With the sun out and temperatures on the rise, it’s time to start planning a summer of garden parties, barbecues or just whiling away the weekend outside under the sun.
You may be on the hunt for new garden furniture or perhaps a brand new BBQ to up your grill game. If you’re looking for something to provide a little shade or shelter, parasols are the obvious choice, but don’t dismiss their kooky cousin: the shade sail.
What are the benefits of a garden shade sail?
Offering a canopy without the cumbersome intrusion of a pole, garden shade sails are made to offer coverage in a small dedicated area so you can still enjoy catching a few rays, but have somewhere to retreat if the heat becomes too much. It’s especially helpful if you have small kids or pets running around the garden as many offer UV protection too.
And when dark clouds come calling, they’ll also act as a shelter from summer storms too - well, to a degree.
How to put up a garden shade sail
You can get them in all sorts of sizes and rectangular, square and triangle shapes to best fit your designated space. Tying them is the tricky part. If you’re attaching it to your home, you’ll need to add hooks that can withstand wind as well as weather. If it’s going up at the bottom of your garden, consider tying your shade to tall, strong trees and sheds with rope ties. Be sure to attach the shade at a slight tilt to avoid rainwater sitting on top - around 30 degrees should do it.
How we tested
To test the best shade sails for all seasons, we evaluated a variety of options under varying weather conditions; from sunny days to rain showers. The ES Best team set up each sail in real garden settings, checking their ease of installation, durability and performance against the elements.
We assessed their sun-blocking ability, water resistance, and whether they provided enough shade without causing obstruction. The standout products proved their resilience through wind and rain, offering excellent protection and style in both sunny and stormy weather.
Best shade sails at a glance
If you’re considering adding a shade sail to your outdoor set-up, we’ve brought the very best available right now to you.
Shop now
Homper Sun Shade Sail Waterproof
As well as standing up the elements, this shade is anti-mildew and anti-mould too, which means it should stay looking, feeling and smelling fresh for longer. Made from high-density polyethylene, the woven fabric allows breeze to flow easily and comes with a set of D-rings and ropes to help you get it up and running quicker. As well as offering shade, the sail acts as a privacy screen - handy if you’ve got blocks of flats nearby. Available in cream, grey and tan hues.
Buy now £31.99, Amazon
Dakota Fields Drummans 2m x 2m Triangular Shade Sail
Available in grey, blue, cream and light green colours, this triangle canopy creates a shady spot over your decking, grassy area or pool without obstructing anything at floor level. It comes with rope ties but no posts so be sure to measure the intended area first and check for anchors. This design is machine washable, making it easier to keep clean.
Buy now £15.99, Wayfair
Kookaburra 2m Triangle Water Resistant Garden Patio Sun Shade Sail
Give your patio set or outdoor sofa a bit of cover with Kookaburra’s 2m canopy, which comes in an array of colours including this bright lime green. The lightweight and water-resistant fabric is perfect for keeping outside in the summer months and offers UPF34+ protection, which means it blocks over 96.5 per cent of the sun’s harmful rays. Use on its own, or if you’ve got a big enough space, layer it with another colour to create a fresh aesthetic. At this price, you can afford to.
Buy now £14.98, Amazon
Dakota Fields McClellandville 4m x 4m Rectangular Shade Sail
Bring festival style to your garden with this teepee-style shade. It does require a central pole to keep it aloft, but the larger coverage also means it’s ideal for garden bashes and larger gatherings. You can even dress it up with fairy lights and bunting if you’re going all out.
The dirt and water-resistant design comes with a metal rod and a carry bag, so you can take it with you to the park or beach. Weighs 5.3kg.
Buy now £176.99, Wayfair
IKEA Dyning Canopy
Having a shade doesn’t mean living in the shadows all summer. IKEA’s white canopy keeps the look breezy and light flowing through. It’s a good one to keep in your camping kit as well as in your garden shed, providing localised shade as and when required.
Buy now £32.00, IKEA
La Redoute Rectangular Shade Sail
Get a portion of your garden or balcony under cover to provide relief from the sun’s rays when it gets too much. La Redoute’s rectangular option is made from hard-wearing polyester and treated with an anti-UV finish for extra protection. It measures 237 x 330cm at their widest points and you’ll need to purchase screws and a wall fixing system separately.
Buy now £33.00, La Redoute
Tasselled Canopy
For an aesthetically pleasing option which works to protect against the sun, look no further than this bohemian wonder by Cox & Cox. While not the most technically advanced due to the 100 per cent polyester fabric and cotton tassels, it certainly looks like the kind of canopy which a Duchess would’ve relaxed under during the Regency period. Just make sure to bring the canopy inside during inclement weather.
Buy now £95.00, Cox & Cox
