5 garden shade ideas to keep you cool in the heatwave

If you are after lovely garden shade ideas so you don't melt in a puddle Wicked Witch of the West-style this weekend, you are in the right place. We love a heatwave as much as the next person, but we do always like to at least have the option to escape to a nice shaded area of our garden for a cool down. 

So we have rounded up some lovely easy ideas for you to do this weekend to create those lovely pockets of shade in your garden, where you can sip on Aperol spritz and maybe even listen to that Ibiza playlist from back in the day... we know you have one! 

For more garden ideas, or more shade garden ideas, make sure you check out our galleries. 

1. Shade your patio with a shade sail 

Shade sails are everywhere this summer, they just instantly add that kind of beach club vibe to your garden. The best bit is they are SO affordable! You can pick one up for under £30. Wayfair have loads of great options in plenty of colours and shapes so you will definitely find one over there to suit your garden. 

2. Go for a classic parasol to create shade in a heatwave

Obviously, a parasol is a classic way to create a lovely shady area in your garden. We have rounded up the best parasols in our buying guide, but we would like to give a special mention to the John Lewis Tokyo Parasol. It definitely has a Japanese vibe (hence the name) and just looks really delicate and detailed for a parasol – a lovely unique design. It is selling out FAST everytime it is restocked though so if you are looking for an alternative shop some bargain parasols below:

3. And add fairy lights in your parasol for cosy evenings

And in the evenings, string up the fairy lights and use your parasol to create a lovely sparkling canopy. Get some lanterns too and even a fire pit, throw down some cushions and there you have an outdoor living room that's perfect for summer evenings. 

For all the best outdoor lighting options head to our buying guide.

4. Pop up a gazebo for shady dining spot

Adding a gazebo to your garden is more of a permanent version of a shade sail, but they are a great addition if you like eating meals outside in the summer. There are so many different styles out there at a huge range of budgets, you can pick one up for under 100 quid (just check out the lovely options on Cuckooland and Wayfair). Find out how to build a pergola with our step by step guide.

5. Create a veranda with a pergola for a Mediterranean feel

Adding a pergola to your garden sounds like it would be a really expensive addition, but you can find them to suit all budgets. Just check out the selection on B&Q where prices start from just £125. Pop your garden furniture underneath and get some climbing plants growing around it to create a lovely shady spot in your garden.

Read more:

• Garden design: how to plan, design and cost your garden transformation
• Best metal garden furniture: 6 sets for summer
• Best exterior wood paint: for fences, sheds, windows and garden furniture