The Top 43 Patio Shade Ideas
When sunny days become too much, adequate shade protection is a must.
A large patio or deck may be one of the features that led you to choose your current home, but without adequate shade, these outdoor living spaces can quickly become uncomfortable. This is especially true if you live in a warm climate where summer sunshine and temperatures can be intense.
Many homes include a deck or patio that lacks an awning or any shade structure. If that describes your dwelling, you will need to research backyard shade ideas and find out which one will work best in your own backyard.
This article is a great place to start, as we have collected an impressive number of patio shade options for your perusal. Click through for inspiration on how to turn your patio into a comfortably well-shaded outdoor area.
1. Deck
One of the more classic deck shade ideas, building a gazebo over your deck, or adjacent to it, is a great way to escape the sun. A gazebo provides shade and a lovely focal point to your outdoor living space.
It’s also a marvelous place to locate an outdoor kitchen. Most gazebos have a solid roof that makes the space beneath feel more like an outdoor room than a shaded structure.
Source: @balmesjamesonjr via Instagram
Source: @broadviewshadingsolutions via Instagram
Source: @houseofniina via Instagram
Source: @il_mobile_artigiano via Instagram
Source: @layladudley via Instagram
Source: @mcdonald2144 via Instagram
Source: @this1983home via Instagram
Don’t overlook the power of nature to provide plenty of backyard shade over your outdoor space.
Plant a tall hedge near your deck’s border for privacy as well as shade. A flowering hedge will add a blast of color and fragrance to your garden as well. If you are building a home, try to arrange your house plan so that your backyard patio is well-shaded by mature trees.
2. Canvas
A classic canvas awning is an attractive patio shade idea that also serves as a design element. Your awning may attach to your home or be supported by its own shade structure.
If you want your patio or deck open to full sun sometimes, look for a removable or retractable awning. You can find a permanent or retractable canopy in nearly any color or pattern to coordinate with your outdoor furniture and décor.
Source: @ashleys_favorite_stuff via Instagram
Source: @by_tine_home via Instagram
Source: @devanpaig3 via Instagram
Source: @source_house_and_home via Instagram
Less expensive than an awning, a sun shade sail is a great choice for providing backyard shade to one or more areas of your garden. These affordable fabric panels attach easily to your home and other structures to cast shade on specific areas of your backyard.
Place one over your outdoor dining table, and another over a swing or seating area. A sail shade is also a great backyard shade option over a sandbox or dog run.
3. DIY
Perhaps the easiest DIY shade structure to erect is a classic market umbrella. Don’t overlook this basic piece of outdoor furniture, especially if you have a table designed to support one.
If not, freestanding patio umbrellas are also available and can be moved around to shade your seating area as the sun tracks across the sky. Look for a cantilever umbrella supported by an offset pole that allows you to adjust it as needed.
Source: @canidiyit via Instagram
Source: @garden_by_nat via Instagram
Source: @house_ofknights via Instagram
Source: @itsbreenotbri via Instagram
Source: @oldsaltfarm via Instagram
Source: @sammy_pampani via Instagram
Source: @tiny_plant_haven via Instagram
Source: @wheremymindwonders.design via Instagram
If you live in a tropical area, it may be easy to find a contractor who knows how to build palapas or thatched roof shade canopies. Commonly built over tiki bars, palapas provide a natural-looking source of backyard shade over a patio as well.
Consider a palapa if your outdoor space already carries a tropical, beach, or even desert inspired design scheme. Note that a thatched shade canopy is extremely heat resistant, but it isn’t likely to withstand a heavy winter snow.
4. Retractable
A retractable patio shade is one that can be extended or retracted as needed. They are usually installed on the side of the home. Some have to be manually opened or closed, while others are motorized and powered by a remote control. Retractable patio shades come in many colors and types of durable outdoor fabrics.
Source: @gossoutdoor via Instagram
Various kinds of pergolas and gazebos come with convertible roof options today. Certain styles of louvered pergolas have settings for full opening to allow sunlight in, or full closure when you need the highest level of shade. You can even order pergolas with integrated LED lighting for perfect nighttime ambiance.
While not technically “retractable” a pop-up canopy is a convenient way to obtain temporary or moveable shade for a party or other outdoor event.
Easy to set up in just a few minutes, these structures are useful in your own backyard as well as when camping or attending outdoor events away from home. Pop up canopies are also great for renters who need patio shade but cannot build any type of structure.
5. Poolside
If you are fortunate enough to have your own backyard swimming pool, you’ll undoubtedly need shaded areas to relax between swimming sessions. Screened porches are wonderful outdoor rooms that provide shade as well as protection from mosquitos and other biting insects.
In Florida, California, and other warm states, the entire pool deck is often covered in a screened shelter that connects to a covered patio built onto the house itself.
