Garden shade ideas – 17 smart ways to provide shelter on hot summer days

It's finally summer, and if you're keen to spend as much time outdoors as possible, a few garden shade ideas are in order.

The perfect way to complement your carefully curated garden furniture ideas? Add shelter with a sail shade, parasol, or even a pergola laced with beautiful climbing plants.

There are countless ways you can shade an outdoor living area, so we thought we'd bundle all of our favourite garden shade ideas into one list to give you a little inspiration.

1. Go for an oversized parasol

Supersize your garden parasol to make a stylish statement and provide plenty of shade. With so many styles and colours to choose from, they're the perfect garden shade idea for providing respite from the blazing sun. They're brilliant garden corner shade ideas, too.

'Consider large parasols that can be quickly and easily disassembled and packed away when not in use,' says Mark Sage, B&Q’s horticulture expert. 'Tilting parasols are a good option for moving shade around the garden as the sun moves throughout the day.'

Some parasols even come with built-in lighting, like this LED Lighted Large Garden Cantilever Parasol from B&Q.

2. Plant trees for shade

For all-natural garden shade ideas, consider planting a tree or two to grow a canopy.

'Trees like Japanese maples are a good example of trees that can provide ample shade to an outdoor space while also adding a burst of colour,' says Mark.

Whether you shape shrubs or trees to provide a canopy of lush green or simply rethink a layout so the patio is near existing trees, consider which type of garden shade you'll be working with when it comes to planting beneath the trees.

3. Add an awning

If you're looking for a more permanent garden shade solution, an awning might be your answer.

Awnings come in a whole host of different constructions, so you can easily choose one that suits your home, whether modern or traditional fabric style. They'll also protect your garden furniture from the elements, so you can begin the summer months without worrying about weatherproofing your garden furniture.

4. Opt for all white

An all-white garden palette will transport you to a tranquil destination abroad instantly. If Mediterranean garden ideas are what you're looking to achieve, then opt for a white parasol like this Habitat 2.7m Water Repellent Garden Parasol that matches your garden furniture.

The simple look will offer plenty of protection from the sun while creating a relaxing environment that's ideal for lounging around for hours. White is also easy to update with garden accessories like outdoor cushions, so you can revamp your outdoor area year after year.

5. Pitch a tent

Tents don't just have to be for camping. Canopy-style tents offer ample shelter from the sun and also create a glamping-esque experience that can be a fun addition to your garden. And better yet, you'll have a bathroom and bed close by.

Including dedicated spots for shade-chasing is also a great way to create areas where the whole family gets together.

'The home is a place for nurturing intimate relationships; meticulously placed seating configurations encourage people to spend time together and become the entertainment heart of the home or indeed, garden,' explains Paul Garland, lead designer at Andrew Henry Interiors.

Depending on whether you have a small garden to work with, or more lawn space to inspire this boho garden decor, you can find a tent to suit your space. Not only are they easy to pop up to enjoy in the summer months, but they'll also act as a consistent source of shade for pets and children to play or relax in.

6. Choose a two-in-one situation

When choosing the best garden furniture for your space, think about shade. Look for options which have integrated parasols, roofs or covers.

We especially love a simple outdoor dining table with a space in the centre to insert a parasol, like the Outsunny Garden Textilene Chairs Plus Table and Parasol Bistro Set from The Range. This essentially combines the best of freestanding and built-in parasols. You can put in whatever style fits your style or theme, but you've got support, and you're not taking up any more room in your garden.

7. Work with overhanging foliage

While most may think of overhanging trees and hedges as a nuisance, you can work with, rather than against, to enjoy shady spaces. Equally as good for front garden ideas as for back, this is a simple and cheap way of adding shade.

Work out which area of your garden gets the most shade from overhanging plants and plan around this accordingly. Supplement with your own planting to add a deeper cover if needed.

8. Choose a shapely style

Sails, shades and awnings are all too often thought of as clinical or commercial. Add some personality to yours by looking at more decorative options. As well as pretty colours and prints that complement your planting, there are shapely styles, too.

