{"id":6805,"date":"2023-05-06T05:59:35","date_gmt":"2023-05-06T05:59:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perfectoutdoorspaces.com\/?p=6463"},"modified":"2023-06-10T02:45:37","modified_gmt":"2023-06-10T02:45:37","slug":"how-do-i-shade-my-balcony-in-my-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/how-do-i-shade-my-balcony-in-my-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do I Shade My Balcony In My Apartment?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When the summer months come around, homeowners love to spend time in their gardens, soaking in the sun. But for those living in apartments, our balconies are the only part of our homes suitable for outdoor living<\/strong>. But, how do you shade your balcony in your apartment? We have some interesting ideas to help escape the intense summer sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can shade your apartment balcony with design features such as awnings, pergolas, outdoor blinds, outdoor umbrellas, shade sails, and outdoor plants. These features will protect you from the hot summer sun and are decorative, which means they will improve the aesthetic of your outdoor living spaces<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you\u2019re struggling to develop ideas for adding shade to your balcony in your apartment and getting the most out of your summers, let\u2019s take a look at a few design ideas that will inspire you to put together an outdoor living area that you\u2019ll love.<\/p>\n\n\n

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8 Design Ideas For Shading Apartment Balconies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Home decorators often see apartment balconies as an afterthought, and they don\u2019t get the attention they deserve. Moreover, they tend to be awkward places to add design features<\/strong> due to limited space and exposure to the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, when it comes to shading the balcony in your apartment, there are a few options available to you that can turn it into a bona fide living space that you can use all summer long<\/strong>. Make sure the color matches the color of your walls if our first tip and you can read more about balcony colors here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few ideas that you can use for inspiration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Outdoor Blinds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the most popular and simple solution to blocking out some of that hot summer sun is to install outdoor blinds, like roller shades or PVC blinds. It would require an appropriate spot to mount the blinds (such as the balcony floor in the apartment above<\/strong>, but a set of blinds can go a long way towards shading your balcony and keeping the sun out from all angles.<\/p>\n\n\n

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However, if you live in a windy area, you may want to consider something else because you\u2019ll constantly be fretting over the blinds being picked up by the wind and making noise or knocking things over. Furthermore, you need to install blinds made from materials that will not be ruined by rain in the winter <\/strong>or become discolored after prolonged UV exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes blinds are only useful for balconies with outdoor windows that can protect them from the elements. Nonetheless, blinds are a fairly affordable option and will provide you with all the shade you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Pergolas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another popular option, but a bit more expensive and durable, is to build a pergola over your balcony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pergolas are open roof systems made from slats of wood spaced evenly apart in a lattice<\/strong>. They provide shade without blocking the sun and offer a new design feature that looks good on decks and balconies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you want an effective way to shade your balcony without completely blocking out the light, a pergola will do the job while remaining durable and adding a design feature that will add a lot of value to your home.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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And in addition to this, many people like to grow outdoor plants, such as vines entwined into their pergola, to provide additional shade and another great design element. You might want to consider if you live in a windy area however. We have advice on this here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pergolas also look great, so If you’re looking for a stylish way to create shade on your balcony, a pergola might be the solution you’re looking for. These structures are often made of wood and come with an optional retractable canopy that can slide into place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They offer shade but also allow light to filter through. You can also attach curtains to the pergola’s roof to provide shade<\/strong>. There are a variety of styles and materials available to cover your pergola so you can adapt the design and color to your own preference and taste. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A pergola with a canopy is a unique and functional design. Its retractable canopy extends past the pergola’s legs, providing both shade and sunlight. These pergolas are a great choice if you want to enjoy the outdoors year-round. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to extending the canopy’s usable area, they can add a modern aesthetic. When the canopy is fully open, it creates an open air alfresco feel. When closed, it provides a waterproof roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option for shading a balcony is to install a tension canopy. These canopies provide shade while also allowing the balcony to breathe. You can use fabric that is manually adjustable to suit your preferences. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: If you live in an area where wind is an issue, you might want to avoid a stationary or permanent pergola altogether. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over all though these structures are a great way to enjoy shade while outside your balcony. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Awnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Awnings are another great way to protect your apartment\u2019s balcony from the summer sun. And, even better, they can\u2019t protect it from rainfall during the winter! But what\u2019s really great about awnings is that they\u2019re often retractable,<\/strong> whether with a manual mechanism or an automated feature with a motor.<\/p>\n\n\n

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They are both effective for protection from the elements, and they\u2019re durable. Furthermore, they look great! An awning can give your balcony a caf\u00e9\/bistro look<\/strong> that spruces up your outdoor living space and makes you feel right at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Outdoor Umbrellas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most affordable option, by far, is to simply buy yourself a large outdoor umbrella to shade the balcony in your apartment. They won\u2019t offer full cover, but they can certainly provide more than enough shade for a few people to sit underneath<\/strong>. And, in addition to this, you can take it down when you don\u2019t need it in the winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, even though umbrellas are free-standing, they still add to the overall aesthetic of your outdoor living space without costing an arm and a leg. Unfortunately, they don\u2019t fare too well when it\u2019s windy,<\/strong> so you may have to take it down when there\u2019s a storm approaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking to add a splash of color to your balcony, patio umbrellas are the perfect solution. Aside from providing shade, these patio accessories can be a decorative accent as well as a practical choice. <\/p>\n\n\n

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There are two main types of patio umbrellas: fixed and movable. Fixed umbrella bases are the most common and come in many colors. They work well with both umbrella tables and cantilevers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n