To stay cool in your home on hot days, you can install suitable sun protection for your balcony or terrace. However, optimizing the outdoor area in this way not only provides shade, but can also improve the design of your living space. Below, discover some great outdoor shading ideas to prepare for the summer season in style.
Be inspired by stylish sun protection for balconies
Garden terraces orBalconies in the citycan be the ideal place for outdoor relaxation. However, the scorching heat of the sun can sometimes make it uncomfortable to use. Check out some examples and methods of shading you can incorporate into your home. There are many options, ranging from balcony curtains to a parasol or a canopy. Whatever you choose, this will also protect your interior space by blocking harmful sun rays from entering your home.
A sophisticated sun protection for your balcony does more than just keep the sun out. Use shade panels to define outdoor seating areas or provide privacy from nosy neighbors around your pool or patio. Remember that adjustable panels are the most useful. You can remove or retract these at any time if you decide you need more sunlight or if strong winds threaten to damage them. Are you ready to brave the humid summer heat? Check out these sun protection ideas for staying outdoors all summer long.
Install a pergola over the balcony
A pergola is an open roof system made of metal or wooden slats. These are arranged at equal distances from each other or in a grid. In most gardens, such structures also act as trellises and are often covered with plants hanging over them. This provides an effective way to provide shade without blocking the light and heat of the sun. However, pergolas also function as a design element that enables an improved overall appearance in the balcony area.
There are numerous versions of pergola that can look modern or vintage. Modern variants incorporate a steel mesh structure to partially cover part of the outdoor area. The metal grille controls the intensity of sunlight and creates a shaded seating area. On some modern roofs, rectangular grids are also integrated, which divide the massive construction with alternating arrangements of slats. In addition, this arrangement effectively cuts off the slanting rays of the sun and also casts interesting shadows on the balcony floor.
Awnings as sun protection for balconies
You can also use one outsideAwning for seasonal shadingInstall as this also acts as an accent element. Awnings are available in a variety of fabrics, colors and patterns that can match the design of the outdoor furnishings and decorations, as is the case in most cases. Awnings that are UV-resistant and can be retracted when not in use are recommended. Please note that an awning can be opened manually. Otherwise, you can also opt for motor-controlled awnings.
Classic version with parasol
Put up an outdoor parasol as this is one of the most cost-effective ways to create a shaded seating area without compromising the openness of the balcony. Make sure that the umbrella is robust and can withstand average wind speeds. You should also fold it up in case a storm hits. Also make sure you have enough space for a parasol on the balcony. Investing in a balcony umbrella is a good idea, except perhaps if your balcony is too small for it.
Use acrylic glass as sun protection for balconies
Another way to shade your balcony or patio is to make a temporary roof structure out of metal and cover it with an acrylic or polycarbonate sheet. Translucent panels that not only let light through but also offer good protection from heat and rain are recommended.
Alternatively, consider a tempered glass roof as it looks neat and allows light to enter the balcony while providing shade. However, a major disadvantage of using glass as a roofing material is that it is difficult to access and therefore difficult to clean.
Hang blinds or roller blinds for shade
Since the sun changes position throughout the day, sun protection for balconies overhead is not always enough. This is because the heat can enter from the sides of the outside space. In such cases, blinds or shades create a comfortable seating area indoors and outdoors and also provide more privacy and privacy from prying eyes. Roller blinds are available in materials such as wood, bamboo, PVC or jute, which are strong and durable.
The orientation of some terraces or balconies also allows the use of transparent PVC blinds. These help to allow sunlight and light to enter the room unhindered. This will keep the area in question protected from scorching heat and pouring rain.
Installation of metal grilles as sun protection for balconies
How about using decorative metal grilles to create an outdoor enclosure that provides both shade and privacy for the balcony? In this case, the decorative grilles on the floor, ceiling and railings can create a dominant feature of the balcony and contribute to the security of the home. However, one downside to creating such a cut-grid design is that the outdoor space can feel claustrophobic.
Add shade plants
Hanging plants and foliage are another inexpensive way to protect yourself from the sun. There are many possible variants and types of plants that can act as privacy screens and increase the privacy of the balcony. In addition, such plants provide natural shade and beautify the space, making the appearance of the structure softer and visually more attractive. With such “living” installations, however, it should be noted that the flowers of the plants also harbor pests and insectsattract insectscould.
