If you have to work in the city when summer arrives and temperatures are high and days of extreme heat become your daily routine, there are different ways to make day-to-day life a little more bearable and turn your home into a refuge where you can be at least a little more comfortable. Fortunately, nowadays you don’t need to make a big investment or undertake endless renovations to reduce that suffocating heat sensation.
Read more The waterproof backpack I take to swimming: it fits absolutely everything and nothing gets wet
Having a ceiling fan or a silent fan at home can greatly help the air move and make the feeling much more pleasant, but if you are lucky enough to have an outdoor corner like a balcony, which usually brings a lot of light inside, during the summer it is important to cover it, whether with retractable awnings, sail awnings, or compact umbrellas with stable bases, both to be able to go out without getting scorched and enjoy the fresh air and to protect the terrace doors and windows from direct sun impact and thus prevent the temperature from rising inside the house.
From EL PAÍS Escaparate we have made a very economical selection of awnings, umbrellas, and bases for the balcony that can help you finish preparing your terrace for summer without having to make an excessive investment.
Retractable awning
This awning is probably the most suitable option for a small balcony. You don’t need to do any construction to install it and it adjusts easily with a crank.
Rectangular sail awning
This sail awning is a better option for those who do not want to take up floor space. Also, it not only protects against the sun; being waterproof, it also helps cover clothes on the drying rack while they dry.
Shade mesh
If you are looking for an option that simply shields your balcony from direct sunlight, this shade mesh is perfect for that, as it allows you to reduce the temperature underneath without losing ventilation.
Square sail awning
This sail awning is very durable and breathable and is a bit larger than the previous models (2.5 x 2.5 m), so it is perfect if your balcony is larger than usual or if you have a spacious terrace.
Round umbrella
This umbrella, with a height of 160 cm, is compact and has an adjustable tilt, which is perfect so you can move it as the sun changes throughout the day.
Rectangular umbrella
This umbrella with UPF 50+ protection is a lightweight, versatile, and easy-to-carry model for those looking for something that works both for the balcony or terrace and even to take to the beach.
Rectangular parasol umbrella
This umbrella, measuring 180 x 120 cm, stands out for its resistance to sun and the passage of time and is especially useful on elongated balconies.
Base for small or medium umbrellas
A stable and easy-to-move base that helps hold small and medium umbrellas without complications. To withstand weight and wind without problems, you just have to fill it with water or sand.
Bag-shaped base
This base is a sand-fillable bag that can hold up to 40 kg. If the ground where you want to use it is uneven, this bag-shaped model is perfect, as its shape molds to easily adapt to the terrain.
Base for large umbrellas
Like the first model, this base is fillable with water or sand. Also, it is larger, as it is designed to support up to 50 kg and strong gusts of wind that can arise in a summer storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option takes up the least space on a small balcony?
Sail awnings and shade meshes are usually the most convenient options when you have little space available because they do not take up floor space.
What type of umbrella fits better on a narrow balcony?
Rectangular or tiltable umbrellas usually make better use of and cover the space better than round ones.
[Remember that if you are an Amazon Prime user, all purchases have free shipping. Amazon offers a free, no-obligation trial period for 30 days.]
*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of May 18, 2026.
You can follow EL PAÍS ESCAPARATE on Instagram, or subscribe here to our Newsletter.
Read more I have tried several magnetic door screens and this is the one I liked the most