Source: @cobrire via Instagram
A poolside gazebo is a gorgeous solution to the problem of providing shade near the water, but many other backyard shade ideas also work well around a pool.
If you have a spacious pool deck or concrete patio, look for freestanding umbrellas or sun sails for an affordable way to create smaller islands of shade. A curtained cabana is also a classic poolside shade option, but their heavy curtains can sometimes feel stifling on hot and humid days.
6. Pergola
If you already have an open-top wooden pergola structure, it’s fairly easy to DIY a cover to create a shaded outdoor space. Purchase translucent greenhouse panels and attach them to the top of the pergola shade structure. Make sure the panels have adequate support; add wooden braces if the panels seem unstable.
Source: @abadconstruction via Instagram
Source: @awna__oh via Instagram
Source: @outdoorliving.life_ via Instagram
Source: @sixat21 via Instagram
Source: @squamishhandyman via Instagram
Source: @thepinkfrontdoor via Instagram
If your wood pergola or gazebo has a lattice-type roof, look for a fabric cover that can be attached to the roof’s frame. Convertible and retractable pergola canopy options abound, and many include side curtains that you can draw closed for privacy or extra shade.
Make sure any gazebo or pergola sun shade is made from outdoor fabric that will endure through several years of sunlight, heat, and rainfall.
7. Backyard
A backyard is meant for recreation and relaxation, but if you are baking in the sun, too much heat will ruin your plans. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, adequate sun protection is also necessary to prevent skin damage.
Pets and children will also appreciate a patio shade when they need to cool down from their play. Backyard shade ideas also provide shelter for pets needing protection from the rain.
Source: @ahousewren via Instagram
Source: @alisa.dugan_ via Instagram
Source: @ikawha01 via Instagram
Source: @lifewithlaurenann via Instagram
Source: @sassa_mila via Instagram
Source: @shiplapshanty via Instagram
Source: @turquoise.and_.timber via Instagram
Source: @xerovecdecor via Instagram
If you have a covered porch or covered patio, you still may need shade to protect you from sunlight angling in from the side. Like indoor blinds or shades, outdoor shades can be rolled up or down between porch columns to filter or block sunlight.
Most are made of a material that allows air to flow through to keep you cool. Some are even motorized, easily raised or lowered by remote control or a phone app.
8. Durable
While some patio shade ideas are temporary or removable, others are part of a durable, permanent outdoor structure. If your home’s patio didn’t come with a cover, you can hire a builder to create a durable metal framework to hold a covering material.
A framed structure might have corrugated plastic panels overhead—tinted or clear. Corrugated metal is a rustic shade solution on a metal frame.
Source: @barnestowers via Instagram
Source: @home_shabby_chic via Instagram
Source: @kati_nie via Instagram
Source: @lake_inspired via Instagram
Source: @mylittleredhouse via Instagram
Source: @shulashouse via Instagram
A canvas or other durable material cover can be rolled out when you want strong sun protection and removed when you want light to flow through unblocked.
A wooden patio or porch cover is another option for outdoor shade ideas. In fact, a builder can extend your home’s existing roof to cover your patio with even, ample shade. If you have a two-story home, the patio’s roof can serve as a second floor balcony overlooking your backyard.
9. More Patio Shade Ideas
Source: @rosemounthouse via Instagram
Source: @kansascityhardscapes via Instagram
Patio Shade FAQs
A patio shade sail or shade cloth is an inexpensive way to cover a concrete patio or small deck. Available online and at home improvement stores for $50 or less, you simply need to anchor the corners to your home or poles installed for this purpose.
A tarpaulin, or tarp, is a durable plastic or waterproof canvas panel used to protect exposed areas. While not the most attractive backyard shade idea, a tarp is a functional source of outdoor shade. Anchor it securely to your home and porch posts or other durable structures. Keep in mind that a tarp cover is only likely to last one season.
Adding an awning, canopy, or other shade ideas to an open patio automatically increases its coziness factor. Add an outdoor rug to your patio, and cushions to your outdoor furniture. Surround your patio with flowering garden plants and include an outdoor fire pit or chiminea.
The Best 14 Leather Jackets for Men in 2021
With the winter months (hopefully) dwindling down, it’s time to start planning ahead to a time where we can wear thinner jackets and fewer layers. While it may be tempting to quickly shed your parka and grab for whatever piece of outerwear is nearby, don’t reach for last year’s wardrobe item just yet. Isn’t it time you try something new, like, say, a leather jacket?
Though it may seem all leather jackets are similar, there are actually many different designs and styles that work for different body types and tastes. In this article, we will take a look at the hottest leather jacket trends that have hit the market this season.
