Why We Ditched Custom Awnings for $50 Sun Shade Sail Awnings

When the summer sun started turning our favorite spaces into saunas, we knew it was time for a change.

That’s when we discovered these charming and affordable Sun Shade Sail Awnings, and they’ve become one of our favorite seasonal styling tricks.

Here’s how we’re using them around our Maine home, inside and out.

This post is part of my ongoing Styling Tip of the Day series, where I share quick, creative vintage and budget-friendly home decor ideas you can use right now.

What Are Sun Shade Sail Awnings? (And Why We’ll Never Go Back to Custom)

Let’s start from the beginning… We have a sunroom here at our Maine home that we adore, but every summer, it used to heat up to unbearable temperatures. And I mean really hot. When my parents owned the house, my dad even kept a little electric thermometer out there just for fun. He’d grin and say, “Look! It’s 140 degrees!” He loved the heat. The rest of us? Not so much. Needless to say, no one used the room in the summer.

When we inherited the home, we knew we needed a solution. I’ve always loved the look of traditional awnings, especially green and white stripes to match our Essex Green trim and weathered cedar shakes. But when we looked into getting custom awnings installed, we were shocked: thousands of dollars, long lead times, and ongoing maintenance for something that might last just a few seasons in Maine’s harsh winters. And that was just for two modest sliding glass doors!

That’s when our handyman suggested Sun Shade Sail Awnings, and it completely changed everything.

What are Sun Shade Sail Awnings?

Sun Shade Sail Awnings are lightweight, UV-blocking fabric panels inspired by the look of sailboat sails. You stretch them between anchor points (we tied ours to a nearby tree and garage) to create an instant floating canopy that cools the space below without feeling bulky or permanent. They’re designed for outdoor use, but by hanging them just outside our sunroom doors, they cooled the indoor space significantly too. Shop Sun Shade Sail Awnings.

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We’re now on year five with our original green-and-white Sun Shade Sails—each one cost us just $35. They’ve held up beautifully through summers and storage, and we even added these retro twinkle lights underneath for cozy ambiance at night.

This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

They’re simple, stylish, and wildly affordable. And frankly, I’ll never consider custom awnings again.

Creative Ways to Use Sun Shade Sail Awnings

One of the best things about Sun Shade Sail Awnings is how versatile they are. Whether you’re looking to cool down a sunny patio or add shade to a favorite garden corner, these lightweight, durable panels can completely transform your outdoor (and even indoor) spaces.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to use Sun Shade Sail Awnings:

Sun Shade Sail Awnings Over a Patio or Deck

Hang one or more sun shade sails between your home, a nearby tree, or even a fence post to instantly reduce heat and create a cozy, shaded retreat. It’s an easy way to elevate your patio or deck—and turn a basic outdoor setup into a welcoming summer hangout.

Shade Sails Above a Fire Pit or Outdoor Lounge Area

Want to enjoy your fire pit even on the sunniest days? Add a triangle Sun Shade Sail Awning overhead to filter the sunlight and create a defined, intimate lounge space. Bonus: it looks effortlessly stylish and adds architectural interest.

Cooling Indoor Rooms with Outdoor Sun Shade Sails

This is how we first started using them! By hanging Sun Shade Sail Awnings just outside our sliding glass doors, we drastically reduced the heat inside our sunroom. It’s a quick and budget-friendly solution for rooms that get too much afternoon sun.

Using Sun Shade Sail Awnings for RV and Camper Protection

We hang a larger Sun Shade Sail Awning over our RV in the backyard, not just for shade, but to protect it from falling sap from surrounding trees. It’s a low-cost way to keep your camper cool and clean all summer long.

Garden and Poolside Shade with Sun Shade Sail Awnings

Shield delicate plants from harsh rays or add a stylish touch to a poolside lounge with layered Sun Shade Sail Awnings. Their breathable fabric lets air flow through while blocking UV rays, and the visual effect is pure summer charm.

They’re lightweight, easy to install, and available in so many shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you’re styling a coastal cottage porch or a backyard RV setup, Sun Shade Sail Awnings are a budget-friendly way to beat the heat while adding personality to your outdoor decor.

Final Thoughts on Sun Shade Sail Awnings

Sometimes the best home styling ideas come from a practical need, and this one truly surprised us. Sun Shade Sail Awnings gave us the charm and cooling effect we were after, without the steep cost or wait time of custom awnings. Whether you’re shading a sunroom, protecting your RV, or dressing up your backyard patio, these sails are as functional as they are fun. Shop Sun Shade Sail awnings.

We’re still using the same affordable shade sails five years later, and they’ve held up beautifully through Maine summers and snowy winters (thanks to easy seasonal storage).

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Shade Sail Awnings

How do you hang Sun Shade Sail Awnings?

Most Sun Shade Sail Awnings come with corner rings that can be attached to trees, poles, fences, or your home’s exterior using ropes or mounting hardware. We tied ours to nearby trees and the trim of our home, no drilling required! You can also buy affordable hardware kits for a more permanent setup.

Are Sun Shade Sails waterproof?

Some are, but not all. Many standard Sun Shade Sail Awnings are made from breathable fabric that allows rainwater to pass through, which prevents sagging and pooling. If you want rain protection, look for waterproof versions made with coated materials.

Do Sun Shade Sails block UV rays?

Yes! Most Sun Shade Sail Awnings are made from UV-resistant fabric that blocks up to 90% or more of harmful sun rays. They’re designed to keep outdoor areas cooler and more comfortable during hot sunny days.

Can Sun Shade Sails be used year-round?

While some people do leave them up year-round in mild climates, we take ours down at the end of the summer and store them for the winter. Snow and ice can put stress on the fabric, especially in places like Maine, where the winters are harsh.

What size Sun Shade Sail should I get?

That depends on your space. For small areas like doorways or over a patio set, a triangle or small rectangle works well. For larger coverage, like over a driveway, garden, or RV, you may want to use a bigger square or rectangle, or layer multiple sails.

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