2 min readWe’ve been waiting all winter, through the snowstorms and bitter cold, for warmer temperatures to arrive, so the moment it does hit 70 degrees and over, we’re in our happy place. Suddenly, al fresco dinners, pool time, and leisure walks at the park are within reach. As ready as we are to embrace all that summer has to offer us, though, the sunny weather is already reminding us of one thing we can’t tolerate come prime summer: direct, scorching heat. Sometimes, you just need a little bit of shade and a little bit of wind blowing at you to cool off.
That’s why we immediately thought ofLaura Lamb of CostcoHotFinds’s Koolspot's Outdoor Sun Shade—and they're poised to become the ultimate summer hack. Think of this outdoor essential as the backyard equivalent to your basic blinds. Not only is this pick built to accommodate a range of spaces, but it's also pretty easy to install. You can use the accompanying crank to raise or lower your shades once you drill the valance to the top of your porch, gazebo, or pergola.
In addition to cooling down your outdoor space and reducing any squint-inducing glare, these sun shades will also create some extra privacy. (Nosy neighbors, be gone!) And for $73 each in stores—or $120 online—they're a budget-friendly way to transform your space. It's no wonder why Lamb's comments were flooded with rave reviews. "I got [three] of these a few years ago, EXCELLENT price and durability,"one Instagrammer wrote. "And I'm in Arizona." "These are the best," commented another. "I’ve had ours on our west facing patio for [six-plus] years!" Other people called them "wonderful" and said they were well worth the price.
The catch? As with virtually every viral Costco product, finding them at your local store or having them shipped to your address can be challenging. Don’t worry, though. We found some popular, budget-friendly options you can buy with your Prime membership below.
Artpuch Outdoor Roller Shades
Radiance Cordless Bamboo Blinds