Best Buy
1. Aaron Brown Leather Bomber
The Aaron Brown Leather Jacket from The Jacket Maker is an excellent choice for any guy looking for that traditional bomber look. This awesome jacket features a slim cut and ribbed cuffs and waist. It’s made with incredibly tough, yet soft, goatskin leather, making it a great choice for guys that aren’t used to wearing leather jackets.
One of the best things about the Aaron is that it shirks the classic pouch pockets on the lower half of the jacket, opting for two buttoned patch pockets on the chest instead. This design gives it a more streamlined look than most bombers, without taking away from any of the authenticity.
2. Saint Laurent Leather Biker Jacket
There is a reason why leather jackets and bikers are usually associated with one another. Historically, many motorcycle riders have seen a leather jacket as a stylish way to protect themselves, not only from the elements but also from the possibility of a crash. While this may seem hard to believe – it’s not like leather comes with a large amount of padding, after all – leather has actually been shown to offer more protection than your average vinyl jacket or equivalent.
Maybe you’re not hopping on a motorcycle anytime soon, but you can still treat yourself to this biker-inspired Saint Laurent leather jacket. With a price tag surpassing $5,000, it’s certainly our premium pick on this list, but if you’re looking for the leather jacket of a lifetime, you have it right here. This pick is sure to come with the “for life” quality Saint Laurent is particularly known for.
3. Reiss Keith Leather Cafe Racer Jacket
Reiss is a British fashion retailer that’s been around since the 1970s. For the first 30 years of its brand history, it focused solely on men’s fashion before eventually expanding to carry items for women as well. However, the fact high-quality items for men are at the heart of this brand is very apparent through their simple wardrobe staples such as the Keith leather cafe racer jacket.
This Reiss jacket comes at a considerably lower price point than its counterparts, which makes it a pick that packs a lot of value. It’s made from super-soft leather and features a full lining. It’s the perfect choice for anybody who prefers a slim-fit jacket.
4. Lavendard Brown Leather Bike Jacket
The Jacket Maker has something for everyone, including guys that are a bit intimidated by purchasing their first leather jacket. Not only is the Lavendard incredibly affordable, but it also has a really approachable look despite its biker moniker. With open hem cuffs and a tailored fit, it looks great with badass-inspired outfits as well as everyday wear.
The Lavendard is made of real cowhide, which means it will take on a great patina over time. But it might be a bit stiff when you first get it. The more you wear it, the faster it’ll form to your body, break-in, and soften up. The fact that it goes with so many outfits will help speed up that process.
5. Ksubi Capital Leather Jacket
The Capital Leather Jacket from Ksubi comes in 100% authentic leather and is designed to have a biker fit. It’s heavy-duty with a protective interior quilted lining. It also features retro details such as antique zippers.
Kusbi is an Australian fashion label that’s existed since the 1990s. While the brand was originally focused on high-end denim, they’ve expanded their offerings over time to include other textiles such as leather. Items from Ksubi’s collections have been shown at such high-profile events as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, and the company operates a flagship store in New York’s SOHO neighborhood.
6. Acne Studios Off-Centred Zipper Biker Jacket
Swedish fashion powerhouse Acne Studios is well-known for their basic wardrobe pieces, so it makes sense that they would have the classic leather jacket look on lock. We love the way this off-centered jacket packs a punch of personality with its multiple buckles and zippers, but we love even more the way that it does not compromise softness or comfort at the expense of appearance.
This jacket comes with a high-end price tag, but it has the high-end materials to match. It is made of 100% genuine lambskin and comes with an interior lining of 100% viscose. Its unique off-center zip takes its inspiration from street style.
7. Airin G-1 Black and White Leather Jacket
There’s only one way to improve upon a traditional bomber: Add shearling fabric. The Jacket Maker’s Airin G-1 Bomber will have ready to strap into the cockpit, ready to fly over Europe on a midnight air-raid. It has a thick polyester-lined collar as well as ribbed cuffs and waist for a nice, snug fit that keeps the wind at bay.
The Airin is made with real sheepskin, so it’s soft but super durable, making it a great choice for almost any type of casual wear. The dual front pouch pockets are great for a phone and a pair of gloves, so if you’re wearing it on a motorcycle, you’ll have the storage you need.
8. Saturdays NYC Leather Harrington Jacket
If you’re unfamiliar with the brand Saturdays NYC, prepare to fall in love. As a laidback lifestyle brand, Saturdays NYC infuses its love for all things surfer culture in all of its fashion offerings. While primarily known for their loungewear, such as sweats and pullover sweaters, they also happen to make one of the best leather jackets on the market right now.
The leather Harrington jacket features a smooth design and has deep pockets for your convenience. It is made of 100% lambskin leather and features a lining made of polyester. Staying true to its brand’s carefree nature, this jacket features a more relaxed fit than many classic leather jackets.
