Keep Cool Outside and Inside

A slatted or ribbed top gives a pergola its classic look, creating shifting shadows as the sunlight changes throughout the day. But a pergola can also make a great foundation for climbing and vining plants that'll fill in the gaps and add more shade. Some pergola kits come with adjustable canopies that provide shade as you need it, while others offer optional add-on shade kits and pergola canopies. Add string lights to your pergola for evening mood lighting when the sun goes down.

The full roof on a gazebo gives it more structure and creates more shade for a break from the heat. You can find canvas-top or hardtop gazebos, and they often come with side curtains or panels you can put in place to block the sun when it’s lower in the sky. Some also include netting to keep flying insects away. Furnished with an outdoor rug, an outdoor dining set or a conversation set of chairs and a loveseat, you can recreate your dining room or living room in the backyard. As with a pergola, don’t forget the lights for enjoying the space on into the night.

Shade sails and shade fabric are a colorful and dramatic way to create your own sheltered spot and some added protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays as well. The breathable fabric of shade sails block much of the sun, creating a temporary or semipermanent shady spot that allows breezes through to help keep you cool. Shade sail ideas include attaching them to a house, tree, a structure (such as a deck) or installing in-ground posts to place your shade exactly where you need it. Just be sure to follow the attachment instructions.

Shade fabric also offers relief from the sun’s heat. It’s available as larger pieces of fabric that you can install overhead or along the side of a balcony, pergola or covered deck to add shelter from the sun and some additional privacy as well. Like shade sails, shade fabric is breathable, allowing breezes to reach your backyard oasis.

Outdoor shades give you relief from the sun when you need it and can be rolled up when you don’t need the protection. They also add privacy to a covered deck, porch or patio and can work with some types of pergolas.

A patio umbrella is an eye-catching way to keep cool outdoors. Along with patio table umbrellas, you can also find large, offset umbrellas to shade a dining set or seating area without blocking the conversation. Look for umbrellas with built-in lighting or clips and tabs to add string lights and create a festive, warm glow once the sun goes down.

Like patio umbrellas, a pop-up canopy offers quick shade when you need it and easy storage when you don’t. These are great for temporary use in the backyard to shade picnic tables, play areas, outdoor furniture and more. Look for canopies that include removable side panels for additional protection from the sun and insects.

If you want to cover a larger area in a cool mist, consider installing a misting system. These systems can help cool outdoor spaces such as pergolas, balconies, porches or covered decks. They connect to your hose spigot and use minimal water to make a large impact on your comfort, reducing the ambient temperature at as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. An outdoor misting system is easy to install and typically makes an inconspicuous addition to the structure. Some models install with spring clips, allowing you to move the system from one location to another in a matter of minutes. You can also find smaller, freestanding misters.

While standard outdoor fans are great for helping you keep cool, misting fans take comfort up a level, combining an on-demand breeze with a soft, cooling mist. They attach quickly to a garden hose and are easy to move and set up exactly where and when you need them.

Blackout curtains block nearly all exterior light from entering your windows. They’re available in a variety of colors, patterns and styles to match your décor or make a bold, colorful statement. Energy-saving blackout curtains with an insulating lining or backing also reduce the heat that enters your home. Some blackout curtains also help dampen noise from outside to give you a cool, dark and peaceful retreat and a great place to watch a movie with the family.

Installing window film is a simple DIY project that can make a big difference in your home. Heat-control window film improves your comfort indoors by blocking much of the sun’s heat and can reduce your energy use. These window films also reduce glare, helping reduce washout of video and computer screens — another option for your family home theater. Other types of window film let in natural light but improve privacy or even add a decorative look to your windows.