Apartment balconies make great areas for soaking up some sun, and when summer comes around, it might be time to clear off the balcony. A terrific afternoon activity can entertain guests or unwind on your condo or apartment's balcony.
However, the balcony can be a horrible sun trap, causing your outside space to be unusable due to the glaring light, the heat, and the biting insects. There aren't many positions to escape the sun's glare.
Balcony shades for apartments come in different styles and designs, and whichever you choose will protect your indoor space and prevent harmful sun rays from entering your apartment. We have listed some to keep the hot sun at bay. They include:
1. Balcony Patio Umbrellas
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If you are looking for a classic apartment balcony shade idea, this is for you. Patio umbrellas are portable, relatively affordable, and can be brought out even during winter. But, of course, an outdoor umbrella is the most basic type of sun protection for balconies.
If you have a large balcony, a patio umbrella should be among the top things you consider when trying to hide from the sun. The balcony umbrella comes in different styles and designs.
Opt for a patio umbrella that matches your balcony floors, making your balcony patio look outstanding. It is crucial to pick a small alternative that nevertheless offers adequate shade.
Additionally, the balcony umbrella frequently has to double as a privacy screen and provide sun protection.
2. Balcony Curtains
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Curtains can be made from any material, and if your balcony is attached to a roof or gutter, you can hang attachments where you can fasten the curtain material.
You can let your balcony curtains blow in the wind or fasten them with pins. Some of the most commonly used curtain materials include fabric and bamboo curtains.
Whichever style you use will create a diverse balcony shade since you can use an unexpected or standard material, but you can use a lightweight material.
3. Balcony Shade Sails
A shade sail functions like a canopy apart from the part where the material is tied to your roof's edge. Tying this creates a diagonal tent design that resembles a ship's sail, hence the name. However, alternative ways exist to set up shade sails and buy them in different shapes.
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The flexibility of sail shade installations makes them advantageous. In addition, since they lack significant horizontal load-bearing components, the design appears light.
Apart from being simple to install, they have a highly contemporary, fashionable, and attractive appearance that will undoubtedly match the style of your balcony.
People can select a shade sail that matches their preferences and the outside by choosing from various sizes and colors.
A shade sail will always provide a wow factor to your garden, whether you decide to make a dramatic statement with it or let it blend in naturally. Lastly, it will increase the appeal of your home at a relatively inexpensive cost.
4. Balcony Privacy Screens
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In some ways, privacy walls and screens are similar but shorter. Usually, these screens form an almost net-like border around the balcony.
Both installing and removing screens are quite simple. Although their primary purpose is to keep people from seeing into your balcony, privacy screens can be used to provide shade.
A screen can be positioned on one side of the railing of your balcony. It can be made of plain material, but it would be nice if you made it unique. Either choose a wall of patterns or colors or make interesting textures on the wall.
You can also decorate it using artificial plants, arts and crafts pieces, or butterflies to make the screen look extraordinary.
5. Bamboo Shades
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Eco-friendly bamboo is a material that is frequently extremely fascinating to look at as well. Bamboo shades can tolerate weather and temperature without the risk of fading, warping, or other damage.
When you desire shade, you can unwind or draw them down. Then, when you want to see what's in front of you, you can hide them away. When it comes to versatility, they are among the more practical solutions when there is shade and when there isn't.
6. Pergola or Trellis
Trees and other plants indeed provide the best natural shade making pergola shades one of the most popular choices in an outdoor space design. The shade and comfort vegetation cannot be compared to umbrellas and tents.
Where it's challenging to have a fully-grown tree to provide shade on your balcony, how can you incorporate that?
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A pergola with plants, fabric covers, or even bare gives a great touch to any balcony shade-making wooden pergola or trellis. These wooden structures come in various designs and sizes and are quite simple to assemble.
A trellis can be added to your balcony in place of a screen because it is largely vertical. In addition, you can add a climbing plant or flower pots to construct a vertical garden that will provide shade and privacy.
7. Balcony Strands
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A net or anything to wrap the material around can be made using strands or strings. This will effectively block out sunlight while giving your balcony an aesthetic flair.
For instance, many people may establish wiry plants using strands of netting. Just remember that you might not completely block out light, which rules out this option if you're looking for something with more shade.
8. Balcony Privacy Walls
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Privacy walls separate shared balconies made from aluminum, wood, glass, or similar materials. These walls are used for privacy purposes, but the shade is something to offer the appropriate conditions.
The balcony privacy wall can be constructed as a self-supporting object or made portable by creating a screen or blanket-like structure out of material.
9. Wooden Panels
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Wood is a durable substance. It won't blow about as stuff or plants do. It continues to be solid and stable. Wooden panels can generate temporary shade, or you can use smaller pieces of wood to build something more interesting. They are worth looking at.
10. Balcony Greenery
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This is a balcony shade for an apartment that could include real or artificial trees, hanging plants, and similar items. This is how backyards all across the world provide shade.
A balcony does tend to be small, so you must be careful about the type of vegetation you employ. Not everyone can combine trees, flowers, hanging plants, and tabletop plants.
11. Retractable Awnings
For sunshade on the balcony, retractable awnings are another great choice. The advantage they provide is that they shield the balcony's complete surface. However, this is also a little disadvantageous in contrast to the umbrella. The whole surface is always covered with an awning.
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Balcony awnings come in all sorts of materials, hues, and patterns that can complement the style of the outdoor furniture and décor, as seen in this picture. It is best to use awnings that can be retracted when not in use and are UV resistant.
Such a sunblock on the balcony calls for a very sturdy attachment. The awnings can be built from sun-resistant cloth, fiberglass, or even metal and need to be custom-made and installed by a specialist.
Although one of the main downsides is the relatively high cost, this option is excellent if you make a long-term investment in your home!
What to Consider When Shopping for the Balcony Shades for Apartment
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1. Size
Not every choice is appropriate for every balcony. For example, you might not have room for an umbrella on a small balcony. On the other hand, if it's large, you'll have more freedom to choose, maybe even two or three alternative color schemes.
2. Orientation
You must determine where the light is coming from to protect yourself from the sun. For example, when does your balcony receive the most sunshine, and which direction is it facing?
3. Style
Suppose you've previously decorated your balcony and used a certain theme or inspiration. In that case, you may extend this to your shade selections, making everything blend and appear nice.
Conclusion
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When searching for the best balcony shade, it's important to consider your space's size. This will help you visualize where your balcony shade will fit the best.
Once you figure out the right balcony shade for your outdoor space, you can make it look fancy with the right touches. Choose a budget that works well for your outdoor area and add some green touches to make it a luxurious, relaxing spot.
Frequently Asked Questions on Balcony Shades for Apartments
1. What are the best hanging plants for balcony shades?
You can decorate your home with a wide variety of indoor hanging plants! While locating hanging plants that flourish in the direct sun exposure of a south-facing window.
Some hanging plants include Begonias, Fuchsia, Coral Bells, Ferns, Creeping Jenny, Bacopa, Impatiens, Coleus, Vinca, and Hosta.
2. Can I Cover My Balcony Legally?
Although most people don't do it, and possibly the majority of local authorities accept the unlawful building. You are legally required to obtain amended authorization from the local government before covering a balcony since it is a change from the approved plan.
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