It’s not true that all pergolas are made to block the sun or protect you from the rain. The structure of a pergola may not always provide much shade, which is something we want when the sun is low and in our eyes or when it’s hot outside and we need a break.
But there are some ways that a trellis can be used to give you extra shade from the sun. Even though summer may seem like a long way off, it’s not rare for winter days to have beautiful sunlight. Also, the weather and humidity have changed a lot in the last month, so you may want to go outside and enjoy the fresh air sooner than you think. This guide is meant to give you some ideas on how to make your gazebo give you more shade if you need it to.
Different Types of Pergola Shade Ideas
Modern pergolas with aluminum frames, louvered panels, or movable roofs come in some really beautiful styles that will make your outdoor space look more stylish and elegant. Pergolas add much-needed extra living room to our homes and make it possible to live both inside and outside. One of the great things about a pergola is that you can change many things about it, like the flooring, decorations, and finishing touches.
But you should really think about where you put a pergola because if you don’t, it might not give you enough shade when you need it. It is important to think about how to best use your pergola to get enough shade. If your garden faces south, you should try to get shade in the middle of the afternoon or evening. If your garden faces south, shade should be provided in the middle of the afternoon or evening; for north-facing gardens, morning is best. To maximize outdoor pergola usage and to enjoy its appearance to its fullest extent, ensure it has shade.
Here are some creative and useful ideas for setting up your pergola so that it gives you just the right amount of shade all year long.
Fixed Pergola Roofs
A lot of pergolas can be used as outdoor kitchens, eating areas, or places to have fun. Most of the time, these areas have fixed roofs made of high-quality materials like metal or wood. The roofs can be solid covers or have unique designs with a number of beams and columns woven together.
A classic pergola is loved by many because it can give them enough shade at the right times of the day.
Plants or Foliage
For a lovely, cool, and fragrant space to enjoy in the spring and summer, add plants and greens to the walls and roof of your canopy and spread them out in different places.
If, say, you want your pergola to be physically connected to your house, you can use flowering vines and natural foliage to make the two look more like they belong together. Before you know it, the plants will give you a lot of shade.
Canopies
Roman-style covers look great on the sides or tops of open-top pergolas. You can usually buy fabric or canvas pergola canopies that are already sewn and made to the size you need. The canopies are also very easy to attach to a pergola frame.
These light materials can go with both modern and rustic trellis styles. They let in a lot of natural light while also blocking some of it.
Louvered Roofs
Modern louvered roof systems provide better shade and shelter no matter the weather, making a place suitable for all seasons. For damper climates, the simple winding mechanism is better than motorized choices. The rust-resistant aluminum frames are strong and weatherproof by nature, and the guttering channels carry rainwater away through an internal drainage system. With the simple twist of a handle, the roof blinds can be adjusted to let in the right amount of sunlight. At Suns Lifestyle, we don’t think there is a smoother finish that can be found.
On the back of the house, a trellis with louvers can be used to provide shade to homes that face south and have rooms that get too hot, especially if they have bi-folding doors. On the house side, the central legs can be taken off to make room for bi-fold doors and windows that open to the outside. Pick a model that is taller and was made with this in mind. If the back of your house has a longer run of glass, a custom size might work best there.
Retractable Roofs
One great thing about having a pergola with a movable roof is that it can be used in a lot of different ways. You can use it to block direct sunlight sometimes and let it in other times. If you pull the roof back halfway, you can get the best of both worlds.
With their clean lines and high level of protection, these modern pergolas are a great addition to any modern home or outdoor space.
Fabric Walls or Curtains
Adding shade to the sides of your pergolas can help you spend more time outside in the summer, enjoying the heat and fresh air. You could connect sheer weighted curtains to the frame of your pergola to give the roof more shade. You could draw the curtains back when you want more sunlight and close them when you don’t want it to come in too much.
You can, of course, pick curtains or fabrics with many styles and patterns to match your room. It’s also easier to move them around than to move your pergola.
Side Panels
Extra weatherproofing and sun protection can come from luxury side panels. These can be made from UV-resistant fabrics or open slates, and they can be fully removed or pulled back. They can also be added to your pergola after it has been set up, which is a nice bonus. You can add them later if you’re not sure.
Sunscreens
You can also put up movable or UV-protective screens made from contract fabrics and yarns that last a long time and don’t get worn down easily. With these side cassettes, you can protect your pergola from the weather even more. They add extra protection and an appealing modern appearance to pergolas such as Maranza Deluxe or Rota Louvered pergolas.
Your yard or outdoor space could also be divided up into themed sections. For instance, you could have an enclosed dining area and lounge space with sofas, chairs and even an outdoor fireplace.
The side panels or screens of your pergola can also be used as a good wall to separate the tasks you want to do. You might also be able to add this in the form of trellils. Depending on how big your pergola(s) are, this dividing wall could also give you more privacy and safety.
Location
Positioning your gazebo so it will provide shade will help it perform at its best. If shade is something important to you, consider where best to situate the pergola for maximum shade coverage. As part of that consideration process, consider what purpose you wish to use the pergola – such as eating area, outdoor living space or kitchen. From there on out you can begin considering size, materials, designs etc.
Conclusion
This shows how flexible pergolas are in terms of how they are made and what they are used for. Many people use their pergolas all year, turning their outdoor spaces into beautiful and useful places to relax, eat, and have guests over.