12 Patio Shade Ideas That Create a Retreat From the Midday Sun and Make Outdoor Living More Comfortable

As I write, the sun is currently beating down outside, and if you don't have shade for your patio, it can quickly make spending time outdoors uncomfortable.

Yes, too much sunshine can do more harm than good, which is why having your shade garden ideas on lock is a must. Want to rest under a stunning pergola or find yourself under a pretty awning? Well, we've got you covered (pun fully intended).

Here are 12 shade patio ideas to set you up for the perfect al fresco dining and seasonal hosting atmosphere.

1. Place a Pergola in Your Patio

Pergolas are a great way to bring shade into a space and add dimension. These shades come in metal beams as well as wood.

"A pergola in the garden is a lovely feature. Not only does it afford privacy from prying eyes, it also creates shelter and shade and can be planted with an array of scented climbing plants," says multi-award-winning RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden designer Kate Gould. "In minimal schemes, pergolas can be left unplanted and will add an architectural element to your garden."

"A pergola is a more high-end option for your patio shade ideas," says custom landscape and garden designer Amber Freda. .

"Many people prefer the look of pergolas because they create a sense of enclosure and intimacy within the space and are an attractive focal point within the garden," continues Ambder. "A possible add-on item for more shade would be a retractable awning installed inside the pergola."

You could also take your pergola ideas to a whole new level by mixing things up with an outdoor kitchen

2. Or Maybe Half a Pergola?

The perfect patio shade idea for a small patio. A wall-mounted half pergola is a great space-saving option, as seen in the design above.

"The outdoor patio area was located behind a garage; it was actually a carport," explains its designer, Esther Dormer. "The client wanted a prolific garden, so we reworked it and added an outdoor space."

Esther created a bit of shade with the partial pergola, while also creating height for the space. "The cedar wood was used throughout for wearability and the aesthetic appeal as it ages," the designer notes. "The theme of open slatted wood was used for climbing plants as well as to create a space for herbs and flowers."

3. Opt for an Attractive Awning

Looking for a clever way to make your backyard more usable? Well, awnings are the best option! It's both beautiful and practical. The great thing about an awning is that when it's not in use, it can easily be folded away, but when in need, it offers a subtle shade against the sun.

"Garden awnings and shade sails are useful in small spaces because they are not necessarily permanent and can be deployed only when you need them," says garden designer Kate Gould.

"They're usually made from high-tensile materials that are washable, which is essential when they are positioned under trees, as pollen and debris can stain. These structures can look really magical at night with candle lanterns lighting them, and they always feel more impromptu and intimate than the more solid and dependable pergola."

"Awnings also provide indoor benefits to your home," says James Chilton, product manager at Hillarys. "They can keep sunlight away from the windows, cooling the interior of the house, so they are ideal for south-facing spaces with large expanses of glass."

Awning also allows you to protect your modern outdoor furniture ideas from weather changes, if you ask us, it's the best of both worlds!

4. Install a Shade Sail

Pretty and affordable, shade sails are the ideal shade patio idea when for outdoor dining. The shield is often attached to a structure and can also be hooked to the exterior of a home.

"Shade sails can be a nice alternative to umbrellas because they can stay outdoors without any worry of being blown over by the wind," says landscape designer Amber Freda.

"They tend to look a little more built-in, too, and take up less floor space than an umbrella base. They can be attached to posts, metal railings, or masonry work like brick on the exterior of a building, and they often come with adjustable hardware. I recommend installing them as taught as possible, so there’s less flapping in a breeze."

Amber continues: "Shade sails are also a lot less expensive to install than a more substantial shade structure, like a pergola or a gazebo. It’s a good idea to take down shade sails before the winter months and store them out of the elements, as they will last longer and won’t have the heavy burden of snow potentially weighing them down."

5. Put Up a Parasol

Shade patio ideas can be stylish too. Why not make your neighbors a little jealous and set up some of the best patio umbrellas? With the range of stunning options out there, you can't go wrong with it.

"Of course, umbrellas are always a go-to in backyards," says Marie Flanigan. "Easy to maneuver and customizable depending on the weather, they are a great option for added shade. There are also so many beautiful umbrella designs to be found that you don’t have to sacrifice design for function."

Kate Anne, of Kate Anne Designs, tells us: "Umbrellas are very useful if you want more flexibility in the space and if a structure just isn’t working out from a space/proportion point of view."

6. Go for a Retractable Canopy

For a unique shade patio idea, why not opt for a retractable canopy? It's a chic and practical idea for all your outdoor needs. So, how does it work? You can pull the canopy to its full length during peak sun moments and then slide it back to enjoy the coolness that summer evenings bring.

Designed by Kate Anne and Ryan Gross of Kate Anne Designs, this canopy brings a sleek look to the space. "Over the years, we’ve tried many shade solutions with style and functionality top of mind," says Kate. "If our goal is to feature architectural elements, we tend to incorporate pergolas into our design. However, we also love slide-on wire shades for their full coverage and European feel."

