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Shade. How do we love thee? Let us count the ways. Not only does incorporating shading in your outdoor spaces protect from harmful ultraviolet rays, it also adds a pop of color and can bring together your furniture decor.
Outdoor shading comes in a variety of forms to fit your needs and your available area, ranging from canopies to umbrellas. For patios, we recommend hanging sail shades from your wall or attaching an awning. Luckily, outdoor fabric company Sunbrella makes it easy to envision what a new awning would look like in your backyard.
Sunbrella makes durable materials for umbrellas, awnings, furniture, and more. The Sunbrella Shade Studio allows you to upload a photo of your own space—or choose from three sample backyards—and customize the frame and fabric for a new awning. A custom build and installation is an expensive investment, starting around $500, so the Shade Studio is a virtual try-before-you-buy tool.
Courtesy of Sunbrella Shade Studio / home photo by Thomas J. Story
Once you’ve created a look, you can share it with friends or designers. To bring your idea to life, Sunbrella lists seven partners that build awnings with Sunbrella fabrics, such as Eclipse Shading Systems, Sol-Lux, and KE Outdoor Design.
If a new awning isn’t your jam, there are other options for adding shade to your space. For larger backyards, you can consider a pergola with a canopy or multiple umbrellas. By using curtains, you can section off areas to make outdoor rooms with added privacy.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite products for creating shade in your backyard. Keep scrolling for five ideas.