Room Design
Outdoor Spaces
By
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.
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Updated on 03/15/24
Fact checked by
Jessica Wrubel
Fact checked byJessica Wrubel
Jessica Wrubel has an accomplished background as a writer and copy editor, working for various publications, newspapers and in public libraries assisting with reference, research and special projects. In addition to her journalism experience, she has been educating on health and wellness topics for over 15 years in and outside of the classroom.
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There are patio shade ideas to protect your outdoor space from too much direct sunlight—from easy, affordable solutions like umbrellas and shade sails or larger, more permanent structures like pergolas or pool cabanas. When designing an outdoor living room, dining room, pool patio, or other outdoor space, include at least one source of shade that will allow you to benefit from the fresh air without being overexposed to harsh rays.
These patio shade ideas in a range of styles and settings will help you choose the best solution for making your patio, deck, or backyard more comfortable and inviting.
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Opt for Umbrellas
When seeking shade, go back to the basics. This modern backyard celebrates the heyday of swimming pool culture and style, with chairs set up on the side under a large white patio umbrella.
The weights attached at the top ensure the umbrella isn't going anywhere, so you can feel free to keep your attention focused on other important matters—like absolute relaxation.
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Install a Pergola
One of the most popular ways to add shade to your outdoor paradise is by installing a pergola. You can leave a pergola entirely uninhibited or use covers and screens to keep the sun at bay. In this case, sheer curtains cover the top and the sides for a little extra privacy.
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Build a Simple Structure
Spaced a few feet away from the house, this patio features a constructed overhang that keeps things shady in a stylish way. The simple additions of plants, string lights, and a rug add an additional dose of charm.
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Layer Shade Sources
This pastel rainbow-striped backyard patio from A Beautiful Mess has a DIY pergola and a portable umbrella to double filter harsh rays and protect your al fresco meal from getting soaked in a sudden rainstorm.
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Try an Oversized Umbrella
This square-shaped oversized umbrella includes a lightbulb for when the day comes to a close, and it provides more than enough coverage to keep the sun out of everyone's eyes. Don't let the size fool you, though—if you want to move the umbrella out of the way, it can easily be swiveled around rather than remaining fixed in its place.
The 8 Best Outdoor Patio Umbrellas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Update the Awning
Your grandparents may have had tin awnings on their 1950's tract home, but contemporary awnings are softer, made of more pliable and longer-lasting materials, and, quite simply, better looking—like the gray and white striped pattern shown on this outdoor patio.
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Use Trees for Shade
The oldest source of shade is a tree, especially a nice big one with twisting, sculptural limbs. The builders of this deck made the unique decision to build the deck around the tree, which can lower a home's temperature by as much as 20 degrees or more during the hot months.
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Add an Outdoor Daybed
If you've got the space and the budget, there's nothing more luxurious than adding an outdoor daybed to your backyard patio. This poolside four-poster canopy daybed from House of One has tie-back curtains and a solid roof to protect you from waking up from a nap to an unwanted sunburn.
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Shade Multiple Spaces
Landscape designer Melanie Rekola of Lady Landscape is often asked why she creates so many different seating and shaded areas when she designs a landscape. "It gives the option to chase the sun, the shade," she says, "and also offers shelter from rain/wind as needed to adapt to the changing weather conditions of any given day."
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Fence It Off
Creating an entertainment area away from your home can give you the freedom to add extra seating. To ensure your guests stay as comfortable as possible, build a pergola in the corner of your lot, with some additional wall panels that provide a layer of sun protection as well as privacy.
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Add Greenery
Even if your backyard doesn't include mature trees, you can build your shady outdoor space in the shade of an ivy-covered wall, a row of hedges, or some planted young trees that will grow fuller with time, like this backyard seating area from Mindy Gayer Design Co.
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Grow a Tree Canopy
While patio and fabrics covers are certainly capable of blocking the sun's rays, sometimes there are more natural options available. This simple structure is made up of several fast-growing smaller trees that provide a canopy of shade while blending in perfectly with the rest of the flourishing garden that surrounds it.
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Zone It Out
Having the space to create multiple entertainment areas is an absolute dream. While this desert home from Dazey Den already had a small garden and a fire pit surrounded by vibrant red chairs, a constructed white canopy hosts a comfortable seating area with thick curtains on each side to provide shade when needed or desired.
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Add Boho Style
This backyard patio from JC Design has boho style and a shade umbrella to match, with tassels that complement the rattan table and midcentury modern-style wishbone chairs. Plus it has a lightweight base, making it easy to move around.
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Hang a Sun Shade Sail
When working with smaller spaces, a triangle sun shade sail like the one seen in this outdoor space from L2 Design, LLC can be an ideal fit. The shape tends to be very accommodating when there isn't a ton of room to work with, yet doesn't hesitate to do its job of providing much-needed shade. Plus it's got a streamlined look that will appeal to minimalists.
