Garden sunshade ideas are more key to having a useable outdoor space than you might think. As a particularly sun-sensitive individual, I have always found myself drawn to shaded spots outdoors. But I'm finding that even sun-lovers see the benefits of cool areas of the garden, particularly when we see temperatures regularly reaching 30 degrees in the UK.
When it comes to sunshade options - for your garden landscaping the choice is pretty vast, whether you're looking for something permanent or a moveable option. Many fixed and unfixed versions can be adjusted based on the level of shade needed, whether with smart tech or by manually adjusting posts.
The price range is also immense, with some garden structures costing tens of thousands of pounds, whilst parasols and shade sales can be picked up for less than £50. Then there are natural options like screening and climbing plants, which create lush green canopies.
Garden sunshade ideas for sitting outdoors in comfort this summer
Don't just put up a structure anywhere in your garden. It needs to be carefully thought out in terms of what areas of your garden need sun protection. Large structures like pergolas and gazebos can be imposing in a small garden and may block more light than needed. They can also obstruct views too. Therefore something smaller like a shade sail or awning could be a better choice.
Larger gardens can be ideal for large louvred structures and help make your outdoor space still more useable. Garden sunshade ideas which are attached to the house, could be factored into an extension or build project, so speak with your contractor or architect about potential options early on.
"Using trees to shade your outdoor living space is a natural and sustainable approach," suggests Andrew White, Outdoor Expert at Harbour Lifestyle.
"As their canopies grow, you’ll enjoy more and more shade over the years. Plant trees strategically around your outdoor area, taking into account the sun's path and your desired shade coverage."
Trees help make great covered outdoor areas for pools or dining spots. Always think carefully before removing a tree from your garden and work around them instead. Consider building a patio area under a tree rather than putting up a pergola in a sunny area, and save yourself the cost.
"You’ll not only enjoy the added shade you’ll also support your local wildlife and enhance your yard with natural beauty," adds Andrew.
Plan seating areas around the natural shade of your garden(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)
Andrew White
Andrew is an outdoor expert at Harbour Lifestyle, with six years of industry knowledge specialising in luxury outdoor furniture and garden design.
2. Hang up a sail canopy
"If you’re on the hunt for an alternative garden sunshade for your patio cover ideas, consider a sail canopy. Also called shade sails, sail canopies are large fabric canopies that are secured above your space at several anchor points and stretched taut to shield the area below from the sun," says Andrew White.
"They are usually quite easy to install, though you’ll need to consider the angle of the sun and the size of the space you need to shade. You can place the anchor points on poles, the sides of your home, and tall garden fences."
While not the most long-lasting option, Andrew feels a sail canopy is a quick way to refresh and shade your garden. "Place above a garden sofa set and you’ve got your own secluded space to relax."
This 3m size shade sail (though there are other sizes available) is 98% UV resistant. The grey colour will work in most garden schemes. You'll need to purchase the fixings needed as extra.
Outsunny 4x3m Sun Shade Sail
This rectangular canopy will provide adequate protection for a patio or decking area. The trick is not to buy a shade sail that's too big as you need to make sure they're pulled taut. Get one which is at least 1m smaller than your area as they lose their tautness over time too.
Yeahmart Sun Shade Sail Square
This sun shade sail in a neutral cream colour comes in a kit with everything you need to install it, minus posts and tools.
3. Use a retractable awning for shelter
"Awnings come in various styles and designs, so you can customise them to your design preferences. Plus, many awnings are adjustable, so you can open and close them depending on the weather," says Andrew White.
They not only keep your house cool and protect from shade but awnings can keep off light showers, extending the enjoyment of your outdoor areas even more. Attaching them to the back of your house serves to extend your indoor/outdoor living area. Retractable versions are preferable as solid awnings can block sunlight from reaching your interior.
"Retractable awnings are available in manual settings (less expensive option) and fully motorised (more expensive models)," says Joe Rutter.
Garden awning from Thomas Sanderson(Image credit: Thomas Sanderson)
4. Invest in a parasol for moveable shade
"A parasol is the perfect temporary shade option that can be placed near a seating area in your garden to offer respite on a long summer's day. Parasols are very versatile as they can be moved to different areas of your garden to offer shade as the sun moves throughout the day," says garden design expert Tom Clifford.
"Parasols can also be used as a temporary shade cover for plants as well, if you have a flower bed that is placed in full sunlight it may be beneficial to cover this area during the midday heat to avoid them drying out," says Tom.
"Another easy, quick, and inexpensive way to increase sun shade (or deep shade) is hanging patio curtains," says Joe Rutter.
Curtains can be attached and taken down when they're not needed. It's also easy to open and close them as the sun moves. They make a low-budget garden screening idea, an alternative to louvred canopies which cost thousands of pounds.
Check out Wayfair for more garden sunshade ideas(Image credit: Wayfair)
6. Install an arbour
"Arbour and pergola are often used interchangeably. The truth is, they’re not the same, and both have unique qualities," says Joe Rutter, garden building expert from Garden Buildings Direct.
"Arbours may have an open roof structure like pergolas, but the trellis-like feature on each side is what makes them distinctive. The trellis enables vines to grow up and over the arbour to provide shade."
"Plus, an arbour is a vertical structure often seen in a landscape or garden design. It provides not only shade but also shelter and privacy. Some arbours are large enough to include bench seating on the sides. They provide the ideal shady spot to read, enjoy your morning coffee or have some alone time," says Joe.
