Awnings, sails, pergolas, chamizos... Look at these decorative ideas to protect yourself from the sun and enjoy good shade.
"In summer, drink and sweat and always look for shade." At least that's what the popular proverb says, always so wise. Good shade is essential in the months when the sun is the hottest, to be able to truly enjoy outside , without heat and without the harmful effects on the skin and eyes, in addition to being very annoying at certain times of the day. Good shade is essential for a well-decorated terrace . The best, without a doubt, is the shade of the trees and vegetation, in a beautiful garden , under their leafy canopies the temperatures cool and the leaves rustle in the breeze. But, now that we are practical, better economic solutions to have shade , removable, and choose how, when and where you want to enjoy its benefits. On terraces, porches and gardens there are many ways to protect yourself from the sun.
Awnings, tarps... in the shade of the fabric
The easiest thing is to opt for the classic umbrella, the size that best suits your needs. If it has to be very large, it is best to opt for a model with easy opening mechanisms and choose it consistent, with a generous diameter mast and a robust base, to prevent any type of accident if it is windy.
Another basic for creating shade is the traditional awning, very practical for urban terraces , but the optimal thing is to opt for one with automatic opening and closing, at the touch of a button. It also incorporates a wind and sun sensor in the mechanism, so that the awning can be lowered and raised accordingly, and without having to worry.
A very fashionable and very practical system are sails or tarps. They give very good shade and look very pretty – there is now a wide variety of styles, prints and colors of very resistant technical fabrics – although to use them you must first make sure you have the support points you need to place them.
Pergolas and pavilions, perfect
In addition to those mentioned above, what takes first place in the top shadows is being indoors. Thus, the different types of pergolas , roofs, gazebos, natural fiber covers ... They will provide you with effective and comfortable shelter from the sun.
Any idea is good to guarantee good shade and not have to flee outside during the most dangerous and annoying hours of sunshine. Look at this selection of solutions and choose the one that best suits your space and your needs.
BAMBOO CURTAINS
Hang curtains made of bamboo or natural cane at the edges of the terrace or porch. These curtains not only provide soft shade, but also create a relaxing and rustic atmosphere, ideal for enjoying quiet moments outdoors, like in this house in Palma de Mallorca .
VINES ON WOODEN STRUCTURES
Plant vines such as vines or wisteria around wooden structures such as pergolas or trellises. Over time, these climbing plants will provide cool, natural shade, as well as add a touch of greenery and fragrance to your outdoor space.
BOHEMIO CHILL-OUT
Interior designer Mónica Penaguião installed a roof made of logs and reeds, painted white to conceptually unite it with the house. The living area is resolved with a work bench with mats and cushions made with Turkish fabrics, an antique kilim and Tolix chairs.
SMART RETRACTABLE AWNING SYSTEM
Incorporate a system of retractable awnings controlled by solar or wind sensors to deploy automatically according to weather conditions. This ensures adaptable and safe shade at all times, especially useful for areas of high sun exposure.
LINEN OR COTTON AWNINGS
Use natural fabrics, such as linen or cotton, to make light and flexible awnings. These awnings can be easily mounted on temporary structures, such as wooden posts or ropes, and provide soft, relaxing shade, perfect for outdoor naps or al fresco meals.
A CANVAS SAIL
Forms a removable awning. Anchors are required or it is attached to the façade, trees... Essential to be able to use well-decorated outdoor dining rooms.
Montse GarrigaA VERY NATURAL SHADOW
In the patio of this beautiful farmhouse in the Sant Llorenç des Munt natural park , a reed roof has been installed to create a shadow. Under this cover, a small table and a bench that were in the house have been arranged and taken as a model to reproduce two others. Together with the pots of flowers and aromatics, this space invites you to relax.
THE BEST SHADOW
Yves DuronsoyYes, the one that gives a tree, and no matter how obvious it could not be on this list. Like in this paradisiacal place, next to the pool of this eco lodge in Kenya.
CONCRETE "UMBRELLA"
Michael Nicholson / Rob Frith / Jack LovelThis design is inspired by brutalist buildings, with cement and steel as the protagonists of this original pergola raised as a sculptural element that fills this house in Australia with personality.
CAMOUFLAGE FABRIC
Montse Garriga/Via: New StyleSeveral pieces of military mesh fabric – used by the military in the Sahara desert for camouflage – attached with cables provide shade in the patio of this house in Ibiza decorated in Arabic style . The furniture and objects acquired in Bali, Sumatra and Morocco finish creating the perfect outdoor area.