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Build a Cabana
Cathie Hong Interiors installed an open air cabana outfitted with a spacious sectional set back from the pool that offers a shady spot on the large open poolside terrace during daytime, and a comfy spot for co*cktails after dark.
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Look to a Loggia
Loggias are covered spaces that typically stretch along the length of a building—and they usually include columns and arches of some sort. While it takes some extra effort, the result can add an extra feeling of elegance and luxury to your outdoor space while keeping things cool and comfortable, like this space from Lady Landscape.
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Create a Covered Terrace
This outdoor terrace from Afro Bohemian Living includes all the necessities to enjoy an evening outdoors. To keep the sun from beaming down too harshly, the area is covered by a simple structure with reed mats placed on top to keep things cool.
The 8 Best Pergola Kits of 2024
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Go Poolside
Poolside shade doesn't have to come solely from a patio umbrella. You can also opt to add a covered structure of your choosing with perfectly arranged patio furniture underneath, just like this backyard from Lady Landscape. The tilted top adds plenty of coverage, and the entire area looks spacious and open—a perfect place to cool down after a sunny day by the pool.
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Add Wrap-Around Curtains
When creating a shady spot on your backyard patio, don't forget to give yourself the option to block too-harsh rays beaming in from the sides by hanging billowing white gauze curtains around the periphery, like this outdoor patio from Fantastic Frank.
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Try a Floral Canopy
Soften a patio pergola with flowering vines that will help to filter the light. KG Designs planted this stone terrace with vines and flowers that make the outdoor seating area around the fireplace feel more inviting.
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Add a Slanted Patio Roof
Create partial shade on an outdoor patio kitchen with a slanted wood slat roof, like this contemporary Florida space from Maite Granda.
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Build a Pool Cabana
Created a shaded pool patio cabana to maximize outdoor space. Michelle Boudreau Design used wood slats on the walls and ceiling to add a natural element to this multipurpose Southern California kitchen and lounge space.
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Light Up the Patio Awning
A patio awning will shelter your outdoor space from unwanted rays or rain during the day.
A Beautiful Mess installed a canopy of fairy lights on the ceiling to mimic the stars at night. Faux curtains hide the awning posts while softening the look.
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Coordinate Colors
Use a black-and-white palette to create a sophisticated outdoor space. A Beautiful Mess chose a black patio umbrella to shade the table and chairs on this DIY-painted patio for a cohesive look.
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Create a Shady Lounge Space
Create a shady spot to chill by the pool with a simple umbrella placed between a pair of armchairs, like this pool patio from Michelle Boudreau Design.
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Try a Pop-Up Canopy
Create a shady spot for a special occasion meal with a pop-up canopy, like this backyard space from Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design.
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Try a Modern Woven Shade
Add shade to a raised patio with a lightweight structure with simple posts and a woven roof to filter light.
Kendall Wilkinson Design chose a black structure for this primary bedroom patio facing the backyard that works with the modern home facade.
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Create a Shady Deck Corner
Create a shady corner on an outdoor deck with a simple umbrella that will fade into the background when not in use.
Emily Henderson Design chose a dark umbrella with a wood base that blends into the woodsy surroundings.
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Build a Permanent Pavilion
Create a freestanding patio on a large lawn with four columns and a solid roof to house anything from an outdoor kitchen to a pool pavilion, like this space from Crisp Architects.
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Pair a Pergola and Umbrella
Complement a patio pergola with an umbrella to add an extra layer of protection that will make your outdoor space usable in all kinds of weather.
A Beautiful Mess chose a pale pink umbrella edged in pompoms to complement the DIY-painted pastel rainbow porch.
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Install a Large Pergola
A large pergola will provide partial shade on an open outdoor patio. Calimia Home painted the pergola the same dark brown as the fencing for a coordinated look, adding string lights to add atmosphere after dark.
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Install a Covered Patio
If you have the space and the budget, give your outdoor space options with a series of patios with varying degrees of shade and cover.
Marie Flanigan Interiors built an outdoor patio open to the backyard for entertaining that includes a fireplace and an outdoor TV. A nearby patio has a pergola for times when you want more exposure to the elements.
What's the most affordable way to shade a patio?
If you’re looking to shade your patio on a budget, there are plenty of options. Try a sail shade, a standing umbrella, or a pair of outdoor curtains.
What is the best shade for a patio that gets a lot of wind exposure?
A permanent structure like a pergola will provide shade and stability against high winds. Otherwise, try a retractable awning that won’t risk blowing away in a storm like an outdoor umbrella.
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Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands. United States Environmental Protection Agency.