Affordable Ways to Add Shaded Areas on Terraces

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Outdoor areas aren’t necessarily places where you can soak in the scorching sun. Instead, they can be a nice relaxing place for you under a shade, where you will be shielded from the harsh rays. Most people in India prefer to leave the entire terrace open to avoid additional costs.

Covered seating options on the top of terrace for covered seating

There is no denying that you’d have to loosen your purse strings a little to have a shaded spot. But there are many ways you can cut down the excess cost and build a freestanding structure on your terrace.

The best part is that these simple ideas don’t require skilled laborers o contractors. Below are the affordable ways to add shaded areas on terraces.

1. Patio Umbrella

Installing an umbrella is one of the fastest and most economical ways to add shade to your outdoor spaces. You can either order it online or have it custom-made.

Custom umbrellas will give you a wide range of options for colors, sizes, and patterns. There are usually three types of patio umbrellas; a standalone umbrella, a cantilever umbrella, a simple patio umbrella.

Patio Umbrella on Terrace for Covered Seating

A standalone patio umbrella provides a shade in a circle around a pole placed in the middle. Whereas, a cantilever umbrella is attached to a freestanding pole from the side instead of the center of the pole. Lastly, a simple patio umbrella usually comes with a pole that can be manually fixed within the hole of a patio table.

2. Fabric Canopy

You will have a wide range of options to add shades on the terrace if you opt to build a canopy. Normally, canopies are made of fabrics such as vinyl, acrylic, polyester, and other natural fabrics such as cotton.

They can be temporarily or permanently fixed on your rooftop quite easily. Another unique way to use the canopy as a shade is by growing a natural canopy.

Fabric canpoy on terrace for covered seating

It adds for a great aesthetic element and you wouldn’t have to consider the risk of it damaging due to rain or sunlight. All you need to do is have four trees make the shape of a rectangle or square. Tie them up together, add wooden branches over them, and let vines grow along with them.

Place wooden furniture under the canopy to maintain the aesthetics and you will have your natural canopy with little effort.

3. Gazebo

Gazebo doesn’t have to be overly luxurious or made with expensive quality wood. In fact, you can easily order custom-made gazebos from online stores.

Installing those gazebos is easy as well as you only have to find a proper spot and fix them on your terrace. A gazebo is a permanent structure so it is a one-time investment where you won’t have to worry about privacy.

Gazebo on Terrace of a building

As an added bonus, the areas around your gazebo will also be shaded as the shadow falls on the side. You can surround the gazebo with plants and place outdoor furniture to create a relaxing space for your family. Include soft lighting around it instead of white or harsh bulbs.

4. Sail Shade

A sail shade is one of the easiest ways to block the harsh sunlight in outdoor areas. All it requires is a triangular-cut piece of fabric with eyelets punched in each corner. You can install a sail shade by using a strong rope to attach it to the poles, sides of the house, or nearby trees.

Sail shade on terrace with dining space and seating

Depending on the color and style you choose, shade sails can look extremely modern and sleek or completely rustic. Although shade sails are available in stores and garden centers, it is better to have them custom-made to make sure they properly fit the space you need to cover.

5. Furniture or Swing with a Built-in Shade:

If you don’t have a large space and want to have a small seating space, either way, you can choose to have furniture with a built-in shade solution.

It was popular during the 1920s and it is coming back to trend with new modern styles and designs. Today, such furniture is even better for blocking out the sun. You simply raise or lower the canopy as needed.

Swing with inbuit shade on the top of terrace

Another alternative can be a swing with a built-in shade. Swing seats can make a very special addition to your terrace, especially when they are beautifully crafted.

Depending on your preference, you can choose between modern and traditional furniture or swing to create a relaxing space on your terrace.

Adding a shaded space in the garden is way easier than it seems, even if you are on a budget. Apart from the ideas mentioned above, you can always choose to be creative and have your own version of shaded spaces. These DIYs can be done using bamboo, fabric, ropes, poles, and so on.

– Tulisha Srivastava