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While a standard patio shade or awning is an easy way to block harsh sunlight, it can feel somewhat drab and boring. With a little ingenuity, you can design and create a patio shade that truly fits your overall patio design, budget, and goals. Here are a few fun alternatives to traditional patio shades.<\/p>\n
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If you want the option to cover your patio in the heat of the day, but open it up on a starry night, you might have considered a retractable roof or awning. Yet these can be frighteningly expensive, not to mention bulky. Just thread some rope or strong wire through a couple of curtains (top and bottom), and attach to a pulley system with the curtains hanging flat over head. You can use the pulley to open and close your shade system at will.<\/p>\n
Lattice panels are relatively inexpensive, and create interesting patterns of dappled light across your patio. Build a simple wooden support structure, and attach the lattice overhead. You can even use climbing plants to fill in some of the gaps and create the feeling of a lush oasis.<\/p>\n
If your goal is simply to provide some shade in the simplest and least expensive way, a simple sail shade is the way to go. Cut a piece of fabric into a triangle, put grommets in the corners, and use a piece of rope through the grommets to attach it to poles, trees, or simply the side of the house.<\/p>\n
A pergola is defined by its flat, open roof, consisting of widely spaced, horizontal wood planks. A traditional pergola is built on four legs, but you could also DIY a smaller corner pergola that is attached to the side of the house. While it won\u2019t keep out rain, a pergola is a great way to provide some relief from the sun.<\/p>\n
Strips of inexpensive, flexible wood veneer can be woven together in a basket pattern and mounted on a simple support structure. You can weave tightly to keep our most of the elements, or try a thinner weave that lets in more light.<\/p>\n
If you want to add some shade to your patio, but don\u2019t want to spend a fortune or get something that looks like what everyone else has, DIY patio shades are the way to go. Designing your own lets you match the colors and style of your overall patio design, and is a great way to save some cash while showing off your creativity.<\/p>\n