Key Takeaways
Space for relaxing or entertaining.
- Temporary options like canopies provide flexible, easy-to-store shade, while permanent structures such as gazebos or pergolas offer a more durable setup.
- Furnishing your cabana with outdoor seating, rugs, curtains and décor can create a cozy, living-room-like retreat.
- You can turn a cabana into an entertainment hub with features like an outdoor TV, game tables or a dedicated movie night setup.
- Adding greenery, such as potted plants or nearby planting beds, enhances the cabana’s atmosphere and visual appeal.
- Complementary features like a fire pit, dining area or grilling station can make the space even more inviting for gatherings.
- Enclosed cabanas can also serve practical purposes, such as a private changing room or storage area for towels and pool essentials.
What is a Cabana?
A cabana is a type of covered outdoor structure often located near a swimming pool. It can provide many benefits, including shelter from the hot sun, a place to change in and out of your swimsuit, or simply a relaxing spot to enjoy the fresh air. Depending on your budget and the amount of space you have, a backyard cabana can also serve as a entertaining area or even a guest house.
Pool Cabana Ideas
Whether you need a temporary shelter from the sun — such as an outdoor canopy — or are looking to build a permanent structure, there’s a pool cabana design idea to suit your needs. Here are some of the most popular.
Use a Canopy as a Stow-Away Cabana
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 sun. Outdoor canopies are easy to set up and take down, and some fold into a compact size for convenient storage. If you already have a pool house or cabana, you can also add a canopy to create an extended “porch” area.
Install a Gazebo for an Open-Air Cabana
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 creates a comfortable, shaded space where you can sit, sip a beverage and socialize while enjoying a cool breeze. Some types of gazebos can even accommodate an outdoor ceiling fan to help keep the area cool.
Give Your Cabana a Living-Room Feel
You can decorate a pool cabana with outdoor furniture, rugs, throw pillows and curtains to create a cozy lounge area. Adding potted plants, lighting, a fire pit nearby or even an outdoor TV can also enhance the look and functionality of your poolside space.
Create an Outdoor Entertainment Center
One of the great things about a cabana is that it can serve as a space to enjoy a movie night with the family. All you need is an outdoor TV, which is easier than ever to mount. With the right setup, your backyard can quickly become everyone’s favorite gathering spot when a new season of a hit show drops or when the big game is on.
Check out How to Mount a TV for informative do-it-yourself instructions and Choose the Best TV Mount for help finding the right hardware.
Add a Fire Pit to Make It Cozy
Placing a fire pit a safe distance from your cabana creates the perfect spot for conversation and roasting marshmallows on cool evenings. There are many DIY options to suit your design — from a custom fire pit built from retaining wall blocks to a portable fire pit bowl to a fire table.
Go for an Outdoor Game Room
A cabana can also double as an outdoor game room. Depending on the amount of space available and the layout, there are countless possibilities. A small table can easily serve as a poker table or a surface for board games with the family.
If you want to go all out and create an arcade-like atmosphere, a pool table, foosball table or ping-pong table is always a fun addition. For more suggestions for the space, check out our Game Room Ideas article.
Create a Stylish Outdoor Dining Area
If you love cooking and entertaining outdoors, a combination cabana dining or grilling area may be just what you need. No matter how large or small your cabana is, it’s easy to find an outdoor dining table that fits the space. Another great addition is an outdoor bar cart for serving drinks.
See Essential Grilling Ideas for Spring and Summer and Pool Party ideas for tips for your next outdoor gathering.
Create a Changing Room
An enclosed cabana with a door or privacy curtains can also serve as a convenient place for you and your guests to change in and out of swimsuits. No matter the layout, it’s easy to incorporate a wall-mounted or freestanding towel drying rack and place a stylish laundry hamper in a corner. A small linen cabinet is also a great place to store extra towels and spare bathing attire.
Pool Cabana Ideas: FAQ
If you’re considering adding a cabana to your pool area, you may have a few questions about design and how to make the most of the space. These frequently asked questions cover the basics to help you plan a functional and stylish poolside retreat.
What Is a Pool Cabana Used For?
A pool cabana is a covered outdoor structure typically placed near a swimming pool. It provides shade and a comfortable place to relax, change clothes or entertain guests. Many homeowners also use pool cabanas as outdoor lounging, dining or entertaining spaces.
How Much Space Do You Need for a Pool Cabana?
The space required for a pool cabana depends on the design. Small cabanas or canopy-style shelters can fit in compact backyards, while larger permanent cabanas may require a dedicated area near the pool for seating, dining or entertainment features.
How Can You Decorate a Pool Cabana?
You can decorate a pool cabana with outdoor furniture, rugs, throw pillows and curtains to create a cozy lounge area. Adding potted plants, lighting, a fire pit nearby or even an outdoor TV can also enhance the look and functionality of your poolside space.