These inexpensive patio shade ideas are light on the pocket, but still look great

Want to make your backyard a haven during summer? These inexpensive patio shades won't break the bank, but won't ruin your aesthetic either

An outdoor space with a patio shade
(Image credit: Salva Lopez. Studio credit Studio Andrew Trotter)

With the summer heat now in full force, you might be realizing that your patio needs shade to make it useable during the daytime. Instead of building or adding a brand new (and often complex) structure for your patio, consider shade options that can be opened and closed at will, moved around, and stored when the winter arrives. They just so happen to be a little lighter on the wallet, too. 

Here are some of the best outdoor furniture we've found that will give you much-needed relief this summer, without blowing the budget. 

Budget-friendly parasols 

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Outdoor curtains

Stylish sun sails 

An outdoor dining

(Image credit: Celina Digby)

What's the best budget-friendly way to create shade in a backyard?

There are multiple ways to cover the patio or courtyard garden but if your summers are short, and you don't want to invest in a large outdoor structure to protect you and your furniture from the heat, then it's best to go with budget-friendly ideas. Things that can cover the exteriors, and be taken down when not needed, and do not require a contractor to install the shade. 

The market has several options, such as fabric or canvas canopy; even materials like lattice and bamboo are popular options that can be placed above the seating area, and that allow dappled light onto the space. 'We love using fabric pergolas because they expand your usable living area and allow you to have a semi-shaded area while still having light,' says Lauren Lerner, principal designer, and CEO of Living with Lolo. 'We often add retractable awnings as well so the tops can be completely covered as needed.'

'If you want to catch some rays, you can go with loungers that are semi-uncovered that allow sun exposure,' says Brad Ramsey, principal designer and founder of Brad Ramsey Interiors. 

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
Design Editor

Aditi Sharma Maheshwari started her career at The Address (The Times of India), a tabloid on interiors and art. She wrote profiles of Indian artists, designers, and architects, and covered inspiring houses and commercial properties. After four years, she moved to ELLE DECOR as a senior features writer, where she contributed to the magazine and website, and also worked alongside the events team on India Design ID — the brand’s 10-day, annual design show. She wrote across topics: from designer interviews, and house tours, to new product launches, shopping pages, and reviews. After three years, she was hired as the senior editor at Houzz. The website content focused on practical advice on decorating the home and making design feel more approachable. She created fresh series on budget buys, design hacks, and DIYs, all backed with expert advice. Equipped with sizable knowledge of the industry and with a good network, she moved to Architectural Digest (Conde Nast) as the digital editor. The publication's focus was on high-end design, and her content highlighted A-listers, starchitects, and high-concept products, all customized for an audience that loves and invests in luxury. After a two year stint, she moved to the UK, and was hired at Livingetc. Currently, as the design editor, her focus is on kitchens and bathrooms and she covers exciting before/after projects, writes expert pieces on decor, color, and occasionally reviews exciting travel destinations.