These patio shades block the summer heat and can even lower cooling costs

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With spring almost over and summer well on its way, spending time outdoors is a no-brainer — but during the height of the day, the scorching summer sun may be holding you back. Whether you plan to host backyard barbecues, have a new blow-up pool for the kiddos, or just want to be able to enjoy your patio space without worrying about the heat and ultraviolet index for the day, finding a shady solution is in your best interest. 

Updating your front or backyard patio with an oasis of shade not only helps prevent sunburns but also offers more usable space at any time of day while potentially reducing your AC bills through the summer by keeping the surrounding areas of your home from heating up as much. Especially on smaller patios, like apartment patios or front yard patios, the sun can heat the whole space, which can seep in through your windows. Using blinds can help a little, but blocking the space from the heat of the day creates a cooler outdoor area while also keeping the heat from reaching the windows. 

We’ve compiled a list of easy and cool options for any size patio and any occasion, from static overhead shading to shades that can move with the sun. 

Sun shade sails

Overhead sun shade sails are one of the most effective ways to create a cooler, more comfortable patio setting for large areas without building permanent structures. Stretched above seating areas, dining tables, or outdoor lounges, the fabric canopies provide broad coverage while still allowing airflow. They don’t trap heat, helping outdoor spaces feel cooler during the hottest part of the day, and they generally have a rating of UPF 50+, depending on the sail. The angled, modern design also works well in a variety of backyard layouts and constantly protects furniture and other outdoor items from sun damage.

Another advantage of overhead shade sails is how well they protect nearby parts of the home from direct sunlight. By reducing the amount of sun hitting patio doors, exterior walls, and windows, the shade sails can help limit heat buildup in doors. This can reduce your summer cooling costs by limiting heat buildup during long summer afternoons and easing the strain on the AC systems. Plus, since they’re available in different sizes and shapes, shade sails are also useful for creating targeted coverage exactly where you need it, like over the grilling area, over the pool, or over the back deck.

Amazon offers tons of options in different shapes and sizes for these sails, like this Love Story Rectangle Sun Shade that covers a 12-foot by 16-foot area, or the Shademart Triangle Sun Shade Sail that can work in tighter or more oddly-shaped deck areas. Mixing and matching shapes and sizes offers a customizable shading solution that requires virtually no maintenance once it’s set up, offering shade at any time of the day.

The only difficult part of this type of shading is finding the right way to support them. They can be hooked onto the sides of the house, or you can set up poles like this Shade Sail Pole 2-Pack, depending on what works best for you. They can also be used with existing deck poles or even screwed into sturdy trees. 

TasticTotes Rectangle Sun Shade Sail

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Check price at AmazonShademart Triangle Sun Shade Sail

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Check price at AmazonShade Sail Pole 2-Pack

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Check price at AmazonPatio umbrellas

Patio umbrellas remain one of the most versatile and practical outdoor shade options because they can be moved, adjusted, and easily stored. Whether placed beside a lounge chair, centered over the patio picnic table, or positioned over the blow-up kiddie pool, umbrellas provide immediate relief from direct sunlight wherever you need it. As a bonus, they can also block drizzles of rain during afternoon showers. There are tons of styles of umbrellas available, including tilting and rotating features that make it easy to block changing sun angles, or fully rectangular umbrellas that can block the blinding afternoon sun on the horizon. The portability makes them ideal for patios that serve multiple purposes since they can be easily repositioned. 

When not in use while outdoors, patio umbrellas can still be helpful when positioned to block the sun from windows and doors during super-hot days to help prevent doors, windows, or flower planters from overheating. Unlike more permanent shade structures, umbrellas are easy to store or swap out seasonally, and can be updated to match changing outdoor decor. 

They’re useful for homeowners who want flexible shade coverage without committing to a full installation, generally only needing a compatible base to keep them upright. If you already have a base from a previous umbrella, options like this large, rectangular Homshade Patio Umbrella, or the Patio Kingdom Crank and Tilt Round Umbrella are a great choice, depending on what type of coverage you’re looking for. If you’re in need of the whole set, including the base, other options are available that include everything needed, like the Newbulig Offset Hanging Patio Umbrella and Base Set.

If you’re looking to cover smaller portions of the patio or something that fits on smaller patios, a patio umbrella would make a convenient and useful option.

Homshade Patio Umbrella

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Patio Kingdom Crank and Tilt Round Umbrella

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Check price at AmazonNewbulig Offset Hanging Patio Umbrella and Base Set

Courtesy of Amazon

Check price at AmazonSide shades

Side shades and outdoor window shades are useful for blocking low-angle sunlight that overhead covers can often miss. If you love to lounge outdoors in the evening, but find the setting sun to be blinding over the horizon, these types of shades are fantastic. Whether you have an outdoor eating area with a pergola or just need to add a bit of extra coverage to your patio umbrella setup, these offer protection from bright glares and the strong western setting sun. The added coverage can also make patios feel more private and protected in open backyards, apartment patios facing the street, or townhomes. 

These shades are also highly effective at reducing indoor heat when installed near sliding glass doors or screened-in patios, by helping prevent sunlight from directly entering the home. Many of the designs are retractable, offering an easily-adjustable shade depending on the time of day and the weather. 

Depending on the shade, they attach in different ways. For example, this Homedemo Retractable Side Awning can be attached to an existing wall, while this Coolaroo Outdoor Roller Shade can be attached to the top beams of a pergola or other existing outdoor structure, offering a lightweight option.

Homedemo Retractable Side Awning

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Check price at AmazonCoolaroo Outdoor Roller Shade

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Check price at AmazonWhich option is the best for you?

Depending on what your needs are and what size your outdoor space is, there are tons of options to choose from. If you have a large outdoor area with lots of gathering space, something like a sun sail would be perfect, as it continuously shades you and your furniture from the sun. If you have a smaller patio or need to prevent your balcony from heating up, a side shade or a smaller umbrella would work well. Or, if your patio just needs a bit of privacy from the neighbors while offering some extra sun protection in the evenings, a side shade would be convenient. If you have multiple needs, mixing and matching different types of shades would also be useful! Whichever one you choose, it’s best to make sure the size will cover your needs, and you take the mounting process or base needs into consideration.

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