Backyards are excellent outdoor recreation areas where you can spend quality time with your family or entertain friends—making it crucial to make your backyard as inviting or functional as possible. However, some backyards can be too sunny that they’re not usable anymore. You can maximise the use of your backyard by using some clever outdoor shade ideas.
Here are some creative outdoor shade ideas you can explore so you can transform your backyard into an outdoor space that your family can enjoy any time of the year.
Creative outdoor shade ideas
Sail shade gazebo
Sail shades are affordable, easy to install, and protects from the sun’s UV rays. Sail shades provide some protection against rain, but they are not waterproof. They also look a bit hippie, making any outdoor space look stylish.
Canopy of plants
A canopy of plants is one of the most environment-friendly outdoor shade ideas in this list. If you have a pergola, a trellis, or an arbour, you can plant climbing plants like roses, wisterias, or passion flowers so you can have a natural way of warding off sunlight.
Freestanding lightweight parasol
Freestanding lightweight parasols are affordable shade-providing solutions if you don’t have trees in your backyard. They are sturdy and can withstand strong winds. They are also easy to move, so you can use them in any spot in your backyard.
Natural cover wooden lengths
A makeshift pergola using natural wood is a great way to have some shade without shelling out a lot of money. You can use bamboo, willow, or even discarded branches from your backyard to create a unique and lightweight covering for your family.
Here are some natural wood outdoor shade ideas:
Garden room
If you want something more ambitious, a garden room might be right up your alley. A garden room is a freestanding room in your backyard where you can relax while getting protected from the sun. You can also turn your garden room into a makeshift study room or home office to make it more functional.
Tree shade
Nothing beats nature, and trees are excellent when it comes to providing shade in your backyard. Aside from providing shade, trees can help make the air cleaner and add colour to your backyard. Evergreens like Griffith pink, blueberry ash, and little gem are excellent options because they retain their leaves all year round. You can install a deck, a patio, or a simple sitting area around the tree to maximise this natural “feature.”
Outdoor fabric canopy
If you want a DIY canopy you can move around, an outdoor fabric canopy is an excellent option. Outdoor fabric is cheap and can provide excellent protection against the sun. There is also a wide variety of colour options to choose from, so you can buy one that will look great with your backyard theme.
Fabric awning
Extending your awning using outdoor fabric is another cost-effective way of providing shade to your family, especially if you want to expand your outdoor dining area. Another advantage of this option is you can easily roll it down if you don’t need to use it or in the event of storms or snow.
Tips when adding outdoor shades
Plan where to place the structure
Carefully choose where you want to install your backyard shade cover so you can maximise its use. Install it in an area where you love spending time with your family. It would help if you also took note of the angle of sunlight to get maximum protection from the sun.
Prioritise function
Think about what you love doing in your backyard so you can choose the right shade cover for your family. If you love holding barbeque parties, a fireproof shade covering is better than a fabric shade covering. If you want protection against rains, you might want to stay away from a canopy of plants and opt for a waterproof option like a patio with a plastic roof.
Here are some stylish yet completely functional outdoor shade ideas from Louvretec:
Make a budget
How much you want to spend on your shade covering will significantly affect your choices because some options might be too expensive. Make a budget and try to stick to it to avoid unnecessarily dipping into funds allotted for other needs or home improvement projects.
Plan design preferences
Seeking the assistance of professionals can help you develop a sturdy and functional design. They can guide you on which designs can provide you with maximum sunlight protection while staying within your budget. You can also ensure that you build a structure that can withstand the elements and last a long time.
Discuss material preferences
Choosing the suitable materials for your shade covering is crucial in building your structure because it affects your budget. Metal and fabric are cheap options depending on the type of structure you want to build. If you want a pergola with a plant canopy, wooden materials are your best option because a metal pergola attracts rust. Light materials are excellent options if you want a moveable or semi-permanent structure because you can easily disassemble them to move to a new location.
Consider environmental factors
Environmental factors in your area also play a significant role in choosing your shade covering and materials. Timber and wood materials are not ideal if you live in an area prone to fires. If you live near the sea, stainless steel is a perfect material because it is more resistant to corrosion compared to iron.
Take advantage of a free-to-use platform as Dreamspace
Considering an outdoor space renovation? If you have a big project in mind, take advantage of using Dreamspace.
Dreamspace is a project coordination platform that you can use from designing to building your ideal space. Once you have an account, the website allows you to save inspiration images from our Inspiration Gallery to your Dreamboard. It also allows you to connect with design and build professionals and get free quotes for your renovation projects. Sign up for free today and start your project in no time!