A curved sail will add softness to your space, while still working hard to offer you shade.

9. Invest in a hard-working pergola

Pergolas are a great option if you're looking for garden shade ideas. Consider an option which offers more options than just protecting you from direct sunlight.

Choose a design with vented roof shutters, like this design from SUNS, so you can choose how much sun or shade you want. These pergolas also have the option of side screens, meaning your area will be protected from other elements, like rain and wind.

10. Create an ad hoc canopy

Shade designs don't have to be complicated or expensive. Easy garden ideas include a simple fabric canopy that creates shade wherever and whenever it is needed, and choosing a bright colour will make it a ‘destination' in a large garden, too.

Outdoor fabrics have the benefit of being showerproof, strain-resistant, UV and fade-resistant, but an improvised shade in a sturdy interiors fabric will stand up to occasional use, too. Simply attach the fabric to surrounding trees.

11. Float a simple sail

Create a small shaded spot with the simple placement of a garden sail shade gazebo. This example by Dobbies is just the thing to float above a seating area.

Lightweight sail shades are quick to assemble and quickly become a garden essential, perfect for a whole range of outdoor events, from family gatherings to spontaneous BBQs and more.

The Swift Sun Shade Sail from Amazon is a good choice if you're looking for waterproof coverage.

12. Shelter beneath a canopy of plants

Encourage fast-growing climbing plants to take up residence on a terrace pergola to provide a beautifully natural shaded area. This garden shade idea is beneficial for adding a charming touch of planting and colour to a patio area.

'You can also pop in a bench with a pergola over it and grow something like honeysuckle or clematis for natural cover,' says Liam Cleary, outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Garden Centre.

13. Move with the time of day

A freestanding, lightweight parasol allows the freedom to follow the sun and move the positioning depending on the time of day.

A movable shade solution is ideal on patio areas that are far-removed from the house, where there is no tree covering to offer any protection from the sun.

14. Attach a smart awning to shade a patio

To save space on having a sizeable parasol on the garden decking or patio area, not to mention the storage for out-of-season months, consider a smart awning. Having an awning attached to the rear exterior wall allows you to have a retractable source of shade, as and when you need it – and in a matter of minutes.

Many of the modern designs are now electrical, making the job even easier. The average cost of an awning starts from around £200, and can range to anywhere up to £8,000.

15. Stick to natural cover

A patio area immediately off the kitchen is the ideal place for a permanent structure to shade a dining area.

Keep the scheme simple and rustic with a covering of wooden lengths laid across a solid wooden frame. A simple willow slatted framework feels light and airy, and seems to float in the space.

16. Seek shade with a garden room

Timber structures have long been favourite garden shelters, and there is a vast choice of styles beyond the standard summerhouse. A contemporary pergola or garden room offers a private place to sit away from the glaring rays of the sun and the gaze of neighbours.

Of course, a garden structure of this stature is not a cheap option, but it is well worth the investment for creating an alfresco space to enjoy for all seasons.

17. Add an arbour for a charming touch

In a country-style garden, an arbour is ideal for adding charm. The wooden structure adds character to the surrounding garden while providing a much-needed spot for shade. Add outdoor cushions to make the seating experience all the more comfortable.

In this picturesque cottage garden idea, the arbour is surrounded by country-style planting and accessories, including a bistro table and chairs set.

Get the look

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to build shade?

Making shade in the garden is easier than you'd think. There are a wealth of options to provide shade, for all garden types and all budgets.

For those looking to keep options cheap and simple, a fabric canopy is the perfect solution. Ensure the material is an outdoor fabric that will offer a level of protection from harmful sun rays. Specialist outdoor fabrics have the benefit of being showerproof, strain-resistant, UV and fade-resistant.

A canvas parasol is another reliable and affordable way to offer shade for a garden. It's handy for every style of garden, from small courtyards to larger spaces.

Which garden shade ideas will you be going for this year?