There are many ways to provide shade for your patio. Some of these ideas include using trees as shade and tucking patio furniture underneath them. Others include installing sun shades, which are similar to sun shade sails but are smaller and mounted on a stand-up base. While these won’t completely shield your entire patio, they can provide much needed shade for a single area.
Patio shade ideas that help you keep cool in the summer are many and varied. These include awnings that are made from flexible or rigid materials. These awnings can help you keep cooler during the daytime and can also help reduce energy costs. Retractable awnings are an affordable way to keep cool and can save you money on your monthly utility bills.

Retractable awnings are a great option for patio shade ideas. They offer more coverage than patio umbrellas and are more versatile than ever. They can be easily extended or retracted with the touch of a button. They provide ample shade while still allowing cool breezes to pass through. They are also easy to install and come in a wide variety of fabrics and colors.
Aside from providing shade for your patio, retractable awnings can also save you money on your energy bills. This is because they can keep your home between 10-15 degrees cooler than without an awning, thereby reducing the amount of electricity that your air conditioning system needs to operate. In addition to that, they also prevent sun damage to wooden floors and furniture.
Retractable awnings also help you keep cooler inside your home. They can lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint by up to 25 percent. These awnings are also very effective when it comes to keeping your interior furniture cool during the summer. By installing an awning over your patio, you can expect to save up to $200 per year on cooling.
Lattice pergolas
Pergolas can be an excellent patio shade idea. They provide plenty of shade and can be painted in your favorite color. You can also add climbing plants to the pergola to create shade. Another option is to use fabric walls, which are easy to construct and take down.

You can also use vines to cover your pergola. These fast-growing plants can provide shade from above and block the sun. Just be sure to give them enough space and water to grow. If you live in an area with a lot of wind, this type of cover may not be a good option.
Pergolas are permanent structures that are typically made out of wood or metal. They can provide shade and privacy while still allowing you to enjoy the garden without being soaked by the intense heat. They are also a great option for enhancing your home with a unique look.
Pergolas provide partial shade, but not complete protection from the sun. They can block out the sunlight, but can make it difficult to get a tan. You should also be careful when sunbathing under a pergola. While they are great for providing shade, they are not meant for sunbathing.
Pergolas can be positioned at a 45-degree angle for maximum shade and comfort. This angle is a great choice for hot summer days, and it can also create a romantic atmosphere.
Cantilever umbrellas
The ability to extend your shade is a great benefit to patio shade ideas. With a crank-lift mechanism, cantilever umbrellas can be erected in no time. They also have a six-position vertical tilt for easy adjustment. A great patio shade idea is to use a cantilever umbrella if you have a small patio or have limited space.

A great way to save money on cantilever umbrellas is to look for sales on them. You can buy them at a discount at places like Overstock.com, where you can save up to 70% off regular prices. You can also check on sales on patio furniture at the end of the summer to get even more savings. You can even store them in the garage until spring.
A cantilever umbrella doesn’t have a center pole like a traditional patio umbrella. It has one freestanding pole at either end and can be tilted in a variety of positions to provide shade. You can also put it along the edge of your patio so that it doesn’t obstruct the view of anyone sitting beneath it.
Another great patio shade idea is to place a cantilever umbrella over your pool. They are easy to use and are very practical when used around a pool. You can adjust them 360 degrees so that they shade your pool area.
Cabanas
Cabanas are a great patio shade idea for keeping cool in the summer. Often situated by a pool or a beach, they offer privacy and protection from the sun. They have a modern-rustic appeal and are perfect for a family get-together.
Cabanas are available in many different sizes, including free-standing models that are as small as eight feet by 12 feet. They can also be built in a pattern of multiple structures in varying sizes. A common cabana measures ten feet by fourteen feet.
A cabana is an ideal outdoor structure that will not only offer shade, but will also be a great place for entertaining. A poolside canopy allows you to spend quality time with family and friends without worrying about the heat. It also adds a stylish accent to your backyard space. You can even incorporate fabric to add texture, pattern, or drama to it.
Other patio shade ideas include hanging plants and potted flowers. Plants are inexpensive and offer shade and privacy. If you have an existing structure that offers shade, consider hanging plants. These can provide temporary shade while adding a beautiful flower garden to your backyard. Another idea is to train climbing vines to give your outdoor space an upgrade.
Screens
The best patio shade ideas for keeping cool in the summer are those that utilize natural materials, such as trees. When choosing a tree, consider your climate and space available. Look for a wide canopy and deep roots. Trees take some planning and maintenance, but they are ideal for keeping you cool. They can also provide privacy. Fast-growing vines can also provide shade. Small palm trees also make excellent choices because of their low maintenance and large foliage.

A retractable awning is a good option for temporary shade. This shade can be pulled out during warm days, and stored when cooler weather approaches. You can also consider a patio rug, which can protect sensitive bare feet. If you have concrete patios, you can consider painting them to block UV rays.
Planting shade-producing plants and trees is another great way to make your patio cool. Vines can provide shade on your patio, allowing you to sit outside without the hot summer sun. They also protect your sunporches from overheating and don’t increase your energy bills during peak usage. Another way to make your patio more shady is to use curtains. Although they won’t block the overhead light, curtains will help block sidelights.
If you want more shade, you can add a pergola or skylight-lined overhang. These structures are not as shady as solid ones, but they provide good light and shade. A pergola with a convertible canopy, made of reed mats and performance canvas, is another great option.
Outdoor curtains
If you want to keep cool in the summer, you may want to consider installing a patio cover. This will provide shade to the most used areas of your patio. For example, you can install a wood-paneled overhang to provide shade for your outdoor bar. It will protect your bar from the heat and keep your drinks cool. Another way to make your patio shadier is to add curtains. This is not a complete shade solution, but it will help to block side and overhead light.
Another option for shade is to plant trees in your yard. You can put your patio furniture under the shade of existing trees or plant new ones. Sun shades are also another option to provide shade. They look similar to sails, but are smaller and usually mounted on a stand-up base. While they will not provide total shade, they are an easy way to provide shade to just a part of your patio.
Another option for patio shade is to use a pergola. This type of structure will provide shade as well as a stylish addition to your patio. A pergola can be decorated with potted plants, colorful flowers, and string lights. A pergola can also be outfitted with curtains to keep bugs out.