A sail shade is among the easiest DIY sun-blockers you can make. All it takes is a triangular-cut piece of fabric with eyelets punched in the corners. Use strong twine or rope to attach the shade to poles, the side of the house, or nearby trees.
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Sail Away
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Floating Screens
houseofbamboo.comThis thin bamboo panel, which appears to float in midair, lets dappled sunlight pass through to the seating area below. The black-painted structure strikes a classy contrast with the other natural materials.
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String Along
shelterness.comIf you aren't looking to invest in an expensive retractable roof, threading wire through the grommets of curtains rigged up to a pulley system is a smart way to achieve the same effect for less.
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Slim Shady Slats
inhabitat.comThis swooping structure shades an outdoor BBQ area from the relentless rays of the Arizona sun. Made from slim slats of wood held in place by steel supports, the design also includes three pendant lights that transform the space at night.
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Lovely Lattice Light
parasoleil.comLattice panels are a great material for creating shade, in part because they look beautiful when light shines through them or plants twine around them. Here, copper lattice panels offer a patio some respite from the sun.
Related: 5 Things to Do with…Lattice
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Partial Pergola
sprinklerjuice.comPergolas are a classic approach for adding shade to a patio, but if you want to break out of the box, forgo the traditional square-shaped structure for a cool corner version.
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Create with Canvas
shelterness.comIf your deck or patio is partially covered, drape lengths of fabric or canvas between the joists to create shade. Space out the pieces of fabric for a more transparent look, and add lights to illuminate the space at night.
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Basket Case
hgtv.comThin pieces of wood veneer were woven together like a basket to create a unique canopy suspended above an outdoor dining area.
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Simple DIY Shade
allyou.comThis easy DIY canopy was made by staking four posts in buckets of cement concealed inside garden planters, and then tying a square of outdoor fabric to the posts.
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Colorful and Contemporary
Vibrant fabric covers sections of an abstract outdoor pergola by landscape designer Jamie Durie. The structure offers a contemporary twist on a classic concept.
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For More...
For more outdoor decorating ideas, consider:
1 Dozen Ways to Make the Most of a Small Yard
9 Budget-Friendly Ways to Revive Your Porch for Summer
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See the House of the Week
Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!