Matthew MillmanAN IDEAL CLASSIC
Perfectly decorated wooden porches are ideal for enjoying the outdoors in the shade. Like this one, a roof that extends from the house and shelters from the sun. The perfect place like this, with a metal structure and a wooden roof. It belongs to a modern and sustainable house in Hawaii.
Pablo Sarabia HearstSUN, SHADOW AND WATER
The perfect trio that tastes like summer. This is the area in a holiday home in Sotogrande with interior design by Luis Puerta. He looks for inspiration in these designer pool houses.
Save LopezSUMMER KITCHEN
Dining room, sink, barbecue... The outdoor dining room is protected by a very practical chamizo roof, which in turn shades the entire outdoor kitchen area.
Montse Garriga/Vía: New StyleSHADOW WITH A CHAMIZO
A wooden and reed structure, painted white, houses some sun loungers acquired on a trip to India, with Missoni towels. It is in a country house near Portugal decorated in a rustic and modern style by interior designer Mónica Penagiao.
Elsa Young/BureauxDOUBLE PORCH
Above, sun and, below, shadow provided by the construction itself, a googie architecture building in South Africa. The lower area has been decorated as a chill out space with designer furniture.
Montse Garriga/Vía: New StyleA SAILOR STYLE SHADOW
For this dining room on the terrace, with views over the sea. Blue, white, stripes and a metal structure – painted blue – covered in chamizo. An outdoor space in the purest Mediterranean style.
Montse Garriga/Vía: New StyleTHE PERFECT AWNING
Because it adapts to the different positions of the sun, folding or unfolding on the roof and with curtains on the sides. It is an idea by interior designer Ana Ros.
SUMMER LOUNGE IN THE SHADE
Nina AntonInterior designer Bárbara Aurell renovated this classic house in the north of the island of Menorca and optimized the use of outdoor spaces . Like this outdoor seating area , covered by a stretched canvas to provide shade.
El Corte Inglés Pine wood pergola by El Corte Inglés
For somewhat larger gardens, there is nothing like choosing a beautiful pergola like this one. It is a pine wood design with a latticework that provides a warm and cozy touch to the exterior.
ONE "OUTSIDE" COTTAGE
DRThe best outdoor furniture companies offer pavilion models that go far beyond a simple structure: automated awnings or covers, built-in lighting.
Pablo SarabiaSHADOW SPACE DECORATED IN DETAIL
The roof, made of wood and chamizo, but with all the comforts, such as electrical installation to place a ceiling fan and lighting, like in this house in Ibiza with country style and recycled interior design .
THE POOL HOUSE
Nicole HollisThe most luxurious way to have shade. This house next to the beautiful designer pool , with a dining area, kitchen, etc. A marvel at this ranch in Los Angeles.
DrAN IRON PERGOLA WITH VINES
A very simple iron pergola, very light, is covered by wisteria that will shade this area with a small antique table and chairs next to the pool and with great views. Always look for native plants to create a sustainable, low-maintenance garden.
A PORCH IN THE YARD
Jose HeviaIn this modern house in Mallorca, the interior spaces are connected to the patio , which is proposed as one of the most important rooms in the house. A light metal structure, lacquered in green, has been covered with reed to house the dining room in the shade.
Montse GarrigaSHADED DINING ROOM ON A TERRACE
Estudio Onikot signs this house decorated with an eclectic style and non-polluting elements . On the terrace we discover an outdoor dining room with benches protected from the sun thanks to a gray sail.
HearstNATURAL COVER
In this modern house in Ibiza inspired by the traditional homes of the island , the porch has been made up of a wild pergola made of natural logs, covered by branches to provide shade. The use of the same flooring as inside, polished cement , serves as a conceptual connection in & out , and the different living areas.
Denilson Machado And André NazarethSHADED POOL
In this house, a refreshing back garden has been created with blue hydraulic tiles and a small pool adapted to the space and heated that can be used all year round has been installed. In addition, the slatted roof provides shade in summer and is closed in winter.
Serena Or VainicherTWO LARGE CURTAINS
In the garden of the eclectic and bohemian house of florist Dylan Tripp , large curtains crown the dining area that protect from the sun and center the stage.
Manolo YlleraTHE MOST TRADITIONAL SHADOW
In Casa Manuela, Paula Ordovás' house in Marbella , shade has been created thanks to traditional esparto blinds, one of the best decoration ideas to create rustic-style porches .
