add usability and visual intrigue to a wide variety of outdoor spaces, from parks to wedding venues and beyond. A great outdoor pavilion design idea can elevate just about any formal event or casual get together. 

Pavilions are often confused with pergolas, and while the two structures are similar, they are distinct. Pergolas have open roofs, traditionally with latticework, that offer some defense from the elements, while pavilions have solid roofs that offer much more protection.

There are a number of ways to get the most out of your pavilion, even in your own backyard. For example, you can add accent walls, screens, shades, and curtains to add privacy and provide a canvas to add your own unique decor.

You can also use a variety of materials to achieve the look and effect you're hoping for. From natural woods, to roof shingles, to vinyl, you can add practically any unique design elements to create a gorgeous outdoor space.

Backyard Pavilion Ideas

Covered areas elevate a backyard landscape, adding both form and function to an outdoor living space.

Quality backyard pavilion ideas can be decorated with outdoor dining, living, or fire pit furnishings to truly feel like an expansion of your home.

In fact, depending on the design and location of your new pavilion, it may just become one of your favorite places to spend time with family and friends!

The sky’s the limit when it comes to architecture and design, and while many homeowners hire professional builders to construct their pergolas and pavilions, others choose to buy DIY kits or construct their own from scratch. 

5 simple backyard pavilion ideas:

• Add extra shade and greenery by planting a creeping vine to grow around your backyard pavilion.

• Ideas that use soft string lighting or lanterns can create a soothing, calming atmosphere.

• Add privacy by draping outdoor curtains or building a privacy wall on one or two sides of the pavilion.

• Consider how you want to use the space; while many people create an outdoor living area under their pavilion with couches or chairs and a coffee table, others cover a backyard pool, hot tub, fire pit, or dining table.

• Create a unique space with furniture and decor you love, and that complements your indoor furnishings.

Pool Pavilion Ideas

Building a pavilion next to a swimming pool provides shade, adds design interest, and makes lounging by the water a joy! You can also build a larger pavilion that covers a pool or hot tub completely. 

There are countless creative pool pavilion ideas to choose from. The right design for your backyard depends on the amount of space you have, the layout of your landscape, and how you use your pool!

These structures can protect the pool from the sun, rain, wind, and falling leaves and debris.

Not only does this make your pool or hot tub usable for a larger portion of the year, but it also helps reduce maintenance requirements. After all, who wants to spend the fall season digging leaves out of a pool?

Pavilion Lighting Ideas

Pavilion lighting ideas are some of the simplest and most effective ways to create a usable, beautiful backyard that can be enjoyed day and night. When incorporating light fixtures into your pavilion, it’s important to consider the space itself and how it’s going to be used. 

Will your pavilion be used for casual gatherings with friends, formal events like graduation parties or weddings, or do you want to create your own outdoor movie theater? You can play around with outdoor lighting types, fixtures, and locations to achieve wildly different effects.

You can string delicate fairy lights around (or accross) the roof of your pavilion for a gentle atmosphere, or you can install built-in LED bulbs to light-up your space even more. 

You also have the option to light the space from above with recessed lighting or a chandelier, or drape lights around the columns for a tranquil effect.

Patio Pavilion Ideas

A pavilion works perfectly as a patio cover. The right patio pavilion ideas can completely transform tired, unused patios into valuable parts of any landscape.

When browsing patio pavilion ideas and choosing a design, consider including architectural or design details that match and/or complement those on the exterior of your home. This is a great opportunity to truly tie your landscape design to the character of your home.

Building your backyard pavilion over a patio area gives you countless options as far as how you use the space. Create a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, a cozy outdoor reading nook, an area for grilling, or a relaxing covered yoga or meditation area.

You can even switch out the furniture and decor depending on the season!

But a patio pavilion isn’t just an aesthetic choice. Covering your backyard patios, pathways, or other hardscapes also helps to keep them dry, which significantly improves safety by preventing hardscapes from becoming slippery.

DIY Backyard Pavilion Ideas

If you’re looking to save money on construction and want to have a bit more control over the look and design of your pavilion, the DIY route is always a possibility. 

You can build one from scratch, but keep in mind that pavilions need to be safe and sturdy, so only attempt this if you feel confident working with raw materials and construction tools.

But you don’t have to use raw materials to DIY your own pavilion. Quality DIY backyard pavilion ideas are readily available online. Here are a number of blueprints and prefab kits that will save you money and give you detailed instructions on how to put the structure together.