14 garden shade ideas that guarantee sun protection all summer

With more heatwaves on the horizon as we race into summer, there’s never been a better time to brainstorm garden shade ideas.

The best patio ideas and garden decking ideas are those that are protected from the blazing sun during hot weather, which is why garden shade is a must if you’ll be hosting outdoors this season. You can go easy on the budget with something simple like a shade soil, or go all out with a smart awning that attaches to the side of the house.

We’ve rolled all of our favourite garden shade ideas into one list to help you decide the best way to shield your space from the sun.

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1. Put up a simple sail shade

Sail shades are one of the most budget-friendly ways to shade a garden, and they work in both small and large spaces.

Lightweight sail shades are quick to assemble and perfect for a whole range of outdoor events, from family gatherings to spontaneous BBQs and more. The white sail shade in the image above makes a brilliant garden corner shade idea, sheltering the seats and table from the blazing sun.

The Swift Sun Shade Sail from Amazon is a good choice if you’re looking for waterproof coverage, too. There are a few things you’ll need to be aware of before installing a shade sail, from positioning tips to pointers on tension, but it’s a pretty simple process once you know how.

2. Cover a pergola

Pergolas are a great option if you’re looking for garden shade ideas. The owner of the pergola in the photo above has used willow screening like this roll from Amazon to create a canopy over the built-in seating area, adding a beautiful rustic touch to the space.

Or, you could invest in a pergola that comes with a retractable canopy, like this Outsunny Metal Pergola from Debenhams, which can be toggled on and off depending on the weather.

3. Or, train climbing plants on a pergola

For a more natural garden shade idea, encourage fast-growing climbing plants to take up residence on a 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,’ suggests Liam Cleary, outdoor plants expert at Old Railway Garden Centre.

4. 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.

5. Plant trees for shade

For another natural garden shade idea, 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.

Consider which type of garden shade you’ll be working with when it comes to planting beneath the trees.

6. 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.

7. 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 create 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.

8. Choose a two-in-one setup

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 choose whatever style fits your style or theme without taking up any more room in your garden.

9. Work with overhanging foliage

While most may think of overhanging trees and hedges as a nuisance, you can work with, rather than against them, 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.

10. 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 awning like the one in the image above will add softness to your space while still working hard to offer you shade.

11. 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, stain-resistant, UV and fade-resistant, but an improvised shade in a sturdy interior fabric will stand up to occasional use, too. Simply attach the fabric to surrounding trees or fences.

12. 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.

13. 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 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.

14. 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.

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How to choose the best shade option for your garden

If you’re struggling to choose just one of these garden shade ideas, it’s best to think about how often you require shaded space outdoors, your budget, and ease of assembly.

Here’s how to choose the best shade option for your garden.

• Think about longevity – Larger garden structures like timber-framed pergolas and garden rooms are a longer-term garden shade idea, often standing strong for many years. If you choose to build a permanent roof or canopy over your pergola, you’ll enjoy shaded space outdoors all year round – but you can buy pergolas with retractable roofs for variation, or even grow climbing plants over the structure yourself for a natural roof.
• Factor in budget – Pergolas and garden rooms tend to be pricier than other garden shade ideas (although you can find budget metal and timber-framed pergolas out there), but gazebos, parasols and shade sails are all a lot easier on the wallet, and can be just as effective at blocking out the sun.
• Space matters – If you’re working with small garden ideas, it’s wise to choose garden shade options that don’t encroach on the limited space you have. A shade sail is a brilliant option for compact spaces, since you can customise its shape, size and fit. A small garden parasol also works, especially if you can secure it through the middle of a garden table to save space.

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