From comfort and protection to aesthetics and functionality, here at Lazy Susan, we think having shade over your patio furniture is essential.
Sitting under shade reduces direct exposure, allowing us to enjoy our outdoor spaces safely. It helps protect us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Direct sunlight will make outdoor furniture hot to the touch too, making it unpleasant to use. With proper shade, you can use your patio space and patio furniture more. It shields us from light rain or intense sun, creating a more versatile and functional outdoor living space.
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can also cause some patio furniture materials such as wood and plastics to fade, warp, or degrade over time. Adding shade will preserve and extend its lifespan and keep it looking fresh.
We might be a little biased but we think that a shaded patio enhances the overall look and ambience of your outdoor space. Whether that is through a pergola, parasol, or canopy, creating a shaded area adds structure and visual interest, turning your patio table into an inviting retreat.
If you like to entertain, then you need some form of shade to keep you and your guests cool and create a calm atmosphere. If you like to use the space to unwind, then it will keep things relaxed, so you can read a book or enjoy a drink without getting too hot with the sun in your eyes.
And let us be honest here, sitting in direct sunlight for long periods, even here in the UK on a rare good day, isn’t much fun. It can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Shade helps prevent us from overheating, making our time outside more comfortable, enjoyable and, most importantly, safe.
Incorporating the right garden shade solution can make your patio a more enjoyable and long-lasting outdoor living room for you, your family, and your guests to spend quality time.
Our favourite patio shade ideas for summer 2025
You can add shade to your patio for summer 2025 in a variety of stylish and functional ways.
The best patio shade ideas for your outdoor space will depend on your budget, design preferences, and how permanent you want the shading.
Here are 8 of the Lazy Susan team’s top patio shade ideas for creating a comfortable outdoor retreat in your garden next summer:
1. Awnings
The majority of awnings on sale in the UK are retractable, either via a crank mechanism or electric motor. They provide a flexible shade solution that you can extend or retract to cover your patio depending on the time of day or weather conditions. Ideal for homeowners looking for a semi-permanent, customisable solution, there are even smart motorised versions that you can control via an app.
2. Pergolas
We are big pergola fans. They provide an architectural/structural element that defines your patio dining area while allowing air to flow. Many of the modern styles feature adjustable canopies and side panels to let you control the amount and direction of shade. Pergolas come in various materials like metal or wood and they’re ideal for creating a versatile, stylish, partially-shaded space that blends natural light and comfort.
3. Parasols
If you want a shade solution that pairs perfectly with our patio sets, then we have a comprehensive range of parasols and bases. They are affordable, easy to install, and available in a range of sizes and colours. Our patio tables come supplied with a parasol hole and cap, and the umbrellas feature an easy-to-crank handle and tilt mechanism so you can angle the direction of the shade. A parasol is the ideal shade solution for those with a Lazy Susan table, a small to medium-sized patio, and where flexibility and mobility are important.
4. Shade Sails
A sun shade sail is a modern and sleek solution, that offers a design-forward way of creating shade and still allowing air to circulate. These triangular or rectangular fabric pieces are suspended between anchor points, and constructed from durable UV-resistant durable fabrics. Perfect for minimalist outdoor designs, shade sails make a stylish statement on any patio. However, it is important each shade sail has enough structural points for anchoring and that they’re easy to put up and take down in windy conditions.
5. Gazebos
Like a pergola, gazebos provide a more permanent shade structure and can be dressed up with curtains for added functionality. The main difference between the two is that a pergola is a more open structure with a roof made of retractable slats or crossbeams and vertical posts, while a gazebo is a more enclosed structure with a solid roof and walls. Lightweight models with powder-coated metal frames and waterproof fabrics are readily available, easy to install, durable and weather-resistant. Gazebos are ideal for a larger, more permanent outdoor dining or lounge area where year-round patio furniture protection is required.
6. Outdoor Curtains
If you already have a pergola or covered patio, then by adding some stylish outdoor curtains or hanging shade panels, you can provide adjustable shade and add a greater level of privacy. Outdoor curtains are now available in high-performance fabrics that will resist fading, mould, and mildew, offering a stylish and practical upgrade. They’re ideal for patios with existing structures or those looking to enhance aesthetics and control light.
7. Natural Shade
Last but not least is to take the natural route with trees and planting. Plant vines such as wisteria or ivy grown on a trellis or pergola to create a natural, living shade canopy. Plant trees or position furniture under an existing mature tree with a broad canopy to provide some fab natural dappled shade. Sustainable landscaping and biophilic design (incorporating nature into architecture) are bang on-trend for 2025, so utilising living shade is an eco-conscious and attractive option, and ideal for homeowners seeking a more natural, environmentally friendly patio shade solution.
Our final thoughts...
Choosing the right patio shade solution for your patio requires careful consideration of several factors.
Here in the UK, we often experience rain, so you’ll want to add shade solutions that also offer protection from passing showers, so a more permanent roofed structure might be your best option.
We can also see strong winds, especially in coastal or exposed areas, so a lightweight solution might not be suitable.
While sunshine isn’t as intense as in other regions, UV protection is still important too, so look for materials that best block those harmful UV rays.
For a bigger outdoor space, a pergola or retractable awning can provide broad coverage. You could also consider multiple parasols or shade sails to cover different zones on the patio.
If space is limited then a single parasol or small retractable awning is a more space-efficient solution.
If your patio has an unusual shape, then custom solutions or modular pergola system can maybe be configured to fit your space best.
Think about which patio shade ideas have the look (modern or traditional) you want. If you want control over how much sun or shade you get then focus on functionality and flexibility.
Do you want a retractable solution, a fixed structure, or a portable option that can be moved around depending on where you need shade but might not offer full coverage a better choice?
As you would when shopping for outdoor furniture, look at the materials and fabrics used and their suitability to the UK climate.
Budget can’t be ignored, the permanent structures can be expensive. If you’re not looking to spend a lot, then parasols and pop-up solutions are much more affordable.
The best patio shade ideas and solutions to create shade on your patio will depend on your specific needs.
Think about how you plan or like to use the space, your style preferences, the size and layout of your patio, and your local weather conditions.
It could even be that a combination of solutions is what your outdoor space requires.
Pairing a pergola with a retractable awning or climbing plants for relaxation with a patio dining table and parasol in the dining area will give you the best of both worlds.
If you have our patio furniture paired with a shade solution, then we would love to see a few photos for our Do Some Good charity campaign. You can tag us @LazySusanFurniture on Instagram or Facebook or Upload Here.
