9 Pool Cabana Design Ideas

If you don’t need a cabana year-round, don’t want to invest in the expense of building onto your home or simply don’t have extra space in your backyard, a canopy can provide a much-needed refuge from the hot sun. Outdoor canopies are easy to put up and take down, and some can fold up to a compact size if storage space is an issue. And if you already have a pool house or cabana, you can also add on a canopy to provide an extended “porch” area.

If you want a permanent outdoor covering that’s more economical than building a custom cabana, consider placing a gazebo  or pergola by your pool. This will give you a comfortable, shady spot to sit, sip a beverage and socialize while enjoying a cool breeze. You can even install an outdoor ceiling fan in some types of gazebos to help keep the area cool.

Whether you’re using a gazebo or canopy for a lounging area or designing a permanent structure, you’ll get the most use out of it if you make it as cozy as possible. Adding furniture such as an outdoor sofa, end table and coffee table, as well as finishing touches such as an outdoor area rug and throw pillows, will give you all the comforts of your living room. Plus, tall curtains can double as a sun shade to cut down on the glare.

One of the great things about a cabana is that it can be used as a space to enjoy a movie night with the family. All you need is an outdoor TV, which is very easy to mount these days. With the right setup, your backyard can quickly become everyone’s favorite gathering spot when a new season of the latest hit TV show drops or the big game is on.

One of the best ways to beautify a cabana is by filling it and surrounding it with lush greenery and flowers. Potted plants are perfect for inside the shelter, plus you can add a planting bed to frame the outside area. A palm tree is also a lovely addition if you live in a part of the country where it can tolerate the climate. And if your cabana has enough space, you can also add a miniature greenhouse so you can grow edibles all year round.

Locating a fire pit a safe distance outside of your cabana will create the perfect spot for conversation and roasting marshmallows on evenings with a cool breeze. There are lots of DIY options to suit your design — from a custom fire pit built from retaining wall blocks to a portable fire pit bowl.

One of many dual uses for a cabana is an outdoor game room. Depending on the amount of space available and the layout, there are countless options. A small table could easily double as a poker table or a surface for board games with the family. And if you want to go all out and create an arcade feel, a pool table, foosball table or ping pong table is always fun additions. For more suggestions for the space, check out our Game Room Ideas article.

If you love cooking and entertaining in the fresh air, a combination cabana-dining or grilling area is exactly what you need. No matter how large or small your cabana is, it’s easy to find an outdoor dining table to fit the space. Another perfect addition is an outdoor bar cart for serving drinks.

An enclosed cabana with a door or privacy curtains can also serve as the perfect space for you and your guests to change into and out of your swimsuits. No matter what the layout’s like, it’s easy to incorporate a wall-mounted or free-standing towel drying rack and place a stylish laundry hamper in a corner. A small linen cabinet is also a great location to store extra towels and spare bathing attire.