The Best Color Shade Sail To Keep Your Patio Cool

Burning the backs of your legs on an unshaded banana lounger will never, ever be a fun summer memory. So we get it if you're frantically searching the web for useful tips to prevent metal patio furniture from getting too hot in the sun — or just generally beat the warm season heat in any under-sheltered outdoor space. A sail is one of those nifty, relatively affordable projects that will add shade and style to your patio, but only if you get one in the right color. It turns out, however, that which color you should choose is a hotly debated subject amongst patio cover professionals. The short answer is it's not the color that matters but how much light the shade lets through. Most likely though, leaning into lighter colors will serve you better for creating cool, comfortable shade.

You've probably heard that wearing light colored clothing keeps you cool. Black fabric absorbs sunlight, while white textiles reflect it, right? In fact, research suggests otherwise, with factors like the type of textile, environment, and clothing also playing a part. You can apply similar concerns to shade sails, which are, after all, sort of like clothing for your patio. Some experts say dark colors absorb infrared (IR) radiation (read: heat) before it can reach the ground, making the underneath of a shade sail feel cool. Others state that to keep a patio comfortable, temperature wise, you need a light-hued shade sail that repels IR radiation.

Will a midnight blue shade create a more comfortable outdoor environment in a sunny spot than, say, one crafted in lemon yellow? Since white deflects all parts of the light spectrum, it may be the optimal shade sail color choice. And science seems to support this theory. Home energy experts note that light colored roofing materials deflect sunlight, cooling house interiors, whereas tiles and metals in dark tones do the opposite. Likewise, brightly colored walls on houses in desert environments radiate rather than capture heat. In a 2023 study published in Buildings, researchers found similar strategies — light-colored stone and finishes and reflective coatings — incorporated into the exteriors of traditional houses in China.

However, color alone doesn't a cool patio make. The shade sail's shape (how large of an area the sail shades), breathability or openness factor, and the patio location all make a difference, too. For example, if you're shading a patio that gets direct sunlight all throughout the day, choosing a sail made of a dense fabric makes more sense than one constructed from a light, open-weave textile. More infrared radiation is blocked by thicker fabrics. Plus, people who mount shade sails over their outdoor spaces don't just care about temperature reduction. They're also seeking protection from skin-damaging effects of that searing sunshine.

Exposure to UV radiation (UVR) damages your skin, causing painful sunburn or, worse, skin cancers. Lighter color shade sails let in more UV radiation than their deep-toned counterparts. Shade sail sellers state that most shades, no matter the color, block at least 91% of the sun's UV radiation. Sails made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric boast particularly good UV protection. The short of it is, choose a black or brown shade sail made from the highest quality HDPE for maximum UVR protection. You shouldn't be able to see the sky through it; look for a UPF rating of 30 or above.

If you only want to lower outdoor temperatures, choose a white or very light-colored shade. Amazon sells an affordable PureFit rectangle (8 x 10 feet) shade sail in beige for less than $30. To protect yourself and your guests from UV radiation exposure, go for in-between colors like light green, light blue, red, or purple. A UV blocking 23 x 22 foot rectangle canopy in fuchsia by Yescom sells for almost $90 at Walmart. If you're looking for stylish summer decor ideas that can be easily swapped out after the season and meet your UV protection and shade needs, select lighter hues that match your existing decor and are easy to take down and stow away. Lowe's offers a Coolaroo HeatShield sail in a contemporary silver-gray hue that comes ready-to-hang with pre-attached ropes and fasteners for under $45.