10 Elegant Ideas for Creating a Shaded Area on the Terrace
Build a shady spot on the terrace to create a comfortable outdoor space that offers respite from the harsh sun
Pooja Khanna Tyagi
13 October 2020
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016 an for architectural poetry in the year 2018. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi and Noida.
Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392
Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More
A well-designed terrace can emerge as a perfect outdoor retreat but the scorching heat can make it uncomfortable to use, especially during the peak summer months. Use these ideas to create an interesting shaded spot, which can transform into a landscape feature and enhance the overall look of the terrace.
1. Add a gazebo
Incorporate a gazebo on the terrace as it is open from all four sides, covered from the top and forms a perfect outdoor enclosure that protects one from the sun and the rain.
Get inspired by photos of terraces on Houzz
Incorporate a gazebo on the terrace as it is open from all four sides, covered from the top and forms a perfect outdoor enclosure that protects one from the sun and the rain.
Get inspired by photos of terraces on Houzz
2. Go with a patio umbrella
Bondian Living Store has created a shaded area on this terrace by incorporating a decorative patio umbrella that forms an arresting accent feature.
It is always advisable to go for a bigger umbrella so that it can provide adequate shade to the seating area, irrespective of the direction of the sun.
The three types of patio umbrellas that are available in the market include
Bondian Living Store has created a shaded area on this terrace by incorporating a decorative patio umbrella that forms an arresting accent feature.
It is always advisable to go for a bigger umbrella so that it can provide adequate shade to the seating area, irrespective of the direction of the sun.
The three types of patio umbrellas that are available in the market include
- A standalone umbrella provides shade in a circle around the pole, just as in this image.
- A cantilever umbrella, like the one on this terrace, is attached to a freestanding pole from the side instead of the centre of the pole.
- A simple patio umbrella comes with a pole which can be fixed within the hole of an outdoor patio table.
3. Stretch a pavilion canopy
Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design has installed a pavilion canopy on this terrace to shade one section of the seating area. The semi-permanent structure comprises a fabric top stretched on a frame with corner posts that are attached to the deck.
Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design has installed a pavilion canopy on this terrace to shade one section of the seating area. The semi-permanent structure comprises a fabric top stretched on a frame with corner posts that are attached to the deck.
Just see how this terrace includes outdoor seating with a four-poster design that supports a fabric canopy to create a simple and practical shaded seating area.
4. Construct a permanent roof
In this terrace design by Crowell + Co. Interiors, a permanent roof creates a shaded area for an outdoor swing.
Note: A permanent roof should be included during the design and construction phase of the building and should never be an afterthought. This is because the load factor of the permanent roof has to be taken into account while designing the structure of the building.
In this terrace design by Crowell + Co. Interiors, a permanent roof creates a shaded area for an outdoor swing.
Note: A permanent roof should be included during the design and construction phase of the building and should never be an afterthought. This is because the load factor of the permanent roof has to be taken into account while designing the structure of the building.
I-DESIGN STUDIOS has created a permanent outdoor room with arched openings and a built-in buffet counter and bar.
Find a Houzz professional to design a shaded area for your terrace
Find a Houzz professional to design a shaded area for your terrace
5. Install a pergola
A pergola is an open roof system which forms a very strong landscape feature. It is made of slats of wood or metal that are spaced equidistant from each other. The best part about a pergola is that it filters out some sunlight and provides partial shade without blocking out all the light and warmth of the sun.
A pergola is an open roof system which forms a very strong landscape feature. It is made of slats of wood or metal that are spaced equidistant from each other. The best part about a pergola is that it filters out some sunlight and provides partial shade without blocking out all the light and warmth of the sun.
The Designer and The Decorator has used a fabric covering over the pergola to provide maximum shade to the outdoor seating area.
Fadd Studio has designed an open roof with a combination of pergolas and open-to-sky sections to create a clean-lined design. This roof creates distinct shaded and sunny sections on the terrace and boosts its outdoor style.
