No luxury outdoor entertainment area is complete without the perfect shading method. When it comes to your patio area, shading must include two aspects: functionality and style. While there are many ways to execute this, we’ve compiled the five best ways to achieve the ideal amount of shade while ensuring the utmost performance and elegance for your home.
Umbrellas
Perhaps the most classic form of patio shading, umbrellas are highly functional, come in a variety of sizes, and are an all-around versatile choice. A drawback to the umbrella may be its difficulty in the wind, but weighing down the umbrella with a proper stand will alleviate this issue.
Umbrellas are typically fashioned in a static, vertical manner and fit in the center of your patio space. However, the vertical style may not be optimal if your centerpiece is a firepit in place of a patio table. For these situations, we recommend cantilever umbrellas.
Cantilever umbrellas feature a double-angle design, meaning they stand to the side of your patio area and are angled over the space. These umbrellas also feature a wider range of coverage and are perfect for small to medium outdoor areas. For larger areas, consider a beam mount umbrella, which can be combined to cover large spaces with ease.
Canopies
Perfect for medium to large outdoor spaces, canopies are another popular, functional, and stylish option. Typically featuring an opposite two-stand support system, this form of shading can fit a spacious patio area or small grouping of tables, making it ideal for barbecues and gatherings.
Canopies are also a fantastic choice for those whose outdoor areas need to be rearranged often, as they are highly portable and easy to move.
Pergolas
While perhaps the least versatile option on the list, pergolas may be the most stylish option, providing unmatched charm and character for your patio space. Typically made of cedar or white vinyl, Pergolas define your outdoor space and offer ample shading while keeping the area light, airy, and breezy.
The wind is no match for the standalone, structured style of this shading method; they remain the perfect choice for those who see a decent amount of wind or rainstorms in their location.
Awnings
Another versatile and straightforward method is the awning. An awning can be attached to your home to ensure security from the wind while extending as far as your space needs for maximum coverage.
Alternatively, standalone awnings are a more changeable version of the traditional style. Much like typical umbrellas, these can stand at the center or to the side of your patio space while providing coverage for small to medium-sized spaces. This varietal of awnings can be rearranged as the sun changes positions, unlike traditional awnings which provide coverage from one angle only.
Trees
A unique form of patio shading involves the functional element of nature. Many outdoor spaces include a cluster or row of trees to provide ample shading. This is achieved by either working with the foliage already found in your outdoor space or landscaping the area for optimal results.
Alternatively, nature and manual shading can be combined for maximum results and style. Consider pairing a particularly shady tree in your outdoor space with an awning or umbrella on the opposite end, ensuring full coverage and a custom look filled with character.
Now that we’ve outlined the top five ways to shade your outdoor patio in style, Frontera would love to assist you further to create the perfect shading for your upscale outdoor entertainment area.
