BLOG ARTICLE

29 September 2021

Safe from the Sun in Style

With summer on its way for us Down Under, the days are gradually getting longer and the weather warmer, so we are all thinking about spending more time enjoying the outdoors. And like most things in life – too much of a good thing can become detrimental. So, when it comes to summertime and enjoying the sun - it never hurts to take extra precaution in keeping your sun safe, and that goes beyond your preferred SPF formula and a hat.

A key element of every functional outdoor living space is shade, and that’s where a quality shade umbrella for your patio, garden or outdoor entertainment area that comes with added UV protection is essential.

Take Shelter

The number one reason people choose to avoid their outdoor ‘room’ is lack of shelter from the heat and rain, and an outdoor shade umbrella will provide a super stylish and impressive addition to your favourite summertime space as well as protect against the sun's harmful rays. From the most dramatic and inviting cantilever umbrella to the simple yet always-chic round market umbrella, at Design Warehouse we offer a plethora of options crafted from the highest quality fabrics, structures and material. [gallery size="medium" link="none" ids="5606,5611,5620"]

The Beauty of Sunbrella®

When it comes down to the umbrella you choose there are two important things to consider: is it easy to move and control, and how effective and durable is the fabric? We have most definitely taken care of the latter by only working with the very best outdoor umbrella fabric available on the global market: Sunbrella®. Providing much needed shade is what the Sunbrella® fabric does best – supplying protection from the elements, comfort in the heat of the summer and undeniable style in an array of colours for over half a century.

With SPF 50 + and UV protection that filters close to 100 per cent of UV radiation, Sunbrella® takes care of your family and friends when entertaining outdoors without you even having to think twice about it. Sunbrella® shade fabrics are also breathable and allow air to pass through them, creating a comfortable space below no matter how high the humidity factor on your average New Zealand summer’s day.

In addition, our modern shade umbrellas not only protect you, but they always look beautifully presented while doing so. This is due to the unique makeup of Sunbrella® fibres, which come saturated with highly UV stable pigments. Traditional dyeing methods only add colour to the fibre’s exterior, but Sunbrella®’s performance characteristics are an integral part of the fabric. This means they are not an applied finish that would wash off over time, and will maintain their signature hue for many years to come.

Kingston 4 Metre Cantilever Umbrella (Black)-0
Kingston 4 Metre Black Cantilever Umbrella

Our Cantilevered Umbrellas

Your protection from the sun does not end with the canopy fabric, either. As the sun moves through the sky, the area shaded by your umbrella will change over the course of the day. Choosing a quality offset umbrella option that can either tilt or rotate ensures that you are protected from the sun, no matter the angle of the sun. Our large cantilever umbrellas like the Ascot, Kingston and Caribbean styles are ideal for adding extra protection exactly where it’s needed, and look absolutely stunning while doing so. The main benefit of modern cantilever umbrellas is that they can shade a large area without the obstruction that a central pole causes. Our Kingston Cantilever is a impressive 4m square, it does a full 360 degree turn, so that you can lock the base in place and still have shade in a variety of areas. Like smooth edges and a softer look? Try the massive Bahama Round Cantilever over your beautiful Round Teak Table for an elegant, pleasing dining area you will love.

Dixon Dark Blue Square Outdoor Umbrella
Dixon Dark Blue Market Umbrella

Umbrellas for Smaller Spaces

If you’re looking for a little more compact shade option, our small patio umbrellas have been crafted to effortlessly compliment any contemporary space. A popular choice is our Dixon Market Patio Umbrella, which comes with Scotch Guarded polyester fabric that provides the protection from the sun all throughout the year. An easy pulley system allows for different heights for the canopy to suit your needs, and our Market Umbrellas come in four fashionable colours and four sizes.

It doesn’t matter how big or small the space you are shopping for is, Design Warehouse will have you covered. Whether you’re after something small and chic, or large and dramatic, we have a selection of stunning patio umbrella options to fit any brief.

For more information, please call one of our qualified sales people at Design Warehouse for more information.