Add Much Needed Shade To Your Backyard With A Budget-Friendly IKEA Hack

Nothing beats being outside when it's warm and sunny. At the same time, who wants to burn themselves in the sun? Sun poisoning is a thing, and according to Harvard, soaking up the midday sun can lead to headaches, skin irritation, and dehydration, to list a few. The sun's rays are the harshest from late morning through the afternoon. Yet, this is also prime time for having lunch on the patio, reading a book in the grass, and napping under the blue sky. Luckily, you really don't need much more than a curtain rod and fabric to shade your patio. And, this IKEA hack proves so.

While this shade solution is most ideal for open pergolas, you can also make it work elsewhere as long as you have a surface to attach the rod to. Either way, we'll show you how to do both. Read on to learn how to stay cool and protected from the heat when lounging in your backyard — all without breaking the bank.

You'll first want to buy the fabric. You can take a cue from decor blogger @weissmacherei, who opted for IKEA's SOFIA Fabric, which sells for $5.90 per meter. We love how the beige and white stripes bring a light and airy touch to the exterior. Or, why not put a maximalist spin on your garden with a bolder color and pattern? Note that @weissmacherei chose this cotton fabric since her patio has a glass roof, meaning it won't be exposed to rain or snow. If that's not the case for you, look for a heavy-duty outdoor fabric. Divide the fabric into panels and sew a simple rod pocket at the top and bottom of each panel. Or, use waterproof curtains for a quick and easy alternative.

Here's where you have two options. If you're adding shade to a pergola, grab some wooden curtain rods, cut them to fit each individual rafter, then slide the paneled curtains through, as @weissmacherei did in her tutorial. Alternatively, you could purchase two long, adjustable rods (like the 83 to 152-inch RÄCKA Curtain Rod for $8.99 at IKEA) and hang them using wall brackets on two opposite walls or surfaces. And there you have it — an easy sun coverage that's easy to wash and adjust thanks to the individual panels. Did we mention it's a fun idea to make your patio feel more like a living room?