Rain or shine? 25 brilliant all-weather ideas for garden shelter

Stylish protection for your outdoor space

Whether you're planning a new landscape design or looking for a space to enjoy your outdoor area, every garden should offer shade and shelter to protect you from the sun's heat and those less sunny days when you still long to be outside. From pretty parasols to prominent pergolas, these garden ideas will inspire you to create an outdoor haven that's as stylish as it is protective...

Pop up a parasol

A standard parasol is a super all-around garden shade choice as it can be easily adjusted and repositioned to anywhere in your garden that requires cooling down. A lightweight umbrella can be transported to move with the sun throughout the day and it is a budget-friendly choice. Be sure to secure it with a strong and sturdy base, especially if the wind picks up. 

Shelter your outdoor dining area

To get double use from a parasol, select a garden umbrella that will slot into outdoor dining furniture through a hole in the middle of the table. This versatile shade option is ideal for small gardens as it saves space, plus it will protect you and your dining accessories from any sudden showers if rain should appear.

Tie your shelter in with a garden theme

As well as offering protection, why not choose a decorative parasol that adds a story element to your garden as soon as it's opened up? From pretty designs with vintage tassels to funky coloured raffia tops that scream 'Aloha', a cheerful-themed parasol will instantly add character. 

Go big on garden shade

Larger gardens will benefit from a free-standing cantilever umbrella with a pole at the side. They can shelter a huge expanse such as garden bars and brick BBQs while leaving surfaces free for cooking, dining and socialising. 

Install an awning

An awning is an extending canopy that's fitted onto an exterior wall. These effective shades save space as they do not need side supports and can fold away into a slimline case. The electric versions are able to open and close at the touch of a button, or opt for an affordable manual-operated model, which can be self-installed. Why not choose a pretty colour and pattern to jazz up the patio or terrace like this smart blue and white stripe? 

Frame an urban oasis

A modern awning can enhance a contemporary terrace when opting for plain monochrome tones. High-end versions can be controlled via smart tech and some expensive designs even open and close on their own when detecting certain weather conditions. 

Add a sail shade

Named after their resemblance to a yacht's triangular sail, a sail shade looks streamlined and fresh. Contemporary versions a add wow factor when anchored with standalone poles. Angled correctly, the tension remains tight avoiding a saggy middle that could pool with rainwater. 

Rig up a temporary garden shelter

Alternatively, sail shades can be tied to trees and fence posts as a temporary and inexpensive garden refuge solution. This teal-toned, tropical leaf print injects an extra splash of colour to a garden patio while doing its job of protecting you from the weather.

Tie fabric between trees

For an inexpensive and simplistic option, drape fabric in between sturdy trees you have in your outdoor space. On a sunny afternoon, even bedlinen will work as a temporary solution, but for something a little more permanent look for shower-proof outdoor materials or purpose-made covers, like this luxurious canopy with tassels. 

Hang up outdoor curtains

Here's a pretty and romantic garden upcycling idea for adding extra shade cover to a pergola. Voile curtains hung from the sides frame this sun terrace and soften the space with a laid-back Balearic feel.

Put up a pergola

A pergola is a permanent structure built with wooden poles and a slatted roof. When attached to a building they not only provide partial shade but create an extension of indoor space. You can add waterproof canvas strips for additional weather protection too. Traditional versions look organic left natural and striking if painted, plus they make ideal supports to grow colourful and fragrant climbing plants. 

Dine under a natural canopy

An established pergola with foliage growing up and over the roof creates a natural canopy from rain or sun. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggests growing suitable plants such as clematis, honeysuckles and jasmine that will burst with scented blooms around you. Train the plants to spiral around posts, then renovate and prune each spring. Embellish the frame with garden lighting ideas for an ambient evening experience within the undergrowth.

Bring in a bohemian outdoor shelter

Due to a pergola's open roof design sometimes a touch more shade or protection is required. Remedy this with a few lengths of material draped over the structure. The joy is you can choose from a variety of colours and patterns. Choose a light fabric that flows in the breeze for a simplistic and romantic feel shown here, or go wild with hues and designs that fit in with your planting scheme.

Add an aluminium frame

For a modern take, this grey metal pergola is easy to erect for warmer months or special occasions and has a retractable UV-resistant roof. As winter draws near, it can be easily dismantled and stored away until spring. 

Go for a gazebo

If you only require temporary shelter, budget-friendly pop-up gazebos are ideal for special outdoor occasions. Fully covered roofs create a sanctuary from all moderate elements and act as a base for guests. Always make sure the lightweight structure is fully secured to the ground as it doesn't take much of a gale to blow it free.

Combine shade with privacy

Is your garden overlooked? A pergola with closed slatted sides will not only offer shelter but garden privacy too. Or maybe being exposed makes the backyard a little breezy? A slat wall makes an ideal windbreaker too.

Perk up a simple garden

Who says pergolas should be square? A round pergola can make use good use of a sun-trapped corner to create partial shade or allow you to look out on the space during a shower providing the planting is dense enough. As well as keeping the space dry and cool, the feature will add height and draw the eye to the area, maximising the sense of space. 

Include an arbour

What's the difference between a pergola and an arbour? Mainly size. An arbour is a bit like the pergola's little sister. Both are built with posts to support a beamed roof, but arbours are arched and more a garden accent than a purposeful anchor and extend a space. You can easily take shelter from the weather with a good book or cup of coffee here.

Move a modern arbour in

An arbour's intimate design makes it ideal for adding shaded bench seating beneath. They are not just for cottage gardens either. This contemporary design, partially painted grey, brings a plain patio to life with an urban edge. 

Create a curved seating pod

Go for a garden arbour idea that's one of a kind. A circular pod will make a striking garden statement and offer a cocooned shade or place to duck out of the drizzle. On sunnier days a stainless steel roof will reflect rays and heat, creating a comfortable environment.

Shade the chef

A BBQ shelter will keep the cook happy in nearly all weather conditions. Cooking over roasting coals or a gas flame is hot enough without sun rays beating down and no one likes a soggy burger. A shelter should leave plenty of room around the heat source and gaps for smoke to escape, and be at least a few feet above the highest part of the grill.

Pitch a roof

An arbour seat in the corner of a garden creates a haven to get away from it all. Providing a separate standalone space, this Venetian-style roof features a slatted design that lets light stream in and keeps any unexpected showers out. There is enough space to fit four people, but that doesn't mean you have to invite anyone else to your secluded oasis.

Anchor an outdoor kitchen

If you've invested in a dream outdoor kitchen, be sure to protect it – and anyone using it – with a purpose-built and permanent gazebo. A solid roof sets them apart from pergolas and offers long-term refuge from all weather.

Take shade in the summerhouse

Another permanent structure idea that's sure to provide an outdoor sanctuary is a summerhouse and it can be used year-round even after summer has faded. Paint it in the perfect shade for your planting scheme and fill it with cosy seating to create the perfect garden shelter to relax in.

Build a unique shelter

For a unique twist on the summerhouse, this garden pod allows for 360-degree views of your garden while also shielding you from any less desirable weather conditions. They come in various sizes too, so even smaller gardens can benefit.

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