Tip: Grow climbing plants and vines on the pergola. They add a touch of softness and freshness, as well as providing additional shade to the outdoors.
Tip: Grow climbing plants and vines on the pergola. They add a touch of softness and freshness, as well as providing additional shade to the outdoors.
In this terrace by Dipen Gada and Associates, the open-roof system comprises a grid of squares with slats placed in alternating orientation to control the intensity of the sun. The semi-open roof casts dynamic shadows throughout the day because of the changing angles of the sun.
6. Hang a shade sail
Shade sails are an easy and attractive way to add shade to outdoor terrace and give the space a modern look. In this terrace, Realarchitecture Ltd has incorporated large pieces of fabric shaped like triangular sails to create a stylish shaded seating area outdoors.
Shade sails are an easy and attractive way to add shade to outdoor terrace and give the space a modern look. In this terrace, Realarchitecture Ltd has incorporated large pieces of fabric shaped like triangular sails to create a stylish shaded seating area outdoors.
7. Install an awning
Luigi Rosselli Architects has installed a bright, sunny yellow awning that not only adds shade but also imparts a vibrant look to the terrace.
One can choose from three types of awnings, namely solid metal awnings, which are very sturdy; stationary fabric awnings; and retractable fabric awnings, which can open manually or are motor-controlled and can be used for seasonal shading. Another advantage of fabric awnings is that they are available in a variety of colours and designs.
Luigi Rosselli Architects has installed a bright, sunny yellow awning that not only adds shade but also imparts a vibrant look to the terrace.
One can choose from three types of awnings, namely solid metal awnings, which are very sturdy; stationary fabric awnings; and retractable fabric awnings, which can open manually or are motor-controlled and can be used for seasonal shading. Another advantage of fabric awnings is that they are available in a variety of colours and designs.
8. Grow tall plants
Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. has grown tall plants to increase privacy from neighbours, beautify the space and add shade to this outdoor seating area.
The biggest advantage of growing plants is that it improves the air quality of the terrace. Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis and actively release water vapour by transpiration, which reduces the surrounding temperature.
Find a professional on Houzz to landscape your terrace
Chicago Specialty Gardens, Inc. has grown tall plants to increase privacy from neighbours, beautify the space and add shade to this outdoor seating area.
The biggest advantage of growing plants is that it improves the air quality of the terrace. Plants release oxygen during photosynthesis and actively release water vapour by transpiration, which reduces the surrounding temperature.
Find a professional on Houzz to landscape your terrace
9. Create a vertical outdoor screen
SPASM has increased the privacy and shade of this terrace by installing a tall vertical screen which allows light into the terrace but also casts shadows that help in creating a shaded space.
SPASM has increased the privacy and shade of this terrace by installing a tall vertical screen which allows light into the terrace but also casts shadows that help in creating a shaded space.
Adolfo Harrison Gardens combines a vertical screens and horizontal pergola of wooden slats to create an outdoor enclosure. Notice how the wooden slats move a step further to form the built-in seating and continue as a planter box.
10. Create an outdoor room
SPACES ARCHITECTS@ka has designed an outdoor room with a wooden structure, glass roof and partitions to demarcate the shaded area from the open-to-sky area of the terrace. The outdoor room emerges as a perfect zone for entertaining guests and enjoying the outdoor views.
Read more:
Home Cooling Tips: 12 Ways to Shade Your Home From the Sun
7 Super Stylish Ways to Shade Your Balcony
Tell us:
Have you created a shaded seating area in your terrace? We would love to see it. Do share your images in the Comments section below.
SPACES ARCHITECTS@ka has designed an outdoor room with a wooden structure, glass roof and partitions to demarcate the shaded area from the open-to-sky area of the terrace. The outdoor room emerges as a perfect zone for entertaining guests and enjoying the outdoor views.
Read more:
Home Cooling Tips: 12 Ways to Shade Your Home From the Sun
7 Super Stylish Ways to Shade Your Balcony
Tell us:
Have you created a shaded seating area in your terrace? We would love to see it. Do share your images in the Comments section below.
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