Could a shade sail be the perfect answer to your sun-drenched patio problems? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons. Interestingly, in continental Europe and even as far away as Australia, they’ve been around for decades, with huge success. Shade sails for domestic use are a relatively new idea – at least in the UK. Apart from the relatively high cost (consider it as a long-term investment into your home), the downside is that not every patio is suitable. Awnings can be made from sun-resistant fabric, fibreglass or even aluminium and will need to be made to measure and installed by a professional. Window awnings can also block glare into rooms of the house. Fixed into the wall of the building, usually just above the patio doors, they provide ready access to shade when required and can be wound back in (manually or automatically) when not in use. Retractable awnings are a much more solid solution to the problem. And however good the manufacturing quality may be, even the sturdiest parasol will struggle in windy conditions. Good idea if you only have a patio table and chairs to protect, but even the biggest sun umbrellas don’t cover a huge area. Most of us have a garden umbrella that comes out when it’s sunny. Let’s look at the options, kindly provided by Liam Houghton – an interior design specialist and freelance blogger working with Aquarius Blinds, a family-run blinds specialist based in Surrey.

If you wish to enjoy your patio during the sunny summer months, you need shade. UV radiation makes up just a tiny part of the light spectrum but if you’re exposed to the sun for too long, it can give you sunburn or worse. When it comes to sunlight, we’re all now wise to the fact that we need protection.

Sun shade sail