9. Berluti Piped Venezia Leather Jacket
Unlike the other options we’ve included so far, Berluti is known less for being a fashion brand and more for being a leather maker. Since its inception in the late 19th century, the Paris-based manufacturer has been producing fine leather clothing items and accessories, from belts to bags to jackets.
Berluti’s piped Venezia leather jacket is the apex of luxury leather fashion. Made from a distinctive brown shade, this jacket line has been around since the 1980s – and it’s a style that certainly stands the test of time.
This jacket is made from 100% authentic patinated calfskin leather and features shoulder patches and a buttoned collar. For optimal breathability, the jacket even features ventilation eyelets.
10. Dean Black Leather Biker Jacket
Let’s be honest.. A traditional racing-style biker jacket is about as cool as it gets. With the high band-style collar and heavy-duty zippers on the front of The Jacket Maker’s Dean Leather Biker Jacket, you’re sure to get that badass look.
The Dean is made with 100% real cowhide leather, so it might be a little stiff at first, but it will break in and patina like none other. The Dean features three zippered pockets on the front as well as zippered cuffs, providing that authentic racing jacket-look without killing your bank account.
11. Kingsman Burnished Leather Jacket
Kingsman is a line of high-quality clothing pieces that exists as a collaboration between Mr. Matthew Vaughn, director of the film The King’s Man, and international online fashion retailer MR PORTER. The line features items that are inspired by classic military style and timeless sensibilities.
The burnished leather jacket from the Kingsman line is unique for its length as well as its appearance. It draws direct inspiration from an aviator jacket worn on-screen in The King’s Man, a period piece that takes place in the 1940s. The jacket is made out of sturdy cow leather and buttons made of buffalo horns. It also features two linings – one made of cotton, and one made of viscose.
12. AllSaints Milo Leather Biker Jacket
AllSaints is a British fashion brand from the United Kingdom. Since its founding in the 1990s, it has grown to an international presence that consists of more than 200 retail stores across Europe, North America, and Asia. The brand is mostly focused on fashion for women and men, though it also sells footwear and other accessories. It has primarily seen its popularity grow thanks to its popularity among a celebrity clientele.
AllSaints makes a number of leather jackets, but the Milo biker jacket is definitely one to write home about. This is a jacket that brings out the very best of two very different worlds – including a soft composition and sharp edges – since it is made of tender lamb leather and decorated to the nines with perfectly-placed zippers and buckles. It also has a distinctive slim fit.
13. Golden Bear Sherpa Jacket
San Francisco brand Golden Bear may have its roots in ship workers in the San Francisco Bay since the 1920s, but it’s evolved today to combine both utilitarianism and high-end style. Although not as recognized outside of its native northern California, to know the stylish jackets of Golden Bear is to love them.
The sherpa jacket, in particular, is exquisite. Like any Golden Bear clothing piece, it’s designed to be worn for life, and fortunately, it comes with a style that will be sure to stay in fashion for decades to come, with brown distressed leather and a notable shearling collar that can be detached.
14. Tom Ford Zip-up Leather Jacket
Tom Ford is well-known for their high-end scents and formal clothing, but they have a strong foot in the casual jacket sphere as well. Not that this zip-up leather jacket is something you would wear to a casual house party. Its sleek edges and formal design make it more than suitable for a fancy professional event or night out on the town.
True to its brand’s roots, no attention to detail was spared in the creation of this particular wardrobe piece. Its straightforward design features 100% authentic leather and a cotton and polyamide lining. It is truly meant to last for life. Made in Italy, this jacket has shallow pockets in the front and a zipper down the center.
Leather Jacket FAQs
While there are many different unique leather jacket configurations out there, there are four classic syles you should be most aware of. In no particular order, they are the leather bomber jacket (also called aviator jacket), the leather racer jacket (sometimes called moto), the trenchcoat, and the fencer. While bomber jackets and racer jackets tend to be more relaxed, the trenchcoat and the fencer are more dramatic.
If you care for your leather jacket correctly you should have a wardrobe piece that’ll last you a lifetime. Most leather jackets cannot be washed at home and must only be handled professionally. The first step to taking proper care of your jacket is to adhere to this rule.
You should also keep your leather jacket dry as often as possible and keep it away from extreme heat or cold air. If you are not going to be wearing your leather jacket for a period of time, such as during a warm season, then you’ll want to be sure that you are hanging it up correctly – this means out of direct sunlight and in a properly-ventilated area.
Determining how much to pay for a leather jacket is a very personal matter. For an authentic leather jacket, you will probably be paying, at a baseline, $500. However, this price can easily skyrocket from here, depending on the jacket’s materials and manufacturing process.
Some leather jackets can cost as much as $10,000! There is no right or wrong number – it’s instead about the brands you like and the style that you envision for yourself.
