Shading in outdoor hospitality and dining areas is not just about sun protection — it's an essential part of the guest experience.
Gardens, terraces, and roof gardens have become valuable "outdoor rooms," serving as spaces for relaxation, socializing, or even working. To make the most of them, well-designed shading solutions are required — ones that provide comfort, protection, and aesthetic value to the space. We, the HOSTCOMPASS team recommends 5 shading solutions that combine style, functionality, and durability.
1. Aluminum or Wooden Pergolas
✅ What we Recommend
We, HOSTCOMPASS, as specialists in designing contract outdoor spaces, we recommend fixed or retractable pergolas as one of the most complete shading solutions. Aluminum metal pergolas with adjustable shaders are ideal for hotels or well-organized accommodations, as they allow you to control light and shade according to the needs of the day and the specific space.
If, on the other hand, you wish to create a warmer and more natural atmosphere — especially in villas or beach bars — wooden pergolas made of thermally treated wood or WPC are an excellent choice. The shades we recommend are anthracite, teak, stone beige, and olive grey, as they add elegance and blend seamlessly with various architectural styles.
Don’t overlook the lighting! For a complete and refined result, we recommend adding integrated LED lighting, ceiling fans, or side fabric panels that offer coolness and protection from both sun and wind.
2. Large-Scale Umbrellas
✅ What we Recommend
If you’re looking to shade gardens, small terraces, or pool bars at your accommodation venue, we recommend large umbrellas that offer mobile and easily reversible shading. They are available in various sizes depending on the area you wish to cover and are made from high UV-protection fabric with metal frames — ensuring long-term durability and safety.
For color selection, we recommend choosing neutral tones such as sand white, earthy beige, khaki, or soft grey. For a more cohesive look, you can also select colors that match your business’s branding. To create a beautiful evening and romantic atmosphere, pair the umbrellas with warm LED lighting — enhancing your guests' overall experience.
3. Shade sails
✅ What we Recommend
A shading solution from HOSTCOMPASS, ideal for roof gardens, small gardens, or beach bars, is the sail-type canopies, which are reminiscent of solutions used in sailing. These are particularly recommended for hotels, villas, and Airbnb properties looking for a more modern and alternative approach to shading.
The sails, made from triple-density sun-resistant fabric, are combined with inox bases, offering wind resistance and effective shading. Place the sails in layering — multiple levels at different angles, with varying heights and slopes — to create an impressive geometric composition.
For installation, you will need supports with hooks or metal poles that can create tension in the sails. You can choose them in shades such as sand white, soft grey, earthy brown, or terracotta, ensuring they harmonize with either natural landscapes or urban design. This way, you can easily upgrade your accommodation’s outdoor space with minimal cost.
4. Natural Shading Materials
✅ What we Recommend
If you wish to create an outdoor space with an authentic, organic character, natural shading materials like bamboo, reed, rope, or straw are ideal. At HOSTCOMPASS, we particularly apply these materials in boutique hotels, seaside Airbnb properties, or glamping areas — accommodations that aim to combine functionality and aesthetics without disrupting the natural landscape. These materials gently filter sunlight, offer coolness, and create a relaxing atmosphere, whether in gardens, terraces, or roof gardens, encouraging guests to stay longer.
For additional natural shading, integrate climbing plants like bougainvillea or jasmine, which create a stunning aesthetic effect.You can choose natural shades such as blonde reed, matte beige and brown, or beige and grey rope, which blend perfectly with the natural environment.
The natural materials we recommend offer an eco-friendly solution that is technologically simple yet highly aesthetic, meeting the modern demands of sustainable tourism.
5. Combined Shading Systems
✅ What we Recommend
Perhaps the most flexible solution! At HOSTCOMPASS, when designing outdoor spaces for hotels, villas with roof gardens, or boutique Airbnb properties with gardens, we recommend combined shading systems to provide flexible shading for outdoor areas, taking into account the movement of the sun throughout the day. This approach allows for adaptable shading solutions that cater to different times of the day and varying weather conditions, enhancing both comfort and aesthetics.
On the roof, we recommend installing wave-shaped awnings in warm earthy tones such as terracotta, stone beige, off-white, and olive green, offering diffused light and a cool sensation during the midday hours. For the sides, add long curtains made of linen or burlap, along with macramé, which serve as natural dividers and enhance privacy — ideal for resorts and multi-purpose spaces.
Their support is provided by metal or wooden bases in charcoal or matte bronze, depending on the style of the accommodation. To complete the design, incorporate warm-toned LED lighting for the evening, which can be placed on the bases or between the waves of the awnings. This lighting highlights the contours of the structure at night, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
In conclusion…
A well-thought-out shading solution transforms the outdoor space of your accommodation into a functional "advantage," offering guests an experience they will remember. In the age of social media and reviews, the comfort and aesthetics of the outdoor area play a decisive role in the booking decision.
Evangelia Papadimitriou
