Furniture has become an essential part of our lives. It was first invented among the ancient civilizations in Egypt, Rome, Greece. There are many artifacts still standing today, either preserved in archaeological sites or in museums around the world witnessing our ancestors’ work. This article is dedicated to umbrellas and most of all offset umbrellas which are great choice for every patio.
When was furniture invented?
Skara Brae is a famous archaeological site in Scotland where thousand-year-old furniture pieces are preserved. Our ancestors used what they found in nature, and usually, they made their furniture pieces out of stone and wood with a combination of mud and clay. As many things changed and evolved during the last centuries, so did furniture. Visit Online Design Teacher for more information.
The most recognizable furniture pieces come from the renaissance and baroque, and they differ in many aspects from the contemporary furniture that we use today. Modernism has brought us contemporary design with a minimalistic view of things. Clean cuts, sharp edges, and generally right angles are some of the main characteristics of modern furniture pieces. When you hear the word furniture, what exactly comes to your mind? Probably sofas or dining tables in your living room, or beds and writing desks in the bedroom. Almost everything you have in your home can be classified into different types of furniture. Even the things in your backyard or the umbrellas, chairs, and lounges on the beach are considered furniture.
How can furniture pieces make your life better?
Just imagine how our lives would be without everyday objects like drawers, wardrobes, TV stands, and other things that we take for granted. Recently during the pandemic, people found new hobbies, like gardening and taking care of the backyard. Backyard furniture pieces are there to spruce up your home and help you score bonus points among your neighbors.
Instead of sitting at home bundled up the whole day on the couch or working in front of the computer, you can decide to purchase some furniture items that will make you go out and enjoy the sun and the fresh air. But when summer is approaching, and you live in a hot climate, for sure, you should protect yourself from the scorching heat and the UV light from the sun. Investing in a good umbrella can be a good decision.
Types of offset umbrellas on the market
Generally, you can decide among three types of umbrellas – market patio, offset patio umbrellas or outdoor solar patio umbrellas. The first type is widely popular and purchased, and you have probably seen this type in the street markets or outdoor cafes and restaurants. It is characterized by a straight pole positioned in the center around which tables and chairs are placed. Click here for more types. Usually, the central pole passes through the table or can already be fused and sold as such on the market. In that case, the table serves as a stability anchor for the umbrella above. The canopy can be square or rectangular, but the most typical shape is octagonal.
On the other hand, offset umbrellas are primarily used in the backyards for covering smaller conversation sets such as coffee tables or chairs as part of the patio furniture. The main benefit is incorporated in the name itself. The pole is on the side rather than in the center, and since it stands independently, it can be moved freely along the backyard for different shading purposes. For what concerns the shape, it generally depends on what you are shading, the overall aesthetic look of the ensemble, and the available space. If you want to cover the dining set, you can maybe land on a rectangular shape. A round umbrella is a good decision for shading some lounges or a small conversation set. Another important aspect is to be aware of possible obstructions in your backyard, like branches from trees, when planning to place a nice umbrella for your outdoor experience.
Another essential concept is structural stability. Generally, fiberglass ribs are used to make the structure more stable and weather resistant. They can bend under the influence of wind and are highly durable in coastal climates where salty air and moisture are present. When it comes to the canopy, it can be made from a variety of fabrics. Each fabric has its peculiarity, and they can differ in durability, quality and price. You can find a variety of offset patio umbrellas on the market. Generally, you can choose sunbrella fabric for the canopy that doesn’t fade from the UV sunlight. Polyester is often resistant to mildew and moisture and came come in various colors and patterns. Olefin is a specific material that is cheaper than the other options, but the quality is not sacrificed. Acrylic material is a popular choice for pool umbrellas and even patio furniture. And last but not least, thatch is a beautiful alternative to the more traditional materials, which is made from polypropylene strips and at the same time is rot and mildew resistant and doesn’t attract insects.
