Stay cool with these garden shade ideas
Sometimes in the British summertime, it can feel hard to remember what beating sunshine feels like, but the sun always returns in the end, and when it does, it’s good to have some options for shade in your outdoor space. So, we’ve rounded up the best garden shade ideas. From temporary to permanent, big to small, budget to high-end, practical to high fashion: we’ve got you covered…
Parasols
If you want to keep things simple or space is limited, you can’t do better than an old-school parasol. Choose from the simple, minimalist designs available from most garden-accessory suppliers or the fashionably colourful, highly decorative and retro styles from companies like East London Parasol Company (above), Plia Parasols, Boho Parasol Hut or Staycation Vintage Parasols. Look out for those that are fade resistant, water repellent, windproof, and even ones that can be removed from their frame and washed. You will have to pay more for models with these qualities – but they will last longer…
Some manufacturers, like East London Parasols, have bases that can also be used as side tables. Cantilevered parasols, meanwhile, have the base to one side, out of the way, which makes more room in the shade. Another space-saving option, if you’re always going to want to use your parasol in the same place, is an in-ground base set into a hole in the ground.
Tilting parasols are good for maintaining maximum shade, no matter what the position of the sun is that day. Or what about a parasol with LED lights to light up your patio after dark?
To maximise its life, always remember to take your parasol down when you’ve finished using it, when the wind gets up, or when it starts to rain.
Basic, plain parasols start from about £35 without a base, and bases from a similar price point. Luxury parasols can be as much as £1,500-£2,000.
Umbrellas
More substantial umbrellas, like the ones restaurants use on their terraces, which protect from rain as well as the sun, are more expensive than basic parasols. But if you have the budget, and don’t want to have to bother to take your parasol in and out, they can be a great choice for garden shade. If you want to be able to leave your umbrella out all summer, look for models with high wind-speed ratings and companies that offer replacement parts for easy repair. High-end models also offer remote-control operation, lighting and heating options. If you’re in the market for this kind of investment purchase, get an idea of what’s available by checking out the options from UK company Vortex Parasols, which makes commercial-grade umbrellas designed to be left up and outdoors all year round.
Or what about…? Another option to consider if you are likely to always use your umbrella in the same place, is a wall-mounted, side-arm umbrella. Fixed to the wall rather than a base in the ground, these can be a great way to provide shade when space is limited.
Shade sails
Another semi-permanent shade solution is the fabric shade sail: a triangular or rectangular awning that you can either fix to your walls or its own stand or support. Shade sails haven’t yet become very popular in the UK, but they are another good low-cost option – and one that doesn’t have to occupy floor space if you attach it to existing buildings. Two or three triangular sails side by side can look very effective.
Sails are easy to put up, take down and clean. Just make sure they are fixed at an angle so that rain runs off. Check out the options at specialists such as Clara Shade Sails, Shade4U or Maanta to get an idea of what’s available.
Bear in mind that a large waterproof sail will protect you when it rains, but is more likely than a breathable sail to trap heat below it. A small shade sail is even light enough to take with you to provide shade on days out, if you can find structures and trees to tie it to. Cheap sails that consist of a simple square of cloth cost from £10 plus the cost of the fixings. A higher quality sail will be £50 upwards, depending on size. A sail with a frame will cost from about £200 upwards.
Or what about…? Have you got the skills to make your own shade sail, taking inspiration from this amazing crocheted street shade canopy in Alhaurín de la Torre, Malaga, Spain?
Retractable awnings
Awnings are another great option for covering your patio and providing shade. These are broad fabric blinds attached to the wall that extend outwards to shade your patio.
Modern awnings have a great range of features such as remote control or smart operation via app, and can come with lights and infrared heaters. They are available in a huge choice of traditional and contemporary fabric designs and colours. Some even retract automatically when in-built vibration sensors detect high winds, to prevent the awning from getting damaged. You can choose to have an extra drop-down section of fabric – known as a valance – across the edge of your awning to provide extra shade.
To get an idea of the options, look at the choices available from companies such as Thomas Sanderson, Caribbean Blinds, Primrose Awnings and Samson Awnings. Just remember, most awnings aren’t designed to protect you from rain, only from the sun. In fact, they should be put away when it rains.
As well as patio awnings that fix to the wall, freestanding models supported on their own posts are available. Pergola awnings, meanwhile, such as those from Roche Awnings, are attached to the wall on one side with leg supports on the other side. These are a good option for walls that can’t support the full weight of a wall-mounted awning, and are also designed to cope with strong winds and rain.
Awnings start from around £3,000 for a small retractable awning with installation and electric operation.
Pergolas
Of course, one of the coolest, most contemporary ways to provide shade in the garden right now is by erecting a pergola. The height of fashion, modern pergolas are outdoor shelters with flat, cross-beamed roofs that give some protection from the sun. They are minimalist, semi-permanent structures that are great for providing shade over a patio.
At its most basic, a pergola is a simple rectangular shelter with a slatted roof. Wall-mounted models, consisting of a pergola roof and two legs, are available to fix on the side of the house over a patio. You can choose from sleek, contemporary aluminium models and more rustic wooden designs. Some have louvred roofs that are adjusted with a crank handle. Top-of-the-range pergolas have fully motorised louvred roofs that can be opened, closed and adjusted by app, to protect you from the elements, come rain or shine.
You can add side panels too if you prefer. All in all, pergolas make great ‘outdoor rooms’ for relaxing or dining in.
Retractable fabric shades for the roofs and sides of pergolas are available. On basic models, these are simply draped fabric. More expensive models have integral blinds that are less likely to get caught in strong winds, and can be controlled remotely via an app.
You don’t generally need planning permission for most types of pergola. But you probably will need permission if you want to put one:
- at the front of your house
- facing a road
- in the grounds of a listed building
- in a conservation area
- in other designated areas such as the Norfolk Broads or a World Heritage Site
- on a flat or maisonette
- on a commercial property.
There are also rules about how high a pergola can be, particularly if it is close to your neighbour’s property. It makes sense to check with your supplier before you buy.
A simple wooden pergola kit for you to build yourself will cost a few hundred pounds. If you want a large high-end aluminium pergola with motorised louvres, side panels, lighting and heating, your budget will be £15,000 plus.
Or what about…? Pergolas are at the height of fashion right now, but if you’re looking for something with a more classic look (or just a choice that won’t scream 2020s in the future), why not consider other kinds of garden structure, such as garden shelters, pavilions or gazebos? There’s a whole world of different semi-permanent structures available, made from a range of materials, and are suited to all budgets.
The main thing that separates a pergola from the rest is the roof: gazebos, pavilions and garden shelters have solid roofs, versus the louvred or slatted roof of the pergola. There are so many options: open-sided and enclosed, pitched roof or flat. Before you pick a pergola, it’s definitely worth considering some of the other shapes and styles of garden structure – particularly if it is going in the garden of a period property.
Cabanas and daybeds
Last but not least, if you are going for maximum style and comfort – or you just want to pretend you’re in Ibiza – why not opt for a hip-shaded daybed or cabana? The canopy can be rolled up to allow a cooling breeze to blow through, or let down for greater privacy. Then just lie back and relax in your own shady haven.
