Pergolas, awnings and other outdoor roof coverings can do a lot for an outdoor space, whether they provide shade from summer sun or protection from rain. These outdoor workhorses can also wow.

Designers take inventiveness with roof covers to another level in some of the most popular outdoor rooms uploaded in the last three months. These include a shade cover made from camouflage netting and a pergola with intricate metal cutouts. Take a look at the following 10 photos that feature creative roof covers and see if any spark ideas for your home.

Artfully spaced slats

The spectacular infinity pool, sunken dining area and million-dollar view may steal the show in this waterfront Miami abode, but don’t overlook its delicately detailed roof overhang.

With its clean edges, crisp white colour and irregular slat spacing, the roof cover is a fresh take on classic pergola design. Its lines mirror the deck planking below, with both surfaces directing the eye out to the coastal view.

Perforated panels

On a rooftop deck in Bangalore, India, a shade structure adds interest with its intricate botanical-shaped cutouts (as well as with the shade patterns it’s sure to create).

The roof’s perforated, woven quality repeats in the woven lounge furniture, tying the two elements together.

Taste of vacation

Landscape designer Kevin Clare designed a rooftop refuge in Paris that was inspired by the essence of Mexico. In one corner of the roof he designed this covered nook, complete with custom storage benches, cane furniture and lush, climbing plants. The rustic roof structure above provides shade and a perch for plants, reinforcing the feeling of an exotic getaway in the city.

Camo cover

Among their many virtues, outdoor structures offer an opportunity to play with shade patterns. This roof deck in Madrid, designed by Adam Bresnick Architects, features bold colours and stylish furniture. Its most distinct feature, however, is the shade cover, a military-style netting on a metal frame. The lightweight, affordable UV-resistant material provides sun protection and a captivating dappled pattern on most of the deck’s floor.

Outdoor skylight

In this covered outdoor lounge in Montecito, California, near Santa Barbara, a ceiling cutout offers an upward view and colourful contrast to the all-white space. Even if the outdoor curtains are drawn, guests can recline and admire an unobstructed view of the sky above.

Indoor-outdoor connection

This home in Melbourne, Australia, does an elegant job of connecting the indoors and outdoors. Among the many elements that join the two spaces, the blackbutt wood ceiling is the most seamless, seen here on the covered deck. Used indoors and outside, the wood plank draws the eye up and provides a warming contrast to the concrete wall and black accent pieces.

Elegant wicker lighting

These days, as furniture and decor continue to improve, outdoor dining setups are looking more like a formal dining room and less like somewhere you’d throw together a backyard barbecue.

Such is the case with this Newport Beach patio, in Southern California, with its dramatic light fixtures and elegant outdoor furniture. The designers at Garden Studio layered wicker-orb pendant lights of various sizes at different heights for an elevated outdoor dining experience.

Glass-topped pergola

The interior designers at Schulz.rooms were tasked with transforming a 1980s outdoor eating area into a space that felt more current. They kept the existing roof structure, brick wall and flooring in the redesign but added new built-in furniture, outdoor lighting and an outdoor kitchen.

In updating the elements of the outdoor space, the existing pergola was finally able to shine as a clean-lined modern detail.

Suspended chimney

In Moscow, this sleek covered garden pavilion features streamlined lounge furniture, dark-stained wood and a pattern of ceiling slats that almost creates a feeling of movement through its varied spacing. Perhaps the most memorable feature in this design by Blockstudio is its inventive fire feature, with the freestanding fire pit sitting beneath a suspended chimney. The round chimney and fire pit bisect the outdoor room, creating contrast in the otherwise-linear space.

String light and paper lantern medley

There’s a lot to love about this San Francisco Bay Area patio designed by Imprints Landscape Architecture, including the turf and paver floor, cool-toned sectional sofa and white climbing roses. A wood pergola frames the space, and string lights and paper lanterns provide a cheerful view above, day or night.