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Come summer, we can’t help but be consumed by thoughts of shade: Where to find it, when to move with it, and, most important, how to create it on our own. An umbrella is usually the first thing you think of when you’re craving coverage, but news flash: The really sturdy and stylish kind can get expensive (Serena & Lily’s beloved pagoda umbrella is a cool $1,300). That’s where shade sails come in.
All you need are three to four points of connection (a facade wall, a fence, or some other post), around $100, and a deep contempt for being hot. On their own, shade sails might not look all that appealing. They’re essentially large triangular or rectangular canopies—usually beige—made from dense, UV-blocking polyethylene fabric. But when hung at interesting angles or layered over one another to create a long stretch of shade, the coverings can turn an underutilized or blah gray concrete side yard into a serene escape.
We mention the side yard because these sails often measure 8 feet long, give or take, making them perfect for narrow areas. (Although that’s not to say you can’t hang one over a deck or backyard patio.) For shady side yard inspiration, look no further than this L.A. landscape design by Anand Sheth.
The architect mounted shade sails in key hangout spots: one over the dining table and another over the sofa so those areas are actually comfortable during the daytime. Get yours before the thermometer reaches triple digits.
Shop Our Favorite Shade Sails
Snooze all you want under this one. Made of a high-density polyethylene (that helps with durability), it’s designed to block 95 percent of UV rays from your nap spot.
Who knew the perfect pop of color could come in the form of a sail? This one comes in a ton of different sizes (we’re talking 12 options), which counts as extra credit in our books.
We’re suckers for cabana stripes on umbrellas, awnings, and pool chaises, now the summery pattern has reached shade sails. This on-sale find brings the temperature down (it blocks up to 97 percent of rays) while leveling up your patio style.
The real win here is how easy this cover is to put up. Each one comes with a hardware installation kit, and you won’t have to worry about doing it over and over—they’ll hold up well to big wind gusts and heavy rain.
This one is good for those who love to rearrange spaces—it’s super portable, so the move from patio to pool deck is simple.
The string lights add some instant charm. Think: summer dinners in the fairy garden, but it’s just your deck (a really cool version of your deck).
You don’t often see a rich, eye-catching color when it comes to shade sails. A forest green hue will ensure it looks less like a temporary solution and more like a design choice.
You don’t need a pool to channel beachy vibes in your outdoor space—this nautical blue shade will get you there. It’s also designed to encourage constant airflow, reducing the temperature underneath up to 40 percent.
If you’re looking for complete coverage from the sun, consider a true square-shaped. The thick ropes that come with this shade mean you won’t have to keep re-tying your sail.