9 Stylish Shade Solutions for Patios and Small Garden Areas

9 Stylish Shade Solutions for Patios and Small Garden Areas

The most important details in this text are the nine shade solutions that can be used to provide shade in outdoor spaces. These include retractable awnings, petite pergolas, tasseled umbrellas, small shade trees, and small shade trees. Awnings provide the ability to cover or uncover seating areas with the touch of a button or with the turn of a hand crank, while lateral arm awnings need to be attached to the side of a building. Small shade trees can be a great option to cool down a courtyard, such as fig, citrus, olive and crape myrtle. Fabrics treated to be waterproof can extend the awning's function to act as a light rain guard and sunshade.

Growing a patio tree in an extra-large container is a great way to provide shade without taking up deck floor space. Shade sails should be mounted on all corners to a fence post, tall tree, freestanding post or side of a building, and should be taut enough to eliminate wrinkles in the fabric but still have enough flexibility for movement in wind. An extended overhang can be used to partially shade the balcony seating area while providing a spot where vines can grow and a swing can be hung. Choose a style that complements the architecture of the building and materials used for the home, keeping in mind scale and proportion.