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33 Cool Shade Ideas for Your Patio or Backyard

patio shade ideas

The Spruce / Almar Creative

There are patio shade ideas to protect your outdoor space from too much direct sunlight—from easy, affordable solutions like umbrellas and shade sails or larger, more permanent structures like pergolas or pool cabanas. When designing an outdoor living room, dining room, pool patio, or other outdoor space, include at least one source of shade that will allow you to benefit from the fresh air without being overexposed to harsh rays.

These patio shade ideas in a range of styles and settings will help you choose the best solution for making your patio, deck, or backyard more comfortable and inviting.

  • 01 of 33

    Opt for Umbrellas

    pop up umbrella for patio shade

    @herzenstimme / Instagram

    When seeking shade, go back to the basics. This modern backyard celebrates the heyday of swimming pool culture and style, with chairs set up on the side under a large white patio umbrella.

    The weights attached at the top ensure the umbrella isn't going anywhere, so you can feel free to keep your attention focused on other important matters—like absolute relaxation.

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  • 02 of 33

    Install a Pergola

    pergola with clear roof for patio shade

    @kirsten.diane / Instagram

    One of the most popular ways to add shade to your outdoor paradise is by installing a pergola. You can leave a pergola entirely uninhibited or use covers and screens to keep the sun at bay. In this case, sheer curtains cover the top and the sides for a little extra privacy.

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  • 03 of 33

    Build a Simple Structure

    patio shade ideas

    @life_of_isatu / Instagram

    Spaced a few feet away from the house, this patio features a constructed overhang that keeps things shady in a stylish way. The simple additions of plants, string lights, and a rug add an additional dose of charm.

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  • 04 of 33

    Layer Shade Sources

    slatted pergola for patio shade

    A Beautiful Mess

    This pastel rainbow-striped backyard patio from A Beautiful Mess has a DIY pergola and a portable umbrella to double filter harsh rays and protect your al fresco meal from getting soaked in a sudden rainstorm.

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  • 05 of 33

    Try an Oversized Umbrella

    big umbrella for patio shade

    Amy Leferink at Interior Impressions

    This square-shaped oversized umbrella includes a lightbulb for when the day comes to a close, and it provides more than enough coverage to keep the sun out of everyone's eyes. Don't let the size fool you, though—if you want to move the umbrella out of the way, it can easily be swiveled around rather than remaining fixed in its place.

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  • 06 of 33

    Update the Awning

    retractable awning for patio shade

    Calimia Home

    Your grandparents may have had tin awnings on their 1950's tract home, but contemporary awnings are softer, made of more pliable and longer-lasting materials, and, quite simply, better looking—like the gray and white striped pattern shown on this outdoor patio.

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  • 07 of 33

    Use Trees for Shade

    patio shade ideas around tree

    Design by Desiree Burns Interiors

    The oldest source of shade is a tree, especially a nice big one with twisting, sculptural limbs. The builders of this deck made the unique decision to build the deck around the tree, which can lower a home's temperature by as much as 20 degrees or more during the hot months.

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  • 08 of 33

    Add an Outdoor Daybed

    patio shade ideas with daybed

    Design by House of One / Photo by Lifestyle Production Group

    If you've got the space and the budget, there's nothing more luxurious than adding an outdoor daybed to your backyard patio. This poolside four-poster canopy daybed from House of One has tie-back curtains and a solid roof to protect you from waking up from a nap to an unwanted sunburn.

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  • 09 of 33

    Shade Multiple Spaces

    patio shade ideas with kitchen

    @ladylandscape / Instagram

    Landscape designer Melanie Rekola of Lady Landscape is often asked why she creates so many different seating and shaded areas when she designs a landscape. "It gives the option to chase the sun, the shade," she says, "and also offers shelter from rain/wind as needed to adapt to the changing weather conditions of any given day."

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  • 10 of 33

    Fence It Off

    covered pergola shade ideas

    @allie_wilson_home / Instagram

    Creating an entertainment area away from your home can give you the freedom to add extra seating. To ensure your guests stay as comfortable as possible, build a pergola in the corner of your lot, with some additional wall panels that provide a layer of sun protection as well as privacy.

