It was a bright summer morning, without a cloud in the sky. I headed out to my apartment balcony, coffee in hand, thinking it would be the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sunshine. I sat down on one of the chairs and took in the view – only to be blinded by the intensely bright sun beating down. Within minutes I was squinting and sweating, and I retreated back inside, disappointed that my balcony was too uncomfortably sunny and hot to enjoy.
Many apartment dwellers can relate to this experience. Balconies can be a great asset, providing outdoor space to get fresh air. But on sunny days, an uncovered balcony can become unusable due to glare, heat and UV exposure. Thankfully, there are ways to remedy this through shade solutions. Adding some type of shading to your balcony allows you to get more consistent use and enjoyment out of the space, even on the brightest, sunniest days.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best shade options to make an apartment balcony comfortable and usable on hot, sunny days. We’ll cover pros and cons of different shade types like awnings, umbrellas, sails and plants. With the right shades in place, you can transform your balcony into a cool oasis to relax and unwind in on even the most blistering summer day.
Shade Options for Apartment Balconies
Awnings
Awnings are roof-like structures mounted to the exterior wall of a building, positioned above windows, doors or in this case – above a balcony. They are made of durable, weather-resistant fabric stretched over a frame. Awnings come in many styles, but the most common type for balcony shade are stationary awnings that do not retract.
The benefits of installing awning shade over your apartment balcony include:
- Provide full shade coverage – Awnings extend outward to cast shade over the entire balcony space.
- Protect furniture & flooring – Awnings safeguard outdoor furniture and flooring from sun damage and fading.
- Customizable colors/styles – Awnings come in a wide selection of colors and patterns to match your tastes.
Some things to keep in mind about awnings:
- Can be pricey – Permanent awnings are one of the more expensive shade options.
- May require professional installation – Awnings require mounting into the building, so installation may need to be done by a professional.
The best awning types for apartment balcony shade are stationary horizontal awnings or drop arm awnings. Make sure to check with your landlord or property manager first, as external awning installation may require approval.
Patio Umbrellas
Patio umbrellas are very common outdoor shade providers. They consist of a central pole with umbrella canopy that typically ranges from 6 to 11 feet wide. Umbrellas for patios and balconies come instandard round and octagonal shapes. They’re made from fabric like polyester, olefin or acrylic over flexible ribs.
Benefits provided by patio umbrellas:
- Very affordable – Patio umbrellas are one of the most budget-friendly shade options.
- Portable & adjustable – Umbrellas can be easily moved around and tilted to adjust shade coverage.
- Provide targeted shade – Unlike fixed shades, umbrella shade can be directed exactly where you need it.
Factors to keep in mind when using patio umbrellas:
- Limited shade coverage – One umbrella will only shade a small area, requiring multiple to cover a full balcony.
- Can blow over in wind – Umbrellas are prone to toppling in strong winds if not secured properly.
When selecting a patio umbrella for an apartment balcony, look for styles with weighted or water-fillable bases for stability. Freestanding umbrellas with crank lifts are a good choice.
Shade Sails
Shade sails are uniquely shaped fabric canopies that can be installed above outdoor spaces to provide sun protection. They are constructed using a durable woven material like HDPE, polyester or vinyl with reinforced edges. Shade sails attach to anchor points via ropes, cords or straps at strategic angles to create a tensioned canopy.
Here are some of the advantages shade sails offer:
- Stylish look – Shade sails have an attractive, contemporary aesthetic.
- Customizable shape/size – Sails can be cut to fit specific areas.
- Durable material – Sail fabrics resist fading and are designed to endure outdoor elements.
Installing a shade sail on an apartment balcony requires some careful planning:
- Proper angle & tightness – The sail needs to be properly angled and tightly tensioned between anchor points to keep its shape.
- Secure with straps/ropes – Use weather-resistant straps or ropes to securely attach the sail corners to balcony railings or walls.
Popular shade sail fabric colors include neutral tones like beige, gray and tan which complement most buildings. Bold colors can also make a fun statement.
Trellises & Climbing Plants
Adding trellises and climbing plants is a natural way to provide shade on apartment balconies. Trellises are lattice structures that offer support for vining plants to grow upward. As the vines ascend the trellis, they form a leafy canopy that filters sunlight.
Here are some benefits of the trellis and vine shading solution:
- Natural shade & greenery – Vines grown on trellises create shade with natural materials and add aesthetically pleasing greenery.
- Visual interest – Trellises with flowering vines look attractive and add ornamental value.
- Variety of plant options – Many climbing plants like ivy, grapes, jasmine and more can cover trellises.
