Keep cool this summer with stylish shade options for your yard

Outdoor living space with a Gazebo and stone walkway

In the South, it can be hard to beat the heat, but nothing tops a shady spot with a nice summer breeze — unless you add in a glass of sweet iced tea. Don’t let your outdoor living space go unappreciated! We’ve put together some cool designs to bring the shade to your space.

Vision Pergola with tensioned fabric canopy BY TREX

Unobstructed Views

You don’t have to sacrifice outdoor views to stay cool. With a light and airy design, this Vision pergola by Trex allows you panoramic views of the surrounding area while also providing a safe space from the elements with a tensioned canopy. Available in different sizes with multiple canopy options and column styles, you can customize the perfect piece of shade for your outdoor space. www.trexpergola.com

Elegant screened-in porch with an outdoor kitchen. Photography by Gregg Willett Photography.

Screened-In Luxury

An elegant screened-in porch with an outdoor kitchen is a modern twist on a traditional way to shade a sunny space by John Rogers Renovations. This porch features barn wood trim on the screened windows, concrete countertops, stainless steel cabinets, white-painted brick and concrete tile flooring. www.jrrenovations.com

White vinyl pergola by Outback Deck

Decked-Out Shade

Although popular, decks can be unbearably hot during the summer. This custom-built 16 x 28 white vinyl pergola by Outback Deck shades 75% of this homeowner’s deck. The owner wanted to add fans for extra airflow, so electrical wiring was installed within the structure. www.outbackdeck.net

Open-air pool house by Paces Construction. Photography by Buzz Benzur Photography.

Poolside Oasis

The homeowners’ goal for this open-air pool house was to create a unique gathering spot for family and friends, and Paces Construction was happy to take on the project. The flooring is white Indiana limestone laid in an ashlar pattern. The Bahamian-style plantation shutters promote ample airflow and are made of 100% PVC to prevent rot. www.pacesconstruction.com

18 x 13 retractable awning from Peachtree Awnings

Retractable Retreat

Awnings are a quick and cost-effective way to shade an outdoor space. This 18 x 13 retractable awning from Peachtree Awnings provides the homeowner with the convenience of shade in the summer and can be easily stored away in winter. www.peachtreeawnings.com

Solar panels on a deck

Green Shade

Get some sun and shade all rolled into one by installing solar panels on your deck or pergola. Creative Solar USA installed this setup on a client’s existing pergola to help them boost their own energy output using 320 watt LG solar panels. www.creativesolarusa.com

Cantilever umbrella with solar-powered LEDs

DIY Shade

Screened-in porches and poolside cabanas are great when you have the space and the budget, but if you’re looking for a quick solution that is easier on your pockets, there are lots of great options available at your local hardware store. This cantilever umbrella with solar-powered LEDs is a great way to add some instant shade and is available at The Home Depot. www.homedepot.com 

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