43 Ways To Add Shade To Your Garden

ways to add shade to your garden

During hot summers all that we thrive for is cool breeze. Refreshing pools, even the smallest ones, shady gardens and cold drinks are a perfect combo to have a rest in the garden or backyard on a hot summer day but where to get this shade? If your garden or backyard is sunlit, while you need a cool corner, you will have to create this shade yourself, and here are the best ways to do so.

Tall Trees

Tall trees with a lot of leaves are the most natural way to create shade in your garden. All you need to do is to plant a big tree, which will act as a focal point and shade producer at the same time. It can be one or several trees, and the sides of your space can be covered with vines. Place your sitting or dining zone right under such a tree, and voila, you can relax in the shade.

Tall trees, lush vines are natural means to create some shade in the garden.

Tall trees, lush vines are natural means to create some shade in the garden.

Large and tall trees aren't only for shade, they can be used for many other types of fun, for example, you can hang a swing there.

(via gardenista).

Large and tall trees aren't only for shade, they can be used for many other types of fun, for example, you can hang a swing there. (via gardenista).

This large bold tree isn't only a source of shade in the garden, it's a focal point here.

This large bold tree isn't only a source of shade in the garden, it's a focal point here.

Tall trees are always a good idea to create some shade: they will become a lovely part of your landscape.

Tall trees are always a good idea to create some shade: they will become a lovely part of your landscape.

Place your dining zone under a large tree, and shade is guaranteed! This is the easiest way to protect you from the sun.

Place your dining zone under a large tree, and shade is guaranteed! This is the easiest way to protect you from the sun.

Shade Sails

Shade sails are one of the current trends in garden design. These are triangular-shaped sails that are hung over the deck or yard to protect you from the sun. You can use several ones for more sun protection or stick to just one somewhere in the corner. Shade sails come in various colors and models, so I’m sure you can find a proper one.

The beautiful Mediterranean terrace is done with a couple of shade sails over it, which delicately protect from the sun.

The beautiful Mediterranean terrace is done with a couple of shade sails over it, which delicately protect from the sun.

The shade sail matches the colors of the space and creates a light shade over it.

The shade sail matches the colors of the space and creates a light shade over it.

The deck is covered with a neutral sail that accents the modern aesthetic of the space and protects people from the sun.

The deck is covered with a neutral sail that accents the modern aesthetic of the space and protects people from the sun.

This delicate white sail is a perfect addition to the white Mediterranean styled space.

This delicate white sail is a perfect addition to the white Mediterranean styled space.

The outdoor dining space is composed of wooden furniture, and a white sail over it is a lovely wayt o get rid of the sun.

The outdoor dining space is composed of wooden furniture, and a white sail over it is a lovely wayt o get rid of the sun.

The dining zone is covered with a tan sail that protects from the sun and lights that illuminate them at night.


(via overbeekgroen).

The dining zone is covered with a tan sail that protects from the sun and lights that illuminate them at night. (via overbeekgroen).

The bold tropical space is done with simple furniture, cushions and a yellow cover over it.

The bold tropical space is done with simple furniture, cushions and a yellow cover over it.

The modern deck is partly covered with shade sails and there are lots of lamps and lights to cheer it up at night.

The modern deck is partly covered with shade sails and there are lots of lamps and lights to cheer it up at night.

The stylish contemporary space is done in black and white and tan-colored sails over the tables help to relax. 

(via seasonsincolour).

The stylish contemporary space is done in black and white and tan-colored sails over the tables help to relax. (via seasonsincolour).

The modern garden includes several zones and lots of lush plants, and the shade sail over the space protects the dining zone.

The modern garden includes several zones and lots of lush plants, and the shade sail over the space protects the dining zone.

The beautiful Mediterranean space features lush greenery, elegant rattan furniture, tan textural sails for delicate sun protection.

The beautiful Mediterranean space features lush greenery, elegant rattan furniture, tan textural sails for delicate sun protection.

A shade sail is an easy way to cover your backyard partly or completely, it looks modern and fresh.

A shade sail is an easy way to cover your backyard partly or completely, it looks modern and fresh.

The textural sails match the simple wood and wicker furniture highlighting the rustic style of the space.

The textural sails match the simple wood and wicker furniture highlighting the rustic style of the space.

