Made in the Shade

Manufacturers offer unique products that not only offer comfort, but integrate sun protection as well.

Courtney M. Paschal -- Casual Living, 5/1/2008

Shade Innovations – Manufacturers continue to expand the consumers’ mind with unique products that not only offer comfort, but integrate sun protection as well. Here are a few new products worthy of note.

Agio’s Madison Tête-à-tête Collection, crafted of Tessero all-weather wicker, is an intimate grouping that combines form and function for smaller outdoor spaces with cozy seating for two plus coordinating ottoman and umbrella.

The Lounger Sun Shade by Barlow Tyrie is designed to fit the award-winning Equinox and Horizon sun loungers. Its Textilene sling shade cuts glare from the sun, allowing more comfort for the user.

The new cantilever umbrella by SCHOU USA features a base with wheels and extra extensions, along with an innovative auto-lock system to ease portability when maneuvering the umbrella.

Veneman Collections debuts a free-standing woven umbrella, a 12-ft. wide shade option that not only exudes contemporary design but molds itself to complementary furniture pieces.

Umbrellas – Today’s market umbrellas are anything but plain and ordinary. Now crafted with the best technology has to offer, from auto-lock systems and convenient pulley mechanisms to iPod docking stations, plus a wide variety of color and fabric choices, the

shade category has certainly come into its own in the 21st century.

Tropitone debuts Portofino III featuring fiberglass arms supported by an aluminum pole and cast aluminum hub with stainless steel pins, available in a 6-ft. square and 7-, 8- and 9-ft. hexagon.

Featuring a three-position tilt, knit shade and easy crank system, Coolaroo’s square contemporary umbrella from Gale Pacific incorporates a new staggered rib design to add modern flair.

Market umbrellas by Oxford Garden, available in four sizes and 11 colors, feature a decorative finial on top and are vented to allow wind gusts to escape without damaging the umbrella.

Kingsley-Bate’s 10-ft. teak market umbrella features a solid teak pole, teak hubs and a convenient pulley mechanism for raising and lowering the canopy.

Aluminum and teak pair to create the Laguna umbrella by Terra Furniture. The aluminum pole and struts are painted in a striking polished aluminum finish, while the hubs and top finial are crafted of teak.

The Curve Easy Sun by Sun Garden features a new more feminine shape and large canopy at 13 feet.

The Southern Butterfly Freedom umbrella by Southern Patio is highlighted by solar lights integrated into the ribs and hub of the frame for ambient nighttime lighting plus a 10-ft. canopy with fashion-forward accent stripe, foldable base and 360-degree tilt action.

Shade Structures — Arbors, gazebos and pergolas, oh my! When homeowners want more coverage than an umbrella can provide, a variety of choices are available that do not skimp on design or style.

The Tuscany 12-ft. square gazebo by Protégé Casual features an aluminum roof and simple, straight-lined contemporary design.

The Allegro pavilion from Achla Designs is handmade from solid steel sections using Old World forging and modern welding techniques, topped with a sewn white nylon canopy to create a sophisticated design.

The Malatesta Cesena gazebo from The Shade Experts is a stunning structure crafted of steel and featuring elegant scrollwork plus a PVC top, side curtains and more. Also of note is an internal gutter that works to displace water.

Bali House Furnishings’ Pergola outdoor bed is crafted of reclaimed teak for a rustic, yet thoroughly modern look.

By Jardin de Ville, the Cabrio pavilion is part of the Town & Country licensed collection and features a retractable roof, easy-to-install framing and flowing privacy curtains. An interior track allows users to hang curtains, mosquito netting or a lighting system.

From the Laneventure WeatherMaster Collection, the Arbor Canopy features gorgeous sun panels with fashionable fabric on the front and back sides that drape down the arbor.

NorthCape International debuted pergola kits to enhance outdoor living areas. Made from treated yellow pine, the pergolas are available in two sizes.