Many individuals take for granted the convenience of having a balcony in their home or apartment. On a warm day, it might be a lovely place to unwind in the sun or enjoy the pleasant air. But sometimes, the sun may be a little too intense. That doesn’t imply it’s time to go inside; you may sit outside for as long as you’d like as long as you add some shade. Extra benefit? Numerous of these suggestions additionally provide your balcony with more seclusion. When choosing a shade option, consider your balcony’s size, the direction it faces, and the amount of sunlight it receives. There are several alternatives available for shade that differ in terms of size, appearance, and construction. Continue reading to find more about five sun shades for balcony alternatives. 

Top 5 Sun Shades for Balcony to Try It Now

1. Awning 

An awning is a piece of cloth or other material fastened to a building’s exterior and shielding it from the sun and rain. Hiring a contractor is necessary rather than attempting to do it yourself, as with other solutions. Aluminum, vinyl, and canvas are just a few materials that may be used to make awnings. They may provide sun shade for balcony and outdoor spaces, although they are often employed over doors and windows.  

The whole balcony is covered with awnings, so you’ll rarely be in the sun without worrying about becoming too hot. There are retractable awnings if you find yourself missing that sun. Furthermore, an awning may shield your flooring and furnishings from UV ray fading damage. Ensure the awning you choose for your balcony is solid and resistant to the elements. 

2. Shade Sails

For good reason, shade sails are a popular option for providing shade for balconies. They are simple to install and remove and provide good sun protection. Usually constructed from a robust material like canvas or polyester, a shade sail is fastened to the balcony railing using straps or ropes. Since they are available in various sizes and forms, you may choose the one that best fits your requirements. 

Ensure the cloth is taut when erecting a shade sail to prevent it from flapping in the wind. For added stability, you should also tie off the sail’s corners. With the proper maintenance, a shade sail may provide years of pleasure to your balcony. 

3. Umbrella

Using an umbrella is one method you may use to provide sun shade for your balcony. You may choose an umbrella that complements your décor and personal tastes since they are available in various hues, designs, and sizes. Furthermore, umbrellas are simple to shut and store when not in use. Their flexibility is helpful if you’re on the balcony long enough for the strongest sunrays to shift. Just move the umbrella instead of turning your chair!

The size of the umbrella and the sun’s intensity in your location should be considered while selecting one. If there is a lot of direct sunshine on your balcony, a more extensive umbrella will be necessary to provide enough coverage. If you want to leave your umbrella outdoors, it is essential that you choose a sturdy model that is resistant to both rain and severe winds. After you’ve chosen the ideal umbrella, you may enjoy lounging on your balcony without worrying about receiving too much sun. 

4. Trellis with Plants

Since trellises are often vertical, you may need to combine them with overhead shade to fully shade your balcony. Nevertheless, a plant-filled trellis is an excellent method. Morning Glory or ivy are two climbing plants that may rapidly cover a trellis and provide much-needed shade from the summer heat. They provide shade from the sun while enhancing your outdoor area’s color and visual appeal. 

Furthermore, many climbing plants are low-maintenance and easy to care for. Additionally, you may construct your trellis out of repurposed materials like chicken wire or leftover lattice pieces. After creating or choosing your trellis, please attach it to the wall of your balcony and begin training the plants you’ve chosen to climb up and over it. You may create a shaded haven on your balcony that you can enjoy all summer with little time and work. 

5. Natural Tree Coverage

Trees provide beauty, seclusion, and many other advantages to any landscape, making them an excellent addition. One of their finest features is their capacity to naturally shade outdoor living areas, such as balconies. Depending on their height and location, other trees may be more suitable for your situation. Although leafy and coniferous trees provide shade and seclusion in different ways, they cannot reach or cover your living areas completely. 

While selecting a tree, consider its size and growth characteristics. Trees that grow quickly may provide instant shade, but they may need regular pruning to maintain their ideal form. Smaller trees will need less upkeep over time, even if they may take longer to provide noticeable sun shade for balcony. 

Choosing a tree you can plant on your balcony is an additional choice. Large-leaved plants are best for this since they will cast the most excellent shadow. Banana plants, fig trees, and ficus trees are a few excellent choices. 

Conclusion 

Although balconies are great for unwinding and taking in the scenery, they may become rather hot in the summer. Having shade on your balcony is a terrific way to extend your time there. In addition to offering protection from the sun, shade may, depending on the arrangement, also bring an additional degree of seclusion. You may extend your outside time and take in the fresh air by adding shade to your balcony with one of these solutions—or make your own! All that’s left to do is get outside and enjoy these bright days!