Pergolas

The most classic idea is building a pergola. Yes, it will require time and effort but it’s worth it! You will be protected from the sun, especially if you cover the pergola with vines, which will block all or part of the light. More than that, you can hang or install a real cover or a roof that will protect you from the sun very well. All the covers are different and you can customize them if you want to. That’s all, and keep yourself safe in the shade!

This whitewashed bamboo cover allows some light but not much and brings a Mediterranean feel to the space.

This whitewashed bamboo cover allows some light but not much and brings a Mediterranean feel to the space.

The modern backyard features a black cover over it and a dining and sitting zone with a fire bowl.

The modern backyard features a black cover over it and a dining and sitting zone with a fire bowl.

A classic pergola is always a good idea: while adding a little shade to the space in its non-treated way, you can completely cover the space with vines, too.

A classic pergola is always a good idea: while adding a little shade to the space in its non-treated way, you can completely cover the space with vines, too.

The minimal Scandinavian terrace shows off some covers over the deck, their look and color match the space.

The minimal Scandinavian terrace shows off some covers over the deck, their look and color match the space.

The welcoming modern terrace shows off rattan furniture, a printed rug and potted plants plus a cover that makes it shady.

The welcoming modern terrace shows off rattan furniture, a printed rug and potted plants plus a cover that makes it shady.

The modern pergola is done with a fabric cover to make having meals here more comfortable.

The modern pergola is done with a fabric cover to make having meals here more comfortable.

The rustic space features potted plants used for privacy, a dining table with benches and a cover with lights.

The rustic space features potted plants used for privacy, a dining table with benches and a cover with lights.

The pergola is covered with green vines that not only add shade but also visual appeal to the space.

The pergola is covered with green vines that not only add shade but also visual appeal to the space.

The backyard is styled elegant with chic modern furniture, and a black pergola over it matches the style.

The backyard is styled elegant with chic modern furniture, and a black pergola over it matches the style.

The pergola is fully covered with green vines that provide shade in an aesthetic way.

The pergola is fully covered with green vines that provide shade in an aesthetic way.

The pergola with a sturdy roof is a lovely solution for a garden, it will provide real shade here.

The pergola with a sturdy roof is a lovely solution for a garden, it will provide real shade here.

The pergola features a delicate woven cover that sets the tone in the space and adds a relaxed feel.

The pergola features a delicate woven cover that sets the tone in the space and adds a relaxed feel.

The Scandinavian space is done in grey and black and lots of green vines that refresh it.

The Scandinavian space is done in grey and black and lots of green vines that refresh it.

Hang lights on the pergola to illuminate your dining space or other space, over which the pergola is established.

Hang lights on the pergola to illuminate your dining space or other space, over which the pergola is established.

The white pergola is covered with green vines, and this piece matches Scandinavian aesthetics.

The white pergola is covered with green vines, and this piece matches Scandinavian aesthetics.

The pergola with a metal roof of corrugated metal is a good idea if you really need sun protection, and lush green vines here cover the side.

The pergola with a metal roof of corrugated metal is a good idea if you really need sun protection, and lush green vines here cover the side.

The pergola is done with a striped cover that adds interest and eye-catchiness to the terrace.

The pergola is done with a striped cover that adds interest and eye-catchiness to the terrace.

The deck features modern furniture and lights and it is protected with a neutral sun shade sail.

The deck features modern furniture and lights and it is protected with a neutral sun shade sail.

The backyard is styled with a pergola, to which an egg chair is suspended. The tall trees are delicate but they protect from the sun, too.

The backyard is styled with a pergola, to which an egg chair is suspended. The tall trees are delicate but they protect from the sun, too.

The white pergola is covered with green vines and lights, and this is a delicate way to create a bit of shade in the yard.

The white pergola is covered with green vines and lights, and this is a delicate way to create a bit of shade in the yard.

This simple white cover will filter some light and won't distract attention from your furniture or landscape.

This simple white cover will filter some light and won't distract attention from your furniture or landscape.

Need natural shade? Cover the whole pergola with vines and voila, you have a focal point that is functional at the same time.

(via homedeco).

Need natural shade? Cover the whole pergola with vines and voila, you have a focal point that is functional at the same time. (via homedeco).

The pergola features a burlap cover that echoes with the stumps and is refreshed with blooms all over.

(via susanrushton).

The pergola features a burlap cover that echoes with the stumps and is refreshed with blooms all over. (via susanrushton).