The Room StudioPERGOLA WITH ADJUSTABLE SHADE
Do you want to have shade during the day and see the stars at night? This pergola with slats that can be rotated is perfect for you. We have seen it in a penthouse on Reina Victoria Street in Barcelona designed by The Room studio .
Montse GarrigaCLIMBING PLANTS TO CREATE SHADE
In the beautiful patio of this house in Mallorca decorated with a rustic, romantic and modern style , the designer Rafael Fullana installed a metal structure for a bougainvillea to climb over it that will little by little provide shade. The fountain with an elongated pond and the sound of water accompanies the steps to the main entrance and the floor is white cement treated with pigments and gravel so that the visual impact on the environment is minimal.
Eugeni BachIRREGULAR CANE PERGOLAS
This is a good example of how to wear something traditional without being traditional at all. On this terrace we see the typical reed roofs placed in oblique lines creating an interesting play of lights and shadows. We have seen it in an old chocolate factory converted into a country house with a patio and terrace .
Montse GarrigaA DELICATE FABRIC
In this house built with exposed brick and spaces open to the garden by H Arquitectes , one of the living areas is protected from the sun thanks to a light outdoor fabric.
Leroy Merlin Naterial steel pergola with wood effect
For small spaces where you don't want to add the classic umbrella, a good option is this wood-effect bench pergola from Leroy Merlin.
Asier StreetTWO SOLUTIONS IN ONE TO HAVE SHADE
An iron and reed pergola and light curtains protect from the sun and prying eyes in the outdoor dining room of this ground floor with garden in Marbella decorated by Marta de la Rica . Under a lamp from Into the Wild, the outdoor dining room with an iron and wood table from El Teatro de los Sueños, chairs from Ikea and a work bench that delimits the space. Flor Carnicero tableware brightens the atmosphere.
Adrian Mora MarotoPROTECTED ON TWO SIDES
The architect Janna Montes Gil and the RafaCub interior design studio sign this outdoor space, protected from the sun thanks to a pergola with reeds on the roof and on one of the sides, with leather Butterfly chairs and an iron and wood table from HK Living.
Outsunny Garden Pergola in Gray
Another option in dark tones is this garden pergola from the new Maisons du Monde collection. It is a pergola that provides shade and is perfect for outdoors.
A GLAZED PERGOLA
Patricia GallegoIn this house rejuvenated with an eclectic style by Estudio Akebia , in the garden designed by the landscaper Javier Mariátegui, this summer dining room was created, protected by a pergola with a glass roof with a treatment that filters the sun's rays. The table was purchased in France, while the chairs, different vintage iron models, were found at Colindante and Vintage 4P. The lanterns come from MC Lighting.
Montse GarrigaSHADE WITH IRON AND CANVAS PERGOLA
In the patio of this house in Barcelona rehabilitated by Monte Steva, a shaded area has been created with an iron and canvas pergola. The sofa is by Philippe Starck for Driade, the stools by Toca Fusta and the rug by Il Magazzino. The pots of aromatic plants, geraniums, oleanders, shrubs and native plants finish creating this refreshing vegetable oasis.
Montse GarrigaA BUCOLIC CORNER OF SHADE
On the entrance façade of this sustainable house located in the Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca , a very light structure with metal cables has been placed so that a vine can climb up it and shade the bench.
Concept Usine Cenador with polyester lona from Concept Usine
If you have a dining room next to the pool and want some shade, but avoid the classic umbrella; One proposal is this gray gazebo available at Maisons du Monde.
Pablo SarabiaA PERGOLA WITH ART TO PROVIDE SHADE
Among palm trees, like ficus shaped by the wind, a large structure of metal leaves shades this outdoor area like a pergola. Its author is the sculptor Fernando Oriol, owner of the house .
A ROMANTIC SHADED PATIO
Montse GarrigaNext to this romantic country-style country house decorated by Anni Moore , an iron pergola covered by reed blinds houses a summer dining room with a table handmade by the owner.
HENG FENG HENG FENG Rectangular Waterproof Shade Sail Awning 3.5x5m Polyester UV Ray Protection Resistant for Terrace Outdoor Patio Garden Sand Color
For attic terraces, this sail-shaped awning is the best option. You can find it available in different shades: from grey, beige, through white to the classic dark grey.
Canopia Square and closed aluminum gazebo
If you are looking for something more intimate, you can always go to the classic gazebos. They are closed spaces, with glass that give the possibility of using the outdoor area even in winter.
