If your outdoor space is all sun with little relief, take some inspiration from these cool backyard shade ideas.
A sunny day is all fun and games until the temperatures start soaring midday and the sun turns relentless. Having a nice spot in the shade means you can spend more time outdoors in the breeze and less time cooped up inside. From vented pergolas and stunning gazebos to umbrellas, awnings, and fast-growing trees, you’ve got lots of options when it comes to backyard shade ideas. We’re sharing some of our favorites here to inspire your own cool setup.
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A fabric awning instantly provides shade and has a soft, organic quality to it that feels particularly inviting. As a bonus, it's more cost-effective than building a rugged structure and gives you some flexibility with print and pattern—like this striped version featured in a design by Maestri Studio. Just make sure you opt for a UV-resistant material that'll hold up to the elements and sunshine.
Umbrellas are perhaps the simplest way to enjoy some quick shade in any area of your backyard. This one, which is part of a design by K+Co. Living, is nestled into a table to offer a shady respite for all those al fresco meals.
Loggias are an outdoor architectural feature with a rooftop and open sides. Since they're not enclosed, they provide the feeling of being completely outdoors while still enjoying some nice shade. You can outfit yours with cozy seating, an ambiance-enhancing fire pit, and a swinging chair like in this design by Forge & Bow.
Gazebos come in myriad silhouettes, ranging from classic round designs with a pitched roof to modern variations like this one utilized in a backyard design by Nievera Williams. The unexpected design adds instant intrigue to the space while still serving the functional role of offering a cool respite from the sun's blazing rays.
Another simple way to get some quick relief from the sun is to incorporate a large "egg chair" into your backyard. These shady lounge areas come in all shapes and sizes—some even fit multiple people like this one—and are perfect for tucking away with some cold iced tea and a good book.
Outdoor curtains lend some privacy while providing a bit of shade when the sun angles in at sunrise and sunset. They're easy to install, cost-effective, and—as you can see in this design by B.E. Decors Interiors and Serenbe—the soft, organic texture can help romanticize any outdoor space.
For all-over shade, look no further than Mother Nature herself and plant some fast-growing shade trees. These can help save on energy bills if they tower over your home, and you can even use them to hang hammocks, swings, or beautiful solar lights that flicker on at dusk.
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Reed mats provide a similar feel to a traditional pergola, only they offer just a bit more shade and lend a rugged, earthy aesthetic. Simply attach them to an open structure with sturdy twine or zip ties and enjoy your new spot of backyard shade.
If earthy reed mats don't align with your taste, consider corrugated aluminum instead. This wallet-friendly, durable option is simple to install over a wood structure and provides instant shade.
Retractable cable shades are a brilliant option for those who want more versatility in their outdoor space. Pull them out when you want to shield yourself from those strong midday rays, and then tuck them away as needed.
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Channel a luxe resort vibe in your very own backyard by incorporating a covered cabana into the landscaping design, as done here by The Layered House. Complete the look with a few different places to sit or lounge, a fire pit, and a cool light fixture.
If you're seeking a temporary and cost-effective backyard shade idea, a fabric triangular sun shade is the way to go. It's simple to install—making it great for renters and owners alike—and the smaller size makes it particularly nice for tiny spaces.
If you already have a nice patio space, sometimes the simplest way to get more shade is to build a covered structure on top of the existing layout. From here, you can add seating, a bar, or even a grilling station.
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Along with lofty trees that provide shade overhead, consider planting tall-growing foliage in your side yard to provide shade at different times of day. Here, designer Lindye Galloway opted for vertical shrubs and strategically placed lounge chairs to capture the shade they provide.
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If you like the idea of a pergola but aren't quite sure about the modern look they may create, know that you've got options. Here, Ashby Collective opted for a Victorian-era design for a pergola that overlooks the English garden of this 100-year-old home in Houston.
A pergola is a classic go-to option for some nice shade, and you can make them as large or small as you desire. Typically made from wood, these structures have slatted rooftops that allow for breezy ventilation and offer a nice middle ground between shade and sun.
Umbrellas don't have to come in singles. Sometimes more is more, as demonstrated in this chic backyard design by Daley Home. The designer drew inspiration from a classic resort aesthetic, incorporating multiple matching canopy-like umbrellas along the pool's edge. The result? Shade for all!
Whether you live in a rustic and rural environment like this one or happily live in the suburbs, a partially enclosed deck will quickly become your outdoor oasis. The rooftop provides shade, while the enclosed aspect creates a defined space that feels like a livable extension of your home.
Shade trees and tall shrubs lend a natural source of shade, and you can add vining ivy to that list, as well. You can train these climbing plants to weave through structures, such as pergolas, to create an organic, earthy aesthetic.
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Build off of what already exists and extend your roofline just a bit. This is created for short decks and small spaces where just a bit of additional shade can make all the difference. To further customize the space, incorporate bistro lights or fun light fixtures and, of course, enough seating for friends and family to linger.
Shade is important, but you don't want to completely close yourself off from natural light. This space by interior designer Martine Brisson has a slatted awning that lets just the right amount of sunlight in, so you can enjoy your meal with a hint of vitamin D.