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  • 11 of 33

    Add Greenery

    patio shade from an awning

    Mindy Gayer Design Co.

    Even if your backyard doesn't include mature trees, you can build your shady outdoor space in the shade of an ivy-covered wall, a row of hedges, or some planted young trees that will grow fuller with time, like this backyard seating area from Mindy Gayer Design Co.

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  • 12 of 33

    Grow a Tree Canopy

    tee canopy for patio shade

    @thelaundrygarden / Instagram

    While patio and fabrics covers are certainly capable of blocking the sun's rays, sometimes there are more natural options available. This simple structure is made up of several fast-growing smaller trees that provide a canopy of shade while blending in perfectly with the rest of the flourishing garden that surrounds it.

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  • 13 of 33

    Zone It Out

    patio shade ideas

    Dazey Den

    Having the space to create multiple entertainment areas is an absolute dream. While this desert home from Dazey Den already had a small garden and a fire pit surrounded by vibrant red chairs, a constructed white canopy hosts a comfortable seating area with thick curtains on each side to provide shade when needed or desired.

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  • 14 of 33

    Add Boho Style

    patio shade ideas

    @jcdesign1.1 / Instagram

    This backyard patio from JC Design has boho style and a shade umbrella to match, with tassels that complement the rattan table and midcentury modern-style wishbone chairs. Plus it has a lightweight base, making it easy to move around.

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  • 15 of 33

    Hang a Sun Shade Sail

    sail shade for patio

    L2 Design, LLC

    When working with smaller spaces, a triangle sun shade sail like the one seen in this outdoor space from L2 Design, LLC can be an ideal fit. The shape tends to be very accommodating when there isn't a ton of room to work with, yet doesn't hesitate to do its job of providing much-needed shade. Plus it's got a streamlined look that will appeal to minimalists.

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  • 16 of 33

    Build a Cabana

    modern pergola for patio shade

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Margaret Austin Photo

    Cathie Hong Interiors installed an open air cabana outfitted with a spacious sectional set back from the pool that offers a shady spot on the large open poolside terrace during daytime, and a comfy spot for cocktails after dark.

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  • 17 of 33

    Look to a Loggia

    patio shade ideas

    @ladylandscape / Instagram

    Loggias are covered spaces that typically stretch along the length of a building—and they usually include columns and arches of some sort. While it takes some extra effort, the result can add an extra feeling of elegance and luxury to your outdoor space while keeping things cool and comfortable, like this space from Lady Landscape.

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  • 18 of 33

    Create a Covered Terrace

    bamboo roof for patio shade

    @afrobohemianliving / Instagram

    This outdoor terrace from Afro Bohemian Living includes all the necessities to enjoy an evening outdoors. To keep the sun from beaming down too harshly, the area is covered by a simple structure with reed mats placed on top to keep things cool.

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  • 19 of 33

    Go Poolside

    patio shade ideas

    @ladylandscape / Instagram

    Poolside shade doesn't have to come solely from a patio umbrella. You can also opt to add a covered structure of your choosing with perfectly arranged patio furniture underneath, just like this backyard from Lady Landscape. The tilted top adds plenty of coverage, and the entire area looks spacious and open—a perfect place to cool down after a sunny day by the pool.

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  • 20 of 33

    Add Wrap-Around Curtains

    bamboo screen for patio shade

    Fantastic Frank

    When creating a shady spot on your backyard patio, don't forget to give yourself the option to block too-harsh rays beaming in from the sides by hanging billowing white gauze curtains around the periphery, like this outdoor patio from Fantastic Frank.

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  • 21 of 33

    Try a Floral Canopy

    patio shade pergola ideas

    KG Designs

    Soften a patio pergola with flowering vines that will help to filter the light. KG Designs planted this stone terrace with vines and flowers that make the outdoor seating area around the fireplace feel more inviting.

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  • 22 of 33

    Add a Slanted Patio Roof

    slatted wood patio shade ideas

    Maite Granda

    Create partial shade on an outdoor patio kitchen with a slanted wood slat roof, like this contemporary Florida space from Maite Granda.

