Even though summer officially starts at the end of this month, you can already feel it. The days are longer, the sun is shining and fills us with positive energy and mood. Many people are even now starting to make plans and reservations for their vacation destinations this year. But summer is not just pure bliss. At noon the sun shines strongly and the temperatures reach their peak. If we go out at this time, we quickly get sunburned and dehydrated. Hyperthermia also threatens some people. During this time, most of us prefer to stay at home. But wouldn’t it be nice if you could stay cool during those hot spells and at the same time spend time outside? If you have a terrace or balcony, then this is absolutely possible! Today we will show you a few effective and inexpensive sun protection ideas for terraces and balconies that you can implement quickly and easily.
The summer heat is sometimes unbearable
With these sun protection ideas, you can practically spend the whole day on the balcony
Parasols and awnings
Parasols and sun sails are a wonderful temporary solution for tenants and apartment owners who don’t want to poke holes in their balcony or terrace. During the summer months they are available in any shop that sells outdoor furniture, and at relatively reasonable prices.
Both parasols and sun sails are available in all imaginable shapes, sizes and color variations. So you can find something suitable for any architectural design. Most modern models can now also be tilted and swiveled to all sides. So you are protected from all sun rays, no matter which direction they come from.
When it comes to design, you can opt for a classic center pole umbrella and then arrange your balcony table and chairs around it. You can also choose a more contemporary cantilever parasol and then not have a bulky stick in the way.
Parasols enrich your outdoor furniture
When choosing the right model, pay attention to the color scheme
Half umbrellas are a good choice for small outdoor spaces
awning
An extendable awning is a pretty, space-saving alternative to the classic parasol. In the past, all awnings had to be fixed to the wall. Today, however, there are already temporary models with telescopic rods that do not have to be screwed in. They are easy to assemble and also quite resistant to rain and wind.
However, awnings cannot tilt or pivot. The cloth itself offers protection only from above. A valance can be mounted in addition to the frame and thus also protect against the sun’s rays coming from the front. The additional privacy screen is also a plus.
In terms of design, these sun protection ideas for terraces and balconies are just as diverse as the sunshades. Although sailor stripes are currently the most popular pattern, awnings are also available in many other designs. The awning fabric can also be renewed regularly and easily with one of your choice. So you will never get bored with the design.
Many awnings already have electric tubular motors
Sun protection at the push of a button
Awnings are reminiscent of romantic Italian and French cafes and pastry shops
pergola
If you want a permanent solution that will last for many years, then a pergola is for you. Made of wood, aluminium, PVC or your choice of other construction material, this large frame offers year-round protection from sun, rain, snow and hail. Pergolas are usually installed on garden patios. But there are now also smaller and lighter variants for balconies and terraces. They can also be custom made to your exact sizing requirements.
Once assembled, the pergola frame can be individually designed in a variety of ways. Adjustable shade sails and side panels can be added, as well as outdoor curtains, blinds and Roman shades. Some apartment owners also plant annual or perennial climbing plants that offer unique and natural sun protection and privacy.
However, pergolas are not without significant disadvantages. For one, they are a permanent and expensive architectural addition. If you choose wood as a building material, you may also need to invest time every year in varnishing and protecting it from external influences.
Installing a pergola is not a DIY project
Many people choose to install solar panels on their pergolas
A good model may be expensive, but it can last for several decades
Plant
If you have a green thumb then plants could be the perfect sun, wind and privacy screen for you. There are numerous visually appealing plant species that can develop lush and almost opaque foliage in a matter of months. Many hedge plants such. B. boxwood and privet thrive wonderfully in large flower pots. Certain fast-growing bamboo species such as the umbrella bamboo and flat tube bamboo are also popular with many hobby gardeners with balconies. ornamental grasses such as B. pampas grass or lamprey grass can also fulfill a similar role.
If hedges, grasses and bamboo aren’t really your favourites, why not try climbing plants? These fast-growing plants usually require minimal care and attention on your part. All you need is a convenient trellis, for which, by the way, you can use various things – pergolas, trellis, trellis, mesh screens, etc. Direct the young and flexible branches in the direction you want them to grow and just let them grow do thing. If you’re worried about your climber dying off in winter, just choose hardy species such as B. ivy, wisteria, clematis or akebie.
Plants provide natural and environmentally friendly shade
Don’t forget that all your green friends need more water on hot summer days
Bamboo grows extremely fast and can reach several meters in height within a year
DIY sun protection ideas for terrace and balcony
Are you a passionate hobbyist and craftsman? Then you can implement some sun protection ideas for the terrace and balcony with your own hands instead of buying ready-made models. You only need three materials for this DIY project – 4 eyebolts, jute rope and canvas.
The finished sunshade has a strong bohemian, but also Mediterranean and nautical aesthetic, and suits these styles best. Although canvas is recommended as it is a wonderfully strong fabric that is excellent for outdoor use, you can use any other type of fabric that you prefer.
First attach two of the eyebolts to the back wall of your balcony or terrace at about eye level. The width will depend on the width of your fabric as well as the area you want to shade. Attach the other two eyebolts to the ceiling the same width as before. Tie one end of the rope to one of the eyebolts with a nautical knot, stretch to the next and tie it there as well. Then repeat all this with the second pair of eyebolts. Finally, simply thread the fabric through both ropes. Finished!
Some ideas can only be realized through a DIY project
If you can tie the ropes somewhere else, you don’t need eyebolts and holes
Pretty balcony furniture in a maritime style
Which sun protection ideas for the terrace and balcony are your favorites and which ones will you actually use for your own outdoor area? They all offer different levels of comfort on hot summer days and also all have their unique advantages and disadvantages.
Enjoy the summer to the fullest with these sun protection ideas for the terrace and balcony
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