You might be feeling like warm spring days will never get here, but believe it or not, now is the perfect time to start planning your outdoor space for spring! If you’re looking to add an awning, pergola, or other shade structure to your home this year, we’ve got the best tips and tricks to help you along the way.


What Type of Shade Structure?
When selecting shade for your outdoor area, the first thing to consider is what type of shade structure you want for your home. You need to be sure it will work well in your space. Whether you need shade to cover your whole patio, an outdoor dining area, or to create a backyard oasis, a shade structure with Sunbrella will create the perfect space for you.


Create the Perfect Space for your Home
An awning is a great choice for shading a full patio or outdoor space. Consider the details as well: when it comes to awnings, do you want stationery or retractable? If it’s retractable, will it be motorized or manual? With many options to choose from, an awning can be a customized solution for ultimate comfort and protection in the outdoor spaces of your home.
For focused shading on a dining area or outdoor lounge, an umbrella is the perfect flexible option. Umbrellas can be moved as needed for protective cover when and where you want it.
If you’re looking to create a cozy spot to host friends and loved ones, a pergola could be the perfect option to provide shade for an entertainment area. Pergolas can include retractable shade fabrics as well, allowing for protection from the sun or open air when you want it.

Find the Perfect Shade Fabric
Once you’ve decided on the type of structure, keep in mind that a shade structure is only as good as the fabric used on the canopy. Sunbrella shade fabric is the best option to protect you from the sun. Interested in visualizing your Sunbrella shade awning? Check out the Sunbrella Shade Studio to see what an awning made with Sunbrella fabric could look like on your home!
Sunbrella shade fabrics are UV protective and fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and easy to maintain for years of beautiful living. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends certain Sunbrella fabrics in shading products as part of a complete sun protection regimen, including regular use of sunscreen, to aid in preventing sun-induced skin damage.
Get Started
Once you’ve done some research and decided on what you want, there are several options for how to go about purchasing an awning for your home. Sunbrella partners with the best in the industry—companies like Eclipse Shading Systems, Rainier, or Sunsetter—providing fabric for beautiful awnings and shade structures for residential homes.
Learn more about Shade fabrics for outdoor living to find a partner retailer you can shop and start experiencing the benefits of an awning with Sunbrella fabric.