7. Embrace Nature With a Living Canopy

Who doesn't love the sight of nature's beauty? Branches, plants, vines, leaves, and even trees will offer a soft and natural glow to the space. You can also set up an outdoor living room and dining area to get the full experience under a bed of greenery.

"Whether I’m working on an interior or exterior space, nature is always an inspiration for my designs," says Marie Flanigan, principal of Marie Flanigan Interiors.

"In a backyard setting, I love to highlight and incorporate beautiful trees when possible. The shade, character, and sheer magnitude of a gorgeous oak tree should always be a focal point. I love to place dining tables or a seating vignette under a branch and, if possible, incorporate lighting to create a lovely ambiance." Often, the best trees for privacy are the best ones for creating shade, too.

9. Build a Veranda

Want to keep things close to home? A great extension for indoor outdoor living, verandas are a permanent, yet chic addition to the household. So you don't need to worry about the faff of putting your shade patio feature away!

The above was designed by LH. Designs and shows how you can create a seamless outdoor living space that truly adds beauty to your patio.

Linda Hayslett, of LH.Designs tells us: "It's always a good choice to extend a house to make usable living space outdoors because it helps make the home feel bigger than it really is."

"It also gets the family outside more to enjoy more of the natural aspect of the home. Having a finished outdoor space, like a veranda, can also add a lot of value and more enjoyable experiences for a family," Linda says. "The covered patio was preferred here, as opposed to a pergola, in order to create another home outside with a living room that has a TV and a BBQ area that acts like a second kitchen."

"When creating a pergola, you are a bit limited in having some items such as a TV or upper cabinetry in the space as they are usually open on all sides, including the slatted top area," Linda adds.

10. Lounge in a Cool Cabana

Take a moment for yourself and unwind in the best way with the most unique pool cabana ideas. After all, it's a great way to channel the holiday and beach vibe in your backyard.

Cabanas are a great way to protect yourself from the sun's heat while also offering a relaxing and stylish look to your outdoor space. It's the perfect party setup if you ask us.

Marie Flanigan tells us: "Enjoying your outdoor space can be just as important as your interior, especially when beautiful weather beckons."

"When natural shade isn’t available, I love the idea of a gorgeous cabana-like structure that offers comfortable seating. These structures are especially practical around pools to remain proximal to the action but out of the sun."

11. Install a Pool House

Another great shade idea for patios is installing a pool house. Aside from bringing a beach vibe to the home, it's a great way to take a dip in the pool and relax under the pool house's shade.

Adam Sexton, senior associate of the DC-based firm, Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, tells us about the design above and says: "This generous parcel is in an established neighborhood in McLean, VA. The land surrounding the house did not serve the owners’ needs or desires, but they lived in the house for a decade before transforming the entire landscape in lieu of buying a vacation property. They embarked on creating a resort for themselves, their kids, and their friends, right there at their own home."

He continues: "The project was constructed beginning with the rear yard, which includes a large pool terrace with a woodland meadow backdrop. The pool house, painted a deep charcoal grey, serves as the perfect focal point for the garden while offering a fireplace with seating, an open bar, and outdoor shower.

"These amenities, along with the pool, terrace, and spa, can accommodate a lively crowd. Ten to 12 people fit easily in the spa and the stainless steel scuppers are a water feature that continuously provides sound for a tranquil atmosphere."

12. Wine and Dine Under a Pavilion

Take things to the next level and gather beneath a pavilion tent. Pavilions are easy to put up and take down when you need to.

"A beautifully dressed decorative tent is a practical yet elegant way to create a multi-purpose outdoor living space that can be left up throughout the warmer months," says Nicky Marks, founder of Raj Tent Club.

Nicky continues: "From a sumptuous, shaded lounging area to a dramatic setting for drinks or dining, you can personalise the look using draped fabrics, garlands, lanterns, tea lights and layers of cushions for comfort. Hang pictures or mirrors from the tent frame, and use indoor furniture, be it vintage or modern, to put your stamp on the space."

FAQs

What Is the Best Material for Outdoor Patio Shade?

It's important when choosing your outdoor patio shade furniture to consider a durable material that will last long and protect your space, no matter the weather. A popular option that is seen with many patio shade pieces is acrylic fabric.

What Can I Use to Shade My Patio?

Pergolas are quite the trendsetter, but according to landscape designer Charlotte Rowe, if it's been placed on your patio, it may cause unwanted shade in your home during the winter.

This may be less of an issue if you opt for a modern structure with a retractable roof that can be left open, rather than a traditional structure covered in climbing vines. Consider how your patio faces and the amount of sun it receives throughout the year.

Retractable awnings are a great option as you can open them only when required.

Alternatively, there are numerous temporary shade options too, such as gazebos, decorative tents, sail shades, umbrellas, and parasols.

Now that you've got your patio shade ideas on lock, why not look towards brightening up your backyard ideas in time for Al Fresco dining season... I mean, it is just around the corner, so get ready!