A great place to relax, gather with your family or enjoy spending time with your friends, a balcony is transformative in how we spend time and unwind in our homes.
There’s one factor that can prevent you from enjoying time on the balcony: The weather. Direct sunlight and hot temperatures can make it impossible to use the balcony throughout the summer.
Protection from the sun is a must if you want to read books, host social events, or enjoy weekend afternoons with your family on the balcony, and thankfully, there are easy and affordable ways to shade the balcony from both direct sunlight and rain, making the space usable year-round. Curious to learn more? Read on!
#1 You can’t go wrong with a balcony awning
Flexible, affordable, and suitable for various balcony sizes and types, awnings are the go-to way to shade balconies from direct sunlight in the UK. A balcony awning is a perfect choice for homeowners: It is aesthetically pleasing, it is easy to install, and it will transform the balcony into a comfortable and welcoming outdoor space.
Pros of Balcony Awnings:
- The size, fabric, and style of the awning can be customised to the exact specifications of homeowners, properly addressing their requirements and needs.
- Aside from providing excellent balcony shade, an awning also shields the balcony from rain and increases energy efficiency. It helps you create a cosy balcony that can be used year-round.
- Homeowners can take advantage of cutting-edge and quality-of-life features when choosing an awning. These include retractable awnings, operability with remote controls, and the possibility to be fitted with wind and rain sensors!
Cons of Awnings:
- Storms and gales can damage traditional awnings. However, retractable awnings with wind sensors are generally safe as they automatically retract when they detect strong winds.
#2 enjoy protection from the sun with canopies
Similar to awnings, pergolas have several distinctive features: They are permanent structures, often free-standing, and instead of fabrics, often feature glass and metal. Though often found in patios and backyards, canopies can be used to provide shading on the balcony as well, and they offer specific advantages that homeowners should consider.
Pros of Canopies:
- Canopies are durable structures that withstand extreme weather and can properly shield your balcony whether rain or shine.
- Pergolas can be fitted with shade blinds for extra privacy or a motorised louvre roof for more fine control over the amount of lighting in the space; Homeowners have options!
Cons of Canopies:
- Canopies aren’t as flexible or affordable as retractable awnings.
- Due to their larger size vis-a-vis awnings, they don’t fit all types of balconies.
#3 Climbing plants and trees provide natural shade
Throughout human existence, large trees and plants have been used as shelter from hot temperatures and strong sunlight, and this hasn’t changed to this day. Trees and climbing plants, if planted and cared for properly, can create natural lighting for your balcony while providing fresh air and a much-needed touch of greenery to the exterior.
Perhaps the most time-consuming and expensive method on our list, the results are well worth it if you put in the effort!
Pros of Plants and Trees for Shading:
- Not only do trees and plants provide natural shade, but they also create a pleasant atmosphere and a welcoming environment.
- Flowers and trees improve the aesthetics of the balcony and give it a natural, pleasant look that’s sure to impress your guests.
Cons of Plants and Trees for Shading:
- It takes multiple seasons for the climbing plants and trees to grow properly and provide sufficient sun protection.
- From watering to pruning, trees and plants need constant care and maintenance, making them a significant commitment that homeowners need to set aside regular time for.
#4 Exterior blinds provide shade and protect against UV Rays
Offering proper shading and complete privacy, exterior blinds are capable of transforming modern balconies into intimate and comfy outdoor spaces homeowners can regularly use. Though exterior blinds can’t be installed in certain balcony types and house layouts, if your property is suitable for exterior blinds, it is certainly an option worth considering.
Pros of Exterior Blinds:
- Exterior blinds provide complete privacy, allowing you to enjoy your time on the balcony without worrying about prying eyes.
- Exterior blinds provide complete shading, completely blocking sunlight and UV rays. They shine in warmer climates where summer temperatures become unbearable.
Cons of Exterior Blinds:
- Exterior blinds can be hard to clean and maintain, requiring significant effort and specialised cleaning tools.
#5 Transform your outdoor space with a balcony umbrella
Shade yourself from the sun by installing a stationary cantilever umbrella! Whether it is eating lunch or reading a book during long summer days, the umbrella will create the perfect climate for you to enjoy yourself!
Pros of Using an Umbrella:
- Portable, you can reorient, relocate, and remove the umbrella depending on weather conditions, type of activity on the balcony, and more. You are in complete control.
- Umbrellas are affordable and easy to install, making them a great temporary fixture you can readily use to provide shade on a limited budget.
Cons of Exterior Blinds:
- Umbrellas only provide limited shading and do not cover the entire balcony. This doesn’t matter if you are spending time alone, but if you are planning to spend time with your friends and family on the balcony regularly, an umbrella won’t be enough!