A pergola can be shaded in three ways: with a bamboo blind (from €25), a wooden blind (from €88), or a sliding sunscreen (from €64). The bamboo blind is the cheapest but won't withstand rain. The wooden blind lasts for decades. The sunscreen offers the greatest flexibility because it slides according to the sun.
Want to make the most of the most beautiful part of the year under your pergola? Shading is the key element that ensures your comfort and protection from excessive sun or curious neighbors' eyes. But we know that choosing the right shading element can be quite complicated. There are many options on the market, and deciding between them can be so paralyzing that you'd rather not buy anything at all - and then end up hiding from the sun in your living room.
That would be a shame. We decided to make it a little easier for you and put together a simple guide to our shading products. And we'll say it right away - with any of them, you won't go wrong.
We've had all our blinds and sunscreens in our range for years, and they are our consistent bestsellers. We've already received thousands of enthusiastic responses to them. They are affordable, natural and therefore very aesthetic, and on top of that, you don't have to wait. You'll have them at home within days and can easily hang them yourself.
Now to the specifics: three ways of side shading for your pergola that will give you the shade and privacy you need, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Don't forget the pergola roof: Bamboo Canopy
Side shading is important, but the truth is that most heat and sun falls on the pergola from above. And this is where the bamboo canopy comes into play - retractable shading that you hang directly under the pergola roof. It often pays off to combine it with one of the side blinds, and only then do you get truly comfortable seating even in the greatest heat.
You can easily extend or retract the canopy depending on how intensely the sun is shining. You can hang it yourself within half an hour onto any structure, and it immediately drops the temperature under your pergola by several degrees. It's available in natural and brown color, in lengths of 4 and 5 meters.
Price from €75
1. Basic pergola shading: Bamboo Blind
A very popular solution for shading that also looks beautiful under a pergola. Just be careful - the bamboo blind is not primarily designed for outdoor use, so it won't last for years. Rain will take its toll after a few seasons. Moreover, the blind is not very flexible - it's either rolled down or rolled up. You can't move it anywhere, nor tilt it like Venetian blinds.
Price from €25
2. Better shading: Wooden Exterior Blind
The wooden blind is robust and extra resistant to weather conditions, so you can be sure of its long lifespan. It's made from pine wood. However, just like the bamboo blind - it's more of a fixed panel than movable shading. In this regard, our sliding sunscreen has the greatest advantages.
Price from €88
3. Most adaptable pergola shading: Sliding Sunscreen
Maximally flexible shading that you adapt to everything happening around you. You can slide the sunscreen depending on how the sun travels across your garden, or how your children move around - for example, when you want to watch them while sitting with a coffee.
With sliding panels with semi-transparent slats, you can nicely separate individual living zones. For instance, a seating area and a children's corner, or a growing area and the pool. Compared to classic opaque dividers, the separation isn't so harsh. The space remains connected, you're in contact with everything, it just doesn't disturb you visually.
Price from €64
Comparison of Bamboo Blinds, Wooden Blinds and Sunscreens
| Property | Bamboo Blinds | Wooden Blinds | Sunscreens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 50–200 cm | 80–150 cm | 50–100 cm |
| Height / Length | 150–200 cm | 150–250 cm | 100–200 cm |
| Price from | €25 | €88 | €64 |
| Lifespan | 3–5 years | Decades | Decades |
| Exterior | Yes (must not get rained on) | Yes | Yes |
| Price per m² | €22 - €33 | €59 - €73 | €128 - €158 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Pergola Shading
What is the best way to shade a pergola on the side?
It depends on your budget and required lifespan. For a few seasons, the cheapest option is a bamboo blind from €25. For a permanent solution, a wooden blind from €88 or a sliding sunscreen from €64 is worth it - the sunscreen also allows you to move the shading according to the sun.
Will a bamboo blind hold up outdoors?
The bamboo blind is not built for direct rain. Under a pergola, rain will damage it after a few seasons and you'll need to replace it. If you want something permanent, opt for a wooden blind or a wooden sunscreen instead.
What is the difference between a blind and a sunscreen for a pergola?
A blind is a fixed panel - it's either rolled down or rolled up. A sunscreen slides to the sides, so you can adapt the shading precisely according to where the sun is shining or where you're moving. It's a more flexible but also more expensive solution.
How long does it take to install pergola shading?
A bamboo or wooden blind can be attached above a pergola post in no time. Everything you need is included in the package, and we have video guides for you. The sunscreen requires attaching a rail, but the entire installation can be done by one person in an afternoon.