The best outdoor spaces take privacy and shade into consideration so you can enjoy warm weather in peace and comfort. Cabanas are a great way to make the most of your outdoor space by helping you create an oasis right in your own backyard! But what is a cabana? Keep reading to learn all about this outdoor lounging essential.

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What Is a Cabana?
What Is the Difference Between Cabanas & Similar Structures?
Where to Put a Cabana
How to Style a Cabana

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What Is a Cabana?

A cabana is a type of outdoor shade structure that typically goes beside a pool or on a beach. Its main goal is to provide privacy and offer shelter from harsh sunlight and wind. The word "cabana" comes from the Spanish word "cabaña", which means shelter, hut, or cabin. What was once a practical structure to protect people from the elements has now become a symbol for vacation-worthy relaxation. Today, cabanas come in a variety of different forms. These include permanent in-ground structures with walls and hard-top roofs, gazebo- or pergola-style structures with curtains and paneling, or pop-up beach tents with curtain walls to provide shelter from the sun and wind.

What Is the Difference Between Cabanas & Similar Structures?

You can't define cabana without also talking about similar outdoor shade structures. It's important to note that the term "cabana" is sometimes used interchangeably with "gazebo" or "pergola". In many cases, people use gazebos or pergolas as the base for a cabana structure. Below, we dive into more details about what sets these structures apart and how to distinguish them.

Cabana vs. Gazebo

As mentioned, the term "cabana" and "gazebo" are often used interchangeably. This is because you can essentially use a gazebo as a cabana! The main difference? Gazebos are typically open on all sides, while cabanas either have wall panels or curtains that can enclose the space for added shade and privacy. Both structures have either a hard-top or canvas roof to provide overhead shade. Review How to Pick the Right Size Pergola or Gazebo for more details about gazebos and how to choose the right one.

Cabana vs. Pergola

Similar to gazebos, many people use pergolas as cabanas. By themselves, pergolas are open on all sides and have a slat- or lattice-style roof that allows filtered amounts of sunlight to pass through. They don't provide privacy or complete shade like cabanas offer. You can create a cabana using a pergola by adding a canvas shade to the roof and curtains to help enclose the structure. Check out our What Is a Pergola? guide to learn more about this outdoor shade option.

Cabana vs. Pavilion

Pavilions are typically large, permanent structures with hard-top roofs and a concrete base. They are open on all sides and usually have outdoor tables or benches inside. Pavilions are usually placed in parks for outdoor recreational activities. The difference between cabanas and pavilions is that pavilions are in-ground, large structures, while cabanas are more likely to be freestanding or surface-mounted. Pavilions are open on all sides while cabanas require curtains or wall panels. Perhaps the most key difference is that cabanas are typically placed beside pools or near the beach, while pavilions are more common for parks and recreational areas.

Cabana vs. Pool House

Cabanas and pool houses are both commonly found next to pools and provide a private space to change or relax in the shade. The main difference is that pool houses may be used to store pool equipment or to hide large pool components like water filtration systems, while cabanas are purely for relaxation. Pool houses may also contain running water and shower facilities to use before and after pool use.

Where to Put a Cabana

Now that you have a clear cabana definition, let's discuss your placement options! Cabanas are traditionally placed next to pools or on sandy beaches, but in truth, a cabana can go anywhere you want! Cabanas provide a vacation-like feel whether you have a pool or not. You can place a cabana right up against the back door to your home to extend your living space outdoors. You can also set up a cabana on your patio to provide shade to your patio sofa or dining set. You can even set up a cabana near your garden so you can admire your green thumb from a shaded spot. The possibilities are endless!

How to Style a Cabana

Now that you have a better idea of what a cabana is, you can start designing your lounge space! Here's how to style your own cabana for breezy, carefree results.

1. Decide on the Purpose of Your Cabana

Before you do anything else, think about how you plan to use your cabana. This will determine the type of structure and furniture/decor elements to include. For example, if you plan to use your cabana as a poolside changing area, privacy will be your top priority. If lounge space is the goal, you'll need plenty of space for patio daybeds or chaise lounges.

2. Choose a Shade Structure

Now that you've considered what you'll use the cabana for, it's time to pick out the best shade structure. Opt for enclosed gazebos for private changing areas, hard-top gazebos to keep furniture or outdoor kitchen components dry, and breezy canvas-top gazebos or pergolas to amplify natural light while providing shade.

3. Curtains, Curtains, & More Curtains

The key to creating a cabana-like feel is plenty of curtains! This is what sets a cabana apart from a standard gazebo or pergola. For a gazebo, you'll likely need eight outdoor curtains (two for each of the four sides of the gazebo), and for a pergola, you will need an additional curtain to drape over the top to block the sunlight. We highly recommend going with white or beige curtains because they don't trap heat the way darker curtains do, and they encourage the right amount of light to pass into the cabana.

4. Add Outdoor Rugs

Adding an outdoor area rug is optional, but it can add style and comfort to the floor of your cabana. Use an outdoor rug to cozy up backyard cabanas on hard patio surfaces or to cover grass to instantly create an inviting lounge space.

5. Bring in the Patio Furniture

No cabana would be complete without the proper lounge furniture. Whether you plan to line the inside of your cabana with chaise lounge chairs, dining sets, or outdoor living furniture, the right furniture will add to the enjoyment of the space.

6. Don't Forget Accent Lighting

Enjoy your cabana at night by incorporating the right accent lighting. Hang up outdoor string lights inside your cabana. Add outdoor lamps to your cabana table, or go big with an outdoor-suitable chandelier!

Tip!

Get inspiration for pool cabana ideas by taking a peek at the 15 Best Above-Ground Pools Perfect for Summer and our guide on how to Plan Your Next Pool Party With These 12 Poolside Essentials.

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