Creating a backyard room using canopies. . .

. . . is one of the hot trends in garden landscaping and home décor. This article gives tips on how you can greatly enhance your flower gardening efforts by using canopies to define your "Backyard Rooms."

Creating A Backyard Room Using Canopies

© John Bri

Whether you want a place to host parties, or simply to sit back and enjoy a quiet place, the idea is simply to get away from it all right in your own yard. Adding the right outdoor canopy provides a special role in creating that perfect environment

Creating a room without walls

With some planning, even a small yard can become a prime living space without the exorbitant expense of a home add-on or renovation. The great advantage of your backyard room is flexibility, and there are many ways to create a backyard room that is both beautiful and functional.

You can select functional furnishings such as the lovers swing, a hammock, grill, chaise lounge, or a patio dining table. Then create the atmosphere and decorative style you want by integrating such elements as a fountain, trellis, or special flower plantings

There is no need to fill every space – let the wide-open outdoors give a sense of roominess to even the smallest garden spot or corner.

However, you’ll still need to define the edges of your room without walls in order to give it a feeling of completeness. Creating a sense of enclosure ties everything together in the style and purpose that you want—all without obscuring the best views of your flower gardening efforts. This enclosure can be achieved with a patio border, a bed of flowers, or decorative benches.

Then consider one of the many styles of outdoor shade canopies to unify the furniture and other items in your room by creating a ceiling and a sense of defined space. From a distance, an attractive shade canopy is a focal point that invites anyone who sees it to approach and enjoy its shade.

The Right Outdoor Canopy

Colors, styles, and sizes in garden canopies make it easy to find the right choice for a specific event or to fit naturally into the landscape design. Most are made from weather-resistant polyester or a sturdy polyethylene material so are easily cleaned and will last several years.

Whether your backyard is large or small, formal or informal, there is a canopy size and style to fit. For the large yard, shade canopies up to 20 x 30 are excellent as a poolside shelter, party tent, outdoor dining area, or the centerpiece for a family or social gathering.

For the small yard or a tiny corner of a larger area, one of the popular 10 x 10 pop-up canopies works perfectly. It has plenty of room for a patio table and seating for 6-8 people, and can be set up and taken down in minutes when the mood or weather dictates. And without canopy sidewalls, even the smallest area will maintain that all-important open and airy look and feel.

Outdoor canopies don’t have to be costly. You can get a cheap version at your local discount store. But this is a bit like a $2 umbrella in a rain storm – you take your chances. Like any piece of furniture, pay for quality, and you’ll get much more enjoyment and longevity for your money.

There are many ways to create an outdoor space that is both beautiful and functional. And your “room” can easily evolve over the years as your needs and landscape changes.

By selecting the right outdoor canopy, and doing a little planning, you’ll find yourself enjoying the great outdoors - and your flower gardening efforts -- more than ever right in your own backyard.

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About the author
John Bri is a regular contributor to "That Covers It", a collection of helpful information on outdoor canopies for cars, parties, and the garden. You can get more information about outdoor canopies at www.that-covers-it.com