'Spend more time outdoors!' These inexpensive patio shades are light on the pocket, but still look great
With the summer heat now in full force, you might be realizing that your patio needs shade to make it useable during the daytime. Instead of building or adding a brand new (and often complex) structure for your patio, consider shade options that can be opened and closed at will, moved around, and stored when the winter arrives. They just so happen to be a little lighter on the wallet, too.
Here are some of the best outdoor furniture we've found that will give you much-needed relief this summer, without blowing the budget.
Budget-friendly parasols
Joggeso parasol
Price: $184
Material: Polyester fabric
Consider this lightweight, recycled, and durable fabric to shade and cozy up your modern garden, and other seated areas around your home.
Market Umbrella
Price: $78
Material: Polyester
Cover your garden bar or deck with this solid-toned umbrella. The pole crafted from aluminum with a rust-resistant black powder-coated finish will last many seasons.
Sonoma Goods Umbrella
Price: $63
Material: Polyester
Add to your porch decor with this printed umbrella, with an easy crank system that makes setup and take down a breeze.
Outdoor curtains
Indoor/outdoor drapes
Price: $141
Material: Sunbrella acrylic
This indoor/outdoor drapery panel resists fading, stains, and mildew, and is the perfect fabric to save your patio furniture from the elements.
Marin Ironwork curtain
Price: $34
Material: 100% Polyester
Enhance the decor of your patio, small garden deck, or courtyard with this patterned, water-repellent, and fade-resistant curtain.
Cabana Orange curtain
Price: $43
Material: Polyester
Add this bright-toned outdoor curtain to your outdoor dining or living room, to protect from the sun and the rain, and to add color to the exteriors.
Stylish sun sails
Sun shade rail
Price: $36
Material: 100% virgin HDPE material
Cover your outdoor living room or kitchen with this HDPE fabric that has been treated with UV-stabilized compound, preventing the sails from drying out, tearing, and fading.
Green sail
Price: $91
Material: Commercial-grade knitted polymer fabric
Cover your balcony or outdoor space with this bright green sail that offers UV protection and remains unaffected by moisture and natural temperature extremes.
Coolaroo sail
Price: $119
Material: Breathable knitted fabric
Make your roof garden, patio, or backyard an easy place to spend time with this easy-to-assemble sail shade, available in varied colors.
What's the best budget-friendly way to create shade in a backyard?
There are multiple ways to cover the patio or courtyard garden but if your summers are short, and you don't want to invest in a large outdoor structure to protect you and your furniture from the heat, then it's best to go with budget-friendly ideas. Things that can cover the exteriors, and be taken down when not needed, and do not require a contractor to install the shade.
The market has several options, such as fabric or canvas canopy; even materials like lattice and bamboo are popular options that can be placed above the seating area, and that allow dappled light onto the space. 'We love using fabric pergolas because they expand your usable living area and allow you to have a semi-shaded area while still having light,' says Lauren Lerner, principal designer, and CEO of Living with Lolo. 'We often add retractable awnings as well so the tops can be completely covered as needed.'
'If you want to catch some rays, you can go with loungers that are semi-uncovered that allow sun exposure,' says Brad Ramsey, principal designer and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors.
