8 Stylish Shade Ideas for Your Backyard

Protect your patio furniture and your guests from the sun with a gazebo. The full gazebo canopy provides maximum protection from the elements and will give your yard a clean look. Choose between a wooden gazebo or steel frame to add character to your patio and take care of all your outdoor entertaining needs. Do you need a covered spot for your grill? A small grill gazebo will do the trick. Add a simple strand of string lights and your patio gazebo will easily transition from providing afternoon sun protection to providing the perfect evening ambiance.

Take advantage of the open space in your yard with a freestanding pergola. A pergola adds shade and also gives you something nice to look at. Keep in mind that these sturdy structures only provide partial shade since the slatted roof allows for some light to pass through.

If partial shade isn’t enough, consider getting a pergola with a retractable roof for added protection. If you’re an avid gardener, grow vines up the posts and across the top of the pergola for a natural look that’ll block more sun. Choose from pergola kits made from wood or heavy-duty galvanized steel. Pergolas are a no-fuss solution to your shade dilemma.

Patio umbrellas are a tried-and-true way to bring shade to your patio, and now there are more umbrella options than ever. No matter the size of your yard, there’s an umbrella out there that’ll fit perfectly in your space.

With all-weather fabric that comes in multiple colors and patterns, an outdoor umbrella will help protect you from sun exposure and even the occasional light rainfall. Opt for a traditional umbrella with a sturdy base or a cantilever umbrella so the base isn’t in the way. A standing table umbrella will add just the right amount of shade to your outdoor dining situation. Have a small patio? Try a half-round version you can put against the wall. You can never go wrong with a patio umbrella.

Add a retractable awning outside your back door to have instant shade whenever you need it. Designed to be a do-it-yourself installation, awning kits come complete with everything you’ll need to make this an easy project you can do in just a few hours. Whether you choose between a motorized version that operates with the click of a button or go with a manual crank option, you’ll be relaxing in the shade in no time.

Some yards just don’t have an obvious spot for things like umbrellas or awnings but still need an area of shade. If this is the case in your outdoor space, consider adding a shade sail. The durable, weatherproof fabric will block the sun’s harmful rays and keep you cool. Shade sail fabric comes in  triangle, square or a rectangular shapes and can easily make any area more comfortable.

Sometimes you just need a quick and temporary shade solution without spending a lot of money. That’s where pop-up canopies come in. Within minutes, you’ll be able to provide an abundance of shade for your guests during your next backyard party. It’s also easy to take down when the party is over.

The adjustable height on the poles of the canopy tent allows you to fully customize it to meet your needs. And due to its compact size when broken down, an outdoor pop-up canopy is easy to store in your shed or garage until the next time you need patio shade.

An outdoor daybed with an adjustable canopy is perfect for days when you want to relax by the pool without getting a sunburn. You’ll feel like you’re at a high-end resort every time you lie back. Made with all-weather fabric and a sturdy frame, daybeds are great for areas where you need both shade and seating without having to buy multiple pieces of patio furniture.

If you already have a covered patio but are still struggling to get shade in the afternoons, add a pair of outdoor curtains. The heavy-duty fabric will be able to withstand the elements while still allowing you the flexibility to close or open them with ease.

Outdoor curtains come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you’ll have multiple options that can either blend in or provide contrast to your space. A neutral pair of curtains in a white or cream color will give your outdoor space a clean, modern look, while a bold color will create a fun focal point.