Garden shade ideas
Craving shade to relax in the garden? Browse our list of ideas for a range of budgets.
This article has been checked for horticultural accuracy by Oliver Parsons.
In a sunny garden, creating shady spots can be a great way to enjoy being outside on hot days. Not only does shade provide a break from the summer sun but it also lowers temperatures, which can bring comfort when it's blisteringly hot. Whether you want somewhere to sit, relax, read, eat or entertain, there are lots of great shade options to suit almost every garden style and your budget.
Where to create garden shade
Depending on the aspect of your garden, you may want to create shade in the morning, middle of the day or afternoon. A south-facing garden will have sun for most of the day but in east- or west-facing gardens the sun will be more intense at certain times. The sun rises in the east, travels round to the south and sets in the west, with the middle of the day usually bringing the most intense heat and sunshine. Take time to plot where you need shade and how much you need – enough for a hammock to lie in and read, or more shade to accommodate a table with several chairs?
How to create instant shade
The dappled shade of trees, large shrubs or plant-clad structures, such as obelisks and pergolas, is highly desirable, but unless you have a large budget to accommodate mature plants, ‘living’ shade takes time to create. Instead, for instant shade, there’s an enormous selection of garden furniture, accessories and structures such as parasols, awnings, sails and awnings to choose from.
Budget shade ideas
The best materials for outdoor shade are durable ones that will withstand the strength of the sun’s ultra-violet rays. However, it’s possible to make a cheap outdoor canopy by buying material to make your own shade ‘sail’, which you can tie to three or four points over a specific area, including tree branches or strong eye hooks in walls or fences. Often the cheapest way to build shade is to buy a budget structure or canopy that is easy to put up and take down. By erecting the structure only when it’s needed, the fabric gets less exposure to sun and therefore lasts longer.
Simple garden shade ideas
Parasols
A simple free-standing parasol that slots into a weighty base makes a stylish and practical patio cover feature. Parasols come in a variety of widths – make sure you buy one that is wide enough for the area of shade you want to create. The base may be sold separately or the two items may come as a package. Parasol fabric comes in a variety of colours and darker ones create deeper shade than light colours.
A tilting parasol gives greater flexibility to create shade exactly where you want it. If you're short on ground space, some cantilever or overhang parasols can be fixed to a wall.
Fixed awnings
Retractable awnings are permanently fixed to a wall and used as needed, with the fabric neatly stored within the awning when not in use. Canopy fabric comes in a range of designs. This option is a great space-saving option as it requires no storage. However, the shade isn’t moveable.
Gazebo
A gazebo to put up and take down in minutes creates a good-sized area of shade, and the cheapest ones cost less than £100.
Event shelters are popular for festivals and work equally well for occasional garden shade. Some have the option of side panels to create extra shade, too.
A fully ‘curtained’ gazebo gives even more shade and shelter options.
Sturdy gazebos are designed to remain up for long periods of time to create shade in the garden, as well as protection from rain, but they are significantly more expensive.
Garden seats with shade roofs
Garden seats with integral shade roofs are available in a wide range of designs and materials. Free-standing ones like swing seats have the potential to be moved around, too. Arbours with built-in seats are small structures that fit into many spots around the garden. Arbours with trellis sides are suitable for supporting climbing plants: those with fragrant flowers, like star jasmine add to the enjoyment.
Pergolas
Pergolas are large and substantial structures, perfect for patios where they provide shade over dining and seating areas. A typical pergola design enables you to grow plants up it but some pergola designs are supplied with built-in sun shades. These can be retractable to make the most of changeable weather, or consist of roll screening, which is laid across the top and secured with ties. Roll screening can be a good option while you wait for plants to grow into the pergola space.
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