This wooden arbour provides shade and garden seating in one product. The slatted roof is not only great for shielding the harsh sun's rays it will keep rain off too. The ideal place to sit and enjoy a book or cup of tea on a sunny or wet day.
Zest Wooden Arbour With Storage Box
Seating that doubles as storage is like finding surprise pockets in your favourite jacket. You will wonder how you could have possibly done without this extra feature. Keep throws and cushions inside for whenever you need to make it cosy.
This pergola with bench seating measures 1.8 x 1.2m. The trellis framework makes it ideal for training climbing plants up which will help keep the area even cooler in hot sunny weather.
Joe Rutter
Joe Rutter is a garden expert at Garden Buildings Direct, a designer and manufacturer of quality wood outdoor structures
7. Choose a day bed with a canopy
It's possible to buy garden furniture like daybeds which bring style and comfort as well as shade.
"If you're looking for an alternative to a parasol, a covered outdoor daybed, like our safari-chic Karama Daybed at OKA, is a great choice for lounging outside in luxurious comfort. The neutral canopy can be rolled up to allow a cool breeze to waft through, or rolled down for extra privacy and shade on the three-seater outdoor sofa," says Sue Jones, Co-Founder and Creative Director at OKA.
There are a variety of garden furniture options at OKA(Image credit: Oka)
8. Construct a pergola
For permanent shade solutions, pergolas are a safe bet. "This type of shade is permanent, assembled and installed with an open roof system," says Joe Rutter. There are many places to look at where to buy pergolas so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal and style for you.
"If you’re looking for something that can complement your architectural garden style, pergolas are the way forward. Keep in mind, though, that pergolas offer partial shade. But this can be filled in by adding a piece of fabric, e.g. patio curtains as a cover." There are also pergola roof ideas you can incorporate which can enhance the shade more.
"You can place the fabric at the top or add a bar system to place a patio curtain at the end sides. That way, you can cover or uncover the pergolas as you like," says Joe.
Fast growing climbing plants can be trained up pergolas and trellis's to create 'green screens' and add cool shade to your seating areas.
Opt for vines like ivy for quick coverage and morning glory for prolific purple blooms. Other classics are star jasmine, clematis and climbing roses. Bamboo can be a tricky plant to grow with recent revelations that invasive bamboo can damage homes. But if you're growing it in solid metal containers without drainage holes it's possible to keep it from spreading.
10. Go for a combined pergola awning
Thomas Sanderson's premium pergola awnings(Image credit: Thomas Sanderson)
"Pergola awnings offer a permanent and expansive option for outdoor shading. They feature a retractable fabric shade above fixed legs, making them a more visible focal point in your outdoor space," says Lisa Cooper, Head of Product at Thomas Sanderson.
"Pergola awnings blur the lines between in and outdoor living. They can be customised with a range of retractable fabrics to complement your home’s architecture."
"Pergola awnings offer a larger shading option than parasols and shade sails, and are available with smart controls, allowing you to operate via app and voice command. They can also be upgraded to include LED patio lighting and heating, so you can continue to enjoy your outdoor space into the evening," says Lisa.
11. Go for an inexpensive garden gazebo
"Even a small garden gazebo is enough to provide a covered seating area for your family and guests," says Joe. Larger options are available and can be constructed fairly easily and taken down when they're not needed.
Pop-up tent-style ones are inexpensive too and unlike shade sails you don't need to put up posts or hooks into permanent structures so they're great for novices who want instant results.
"You can make shade with a range of garden gazebos, awnings, garden rooms and parasols, but we like the idea of creating shade with plants and complementary structures. For example, installing a pergola and planting fast-growing scrambling roses up the stands and over the roof, creates natural shade and provides a stunning floral feature to enhance your outdoor experience," says Stephanie Harrod of Harrod Horticultural.
"A more permanent shade option is a pergola with an awning - even better if the awning is retractable. These kinds of traditional garden structures can be used year-round and help create a centrepiece for outdoor entertaining and provide shelter from the sun and rain showers to better adapt to unpredictable weather conditions," Says Stephanie.
Stephanie Harrod
Stephanie is a keen gardener with a vision to transform outdoor spaces into havens of beauty and functionality. Combining her love for nature with innovative design. Harrod stock a large range of raised beds to suit all garden needs.
What is an alternative to a parasol?
"A shade sail is an alternative option to a garden parasol, these sails are large pieces of fabric that can be attached to garden walls, trees and fences in your garden to provide an area of shade," says Garden design expert Tom Clifford, from Gardenstone.
"Alternatively, these sails can be attached to separate poles, similar to a gazebo, which allows you to move them to different areas of your garden. Sails are far more sturdy and robust than parasols so they are a good choice if your garden is susceptible to high winds," says Tom.
Tom Clifford
Tom has been in the garden landscaping business for over 13 years making him an expert in garden design. He is the director of Gardenstone Limited a garden landscaping materials company.
If you do have a garden which gets a lot of sun, embrace this in your flower beds by growing the best plants for sun.
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Teresa was part of a team that launched Easy Gardens in 2018 and worked as the Editor on this magazine. She has extensive experience writing and editing content on gardens and landscaping on brands such as Homes & Gardens, Country Homes & Interiors and Living Etc magazine. She has developed close working relationships with top landscape architects and leading industry experts, and has been exposed to an array of rich content and expertise.
In 2020 Teresa bought her first home. She and her partner worked alongside architects and builders to transform the downstairs area of her two bedroom Victorian house in north London into a usable space for her family. Along the way she learned the stresses, woes and joys of home renovation, and is now looking to her next project, landscaping the back garden.
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