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.

This 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.

If 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.

This 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.

Lattice 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

Pergolas 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.

If 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.

Thin pieces of wood veneer were woven together like a basket to create a unique canopy suspended above an outdoor dining area.

This 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. 

Vibrant fabric covers sections of an abstract outdoor pergola by landscape designer Jamie Durie. The structure offers a contemporary twist on a classic concept.

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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