Some factors to note about trellises and vines:
- Take time to grow in – It can take 1-2 growing seasons for vines to fully cover a trellis with foliage.
- Periodic maintenance – Pruning and training vines will be needed to keep growth contained.
- Only provide partial shade – Depending on foliage density, vines may only block some direct sunlight.
Great vine options for apartment balcony trellises are fast growing annuals like morning glory or perennial vines such as grapevine and English ivy.
Key Considerations for Balcony Shades
When exploring shade solutions for an apartment balcony, there are several important factors to take into account:
- Amount/time of sun exposure – Consider how much direct sunlight hits your balcony and during what times of day to select the right amount of coverage.
- Apartment HOA rules – If you’re renting or part of a homeowner’s association, ensure any permanent shade installation like awnings is allowed.
- Balcony size & layout – Choose shades sized and shaped appropriately for the measurements and configuration of your balcony.
- Aesthetic preferences – Select shade styles and colors that match your visual taste and apartment exterior.
- DIY skills vs. professional installation – Opt for shades within your skill range to self-install or those that need hiring a pro.
- Ongoing maintenance – Factor in maintenance needs – some shades like plants need more care than set-and-forget options like awnings.
Carefully weighing these factors will help you select the ideal sun protection solutions for your unique balcony situation.
Don’t let intense sunlight keep you from enjoying your apartment balcony. With the right shading strategy, you can comfortably spend time outside without being baked by the sun. Awnings, shade sails, umbrellas and climbing plants are great options to provide protection. And they allow you to get the most enjoyment from your balcony regardless of sunny skies.
Based on effectiveness, aesthetics and ease of use, retractable shade awnings are often the best all-around solution. They offer full adjustable coverage and don’t require ongoing maintenance like plants. Stationary horizontal awnings also provide comprehensive protection. For more stylish coverage, shade sails are a sharp choice. And patio umbrellas or vines suit smaller spaces well. With any of these excellent shades, your apartment balcony can stay cool and comfortable even on the hottest summer day.
Window Film
Window film is a great shading option for apartment balconies. This transparent film can be applied directly onto existing windows and glass doors adjacent to the balcony. It comes in varying tints and grades of light transmission and glare reduction. This allows you to control the amount of sunlight that enters through the window while still preserving visibility.
Benefits of window film include:
- Easy to install and remove
- No additional structural support required
- Can reduce indoor cooling costs by blocking solar heat gain
- Available in different tint levels
Window film can be professionally installed, or installed as a DIY project if you have the proper tools. Just make sure the film is compatible with your window type. This is an affordable and versatile shading solution for apartments.
Roller Shades
Roller shades are a great shading option for apartment balconies. They function similarly to indoor window shades – a piece of fabric or vinyl material wraps around a roller, allowing it to be lowered down or retracted up as needed. But roller shades designed for exterior use are made of durable, weatherproof materials.
Benefits of outdoor roller shades:
- Provide adjustable sun protection based on your needs
- Can be motorized or manual operation
- Materials resist fading from sun exposure
- Easy to install onto or under existing railings
Roller shades allow you to manage both light levels and privacy on your balcony. They’re a good choice if you want the ability to control how much sun exposure you get at different times. They’re easy to put up yourself, or can be professionally installed based on your needs.
Retractable Screens
Retractable screens are very similar to roll up shades. But instead of fabric, they consist of vinyl mesh screening that can be lowered down or rolled up. The main purpose is to keep out bugs and pests rather than sun, but they do provide a level of shading.
Benefits of retractable balcony screens:
- Keep balcony pest-free when entertaining or dining
- Provide filtering of direct sunlight
- Allow airflow while offering privacy and shade
- Can be installed onto existing railings or walls
Retractable screens are great if you want to have your balcony doors open for ventilation but keep bugs out. The screens diffuse sunlight and offer light shading while still allowing you to enjoy fresh air. They can provide part of an overall shading strategy paired with other solutions.
Fabric canopies are covers made from durable, weather-resistant fabrics like polyester or canvas. They are designed to provide overhead shelter by stretching fabric over and securing it to a framework. The framework usually consists of lightweight aluminum poles or PVC pipes that attach at the corners to create a structure the fabric canopy drapes over.
Benefits of fabric canopies for balconies:
- Offer sun and rain protection
- Lightweight for easy installation
- Provide complete overhead coverage
- Often height adjustable
- Fabric allows some light permeability
Fabric canopies are a versatile shading solution – they can be left up permanently or rolled or folded up when not needed. The fabric filters sunlight while still allowing some light to permeate. This makes them a good choice if you want shade but not 100% darkness. Fabric canopies are easy to install yourself and create a sheltered outdoor area on any apartment balcony.