A Shelter From The Sun, Patio Shades

Ever since the first men noticed that too much sun left him uncomfortable, people have been devising different methods of shielding themselves from the sun. In ancient Rome, much of the Coliseum was shaded on the hottest days by cloths supported by wooden poles. The 1800's saw the use of sailcloth or canvas. While able to be put up only when needed, they were also heavy and the sun and wind together rotted them out fairly quickly, rendering them in need of frequent replacements. The twentieth century saw some major advances in the materials used. Patio shades now had cloth that was lightweight and treated for resistance to UV rays. Winds of over 100 mps were shrugged off by these new materials, too.

The ubiquitous umbrella, while first used by the Egyptians as a sunshade, has come into its own as a patio shade. While these patio shades look very well when emerging from the center of a patio table, they also are effective as stand-alone units. Whether attached to a table or by themselves, their benefits are still similar. They can be raised or lowered quickly, their adjustability allowing for maximum, medium, or minimum exposure to the sun as desired.

Umbrella-look patio sun shades do not have to have a pole up their centers. They can be cantilevered to allow for a flexibility fixed-pole sun shades do not have. They tilt this way and that, raising and lowering, giving the ability to luxuriate in soft breezes while still staying in the shade and leaving your lounge or chair in the same place all day long.

If your patio is attached to your house, you may decide to have a more permanent patio shade made out of wood or other materials. The portion of your patio shade closest to your house may be solid, blocking rain as well as sun, while the outer reaches of your patio may be shaded by lattices, with the angles of the slats carefully positioned to keep the sun off as you enjoy the out-of-doors.

If you already have a solid roof to your patio, you may decide to have a patio drop shade, for when the sun moves to peek into your comfy retreat. The cloth drop shades come in a variety of patterns to fit your tastes. Alternatively, you may decide on the more organic-looking bamboo shades. These drop shades can be fully furled, fully extended, or anything in between for flexibility in your comfort.

An awning can make a lovely patio sun shade. They are capable of extending or retracting as the amount of shade wished for changes. Since these awnings are of the newer treated fabrics, they are long lasting, and have a variety of possible designs.

Removable patio sun shades in the form of gazebos can be put up or taken down easily. Sheer side curtains that can be tied to the side poles allow for partial shading when the sun is low in the sky.

Outdoor patio shades in the shape of pergolas are lovely. When the vines climb up the columns and go across the top, you have a natural, green shade that is restful to the eyes and spirit.