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Beautiful summer weather can be all the encouragement you need to spend more time outdoors. But when humidity rises above 75 percent or the temperatures border on scalding, it can be difficult to spend more than a few minutes in the sun. And once the sun goes down, the problem shifts to mosquito swarms and other annoying warm-weather pests. Whether it's to beat the heat, the bugs, or the unpredictable summer storms, a covered lounge is essential to elevate not just your outdoor space but your summer experience. Backyard gazebos and pergolas get the job done, but there's nothing like a Hawaiian lanai to make you feel like you're on vacation in your own backyard. What is a lanai? Take a cue from the Golden Girls: It's a design solution with a tropical bent that delivers protection from the elements and the feeling of being outdoors.
Similar to a covered porch or roofed deck, a lanai is another type of covered area original to Hawaiian homes and architecture. There's a good chance you've either seen one (in person or on television!) or you've spent time hanging out in something similar. Whether you seek one out this summer or you go as far as to construct one for your own home, the important thing to remember is that a lanai is a sort of architectural compromise that helps to bring the outdoors in.
What Is a Lanai?
The simplest definition of a lanai sounds a lot like a porch: It has a roofed entrance but more than one of the "walls" are open to the elements. Since Hawaii is a place of endless summer weather, it's no surprise that lanais are common features of its residential and commercial architecture. They first appeared in the mid-19th century and have since been embraced in other warm climates like Florida and California.
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What's the Difference Between a Lanai and a Porch?
Lanais often open up into wider living spaces, so it wouldn't be entirely incorrect to relate them to covered patios or verandas as well. Their main draw is that they make it possible to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Screened lanais can keep out bugs, and paneled lanais—which either come in glass or plastic and can be removed—can help regulate the temperature once the weather cools. Finally, an "under-truss" lanai describes one that was built under a home's existing footprint with enclosure screens that are secured to the roof. In areas that experience frequent severe storms, an under-truss lanai can be a safer option.
Most lanais have enough room for furniture sets, greenery, and even outdoor ceiling fans, so you can think of them as a living room that's always on vacation.
What If You Want a Lanai for Yourself?
For starters, the national average cost to construct a screened-in lanai is between $1,300 and $1,700, according to the home improvement site Porch, and it can take three to nine months to build—so you'll have to wait until next summer to enjoy it.
To get the most out of a lanai, you should carefully consider where it's positioned in relation to your home and the sun. A south-facing lanai will get the most sunlight but might end up feeling like a greenhouse in the middle of summer. A west- or east-facing lanai will likely get sunlight only for part of the day, so it may get chillier in the winter. Our vote? The best place for a lanai is off the kitchen or indoor living room, if possible. That will connect it to the main areas of the home, ensuring effortless entertaining and relaxation.
As for how to design and decorate a lanai, stick to bright shades that complement the outdoors. You'll want to invest in weatherproof outdoor furniture too; classic options like wicker or rattan will only heighten your lanai's vacation aesthetic. Roll out a patterned outdoor rug to define the seating arrangements, and add plenty of tropical houseplants for color and texture. Finally, throw in plush pillows that encourage settling in, and keep a well-stocked bar cart nearby for all your happy hour needs. With a space this inviting, you won't mind spending endless blue-sky days in a lanai.
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