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  • 23 of 33

    Build a Pool Cabana

    pool patio cabana shade ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    Created a shaded pool patio cabana to maximize outdoor space. Michelle Boudreau Design used wood slats on the walls and ceiling to add a natural element to this multipurpose Southern California kitchen and lounge space.

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  • 24 of 33

    Light Up the Patio Awning

    backyard patio shade ideas

    A Beautiful Mess

    A patio awning will shelter your outdoor space from unwanted rays or rain during the day.

    A Beautiful Mess installed a canopy of fairy lights on the ceiling to mimic the stars at night. Faux curtains hide the awning posts while softening the look.

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  • 25 of 33

    Coordinate Colors

    painted patio shade ideas

    A Beautiful Mess

    Use a black-and-white palette to create a sophisticated outdoor space. A Beautiful Mess chose a black patio umbrella to shade the table and chairs on this DIY-painted patio for a cohesive look.

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  • 26 of 33

    Create a Shady Lounge Space

    pool patio seating shade ideas

    Michelle Boudreau Design / Photo by Lane Dittoe

    Create a shady spot to chill by the pool with a simple umbrella placed between a pair of armchairs, like this pool patio from Michelle Boudreau Design.

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  • 27 of 33

    Try a Pop-Up Canopy

    pop-up canopy patio shade ideas

    Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design

    Create a shady spot for a special occasion meal with a pop-up canopy, like this backyard space from Ajai Guyot for Emily Henderson Design.

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  • 28 of 33

    Try a Modern Woven Shade

    woven patio shade ideas

    Kendall Wilkinson Design

    Add shade to a raised patio with a lightweight structure with simple posts and a woven roof to filter light.

    Kendall Wilkinson Design chose a black structure for this primary bedroom patio facing the backyard that works with the modern home facade.

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  • 29 of 33

    Create a Shady Deck Corner

    deck shade ideas

    Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

    Create a shady corner on an outdoor deck with a simple umbrella that will fade into the background when not in use.

    Emily Henderson Design chose a dark umbrella with a wood base that blends into the woodsy surroundings.

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  • 30 of 33

    Build a Permanent Pavilion

    shaded outdoor pavilion ideas

    Design by Crisp Architects / Photo by Rob Karosis

    Create a freestanding patio on a large lawn with four columns and a solid roof to house anything from an outdoor kitchen to a pool pavilion, like this space from Crisp Architects.

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  • 31 of 33

    Pair a Pergola and Umbrella

    colorful patio shade ideas

    A Beautiful Mess

    Complement a patio pergola with an umbrella to add an extra layer of protection that will make your outdoor space usable in all kinds of weather.

    A Beautiful Mess chose a pale pink umbrella edged in pompoms to complement the DIY-painted pastel rainbow porch.

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  • 32 of 33

    Install a Large Pergola

    large pergola patio shade ideas

    Calimia Home

    A large pergola will provide partial shade on an open outdoor patio. Calimia Home painted the pergola the same dark brown as the fencing for a coordinated look, adding string lights to add atmosphere after dark.

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  • 33 of 33

    Install a Covered Patio

    patio shade ideas

    Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors / Photo by Julie Soefer

    If you have the space and the budget, give your outdoor space options with a series of patios with varying degrees of shade and cover.

    Marie Flanigan Interiors built an outdoor patio open to the backyard for entertaining that includes a fireplace and an outdoor TV. A nearby patio has a pergola for times when you want more exposure to the elements.

What's the most affordable way to shade a patio?

If you’re looking to shade your patio on a budget, there are plenty of options. Try a sail shade, a standing umbrella, or a pair of outdoor curtains. 

What is the best shade for a patio that gets a lot of wind exposure?

A permanent structure like a pergola will provide shade and stability against high winds. Otherwise, try a retractable awning that won’t risk blowing away in a storm like an outdoor umbrella.

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  1. Using Trees and Vegetation to Reduce Heat Islands. United States Environmental Protection Agency.