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A lot of people want to spend time and relax outdoors while not wanting to experience the sun burning their skin. A quick solution to this is by putting up an umbrella huge enough to cover them and a short range of their surroundings where they intend to do their activities. A patio umbrella, also called a garden umbrella, is designed to provide spacious shade underneath it and thus very useful for outdoor yet homebound activities. Most patio umbrellas are built in with a table surrounding its pole. It’s usually used for having outdoor meals, reading a book in the sunlight or even just sitting out and enjoying the summer breeze.

One parallel kind to the patio umbrellas are the market umbrellas. Its main function, like the garden umbrella, is also to give shelter from the heat of the sun. This kind of umbrella is utilized in outdoor markets or sidewalk cafes, restaurants and bistros. Such cafes and restaurants offer what is commonly known as al fresco dining. Market umbrellas, however, unlike patio umbrellas, do not have valances. Nevertheless, it still has wind vents so people can savor their meal without their food or hair getting messed up. And because it has no valance, it’s not difficult for a few people to sit and huddle under it even with smaller tables.

Closely similar to market umbrellas are the commercial umbrellas. These umbrellas mostly occupy the beachfronts, pool sides or outdoor seating areas of resorts and restaurants. Compared to market umbrellas, commercial umbrellas are wider in range so that more people can actually squeeze in. Generally, this kind of umbrella is made in square sizes with larger tables attached to it, perfect for sizeable groups of people to make use of. Commercial umbrellas also create a bubbly and welcoming atmosphere which is an effective tool for inviting and attracting customers.

So far, you’ve learned about three different kinds of umbrellas: the patio, market and commercial umbrellas. These three have almost similar functions and components. All three provide shade and table for people to maximize.

The fourth kind of umbrella is the offset umbrellas. I think, of all the three, this is by far the most popular and practical kind of umbrella. Unlike the previous three, offset umbrellas cater to more functions. It can be used for your patio, the market and commercial establishments as well. Due to its space conscious design, more people prefer it than the patio, market and commercial umbrellas. And because it is space conscious, it allows a wider legroom for people to make the most of.

Basically, offset umbrellas are umbrellas which poles are positioned at only one side and not in the middle as a main distinction to the other three. Here are some of its functions and advantages:
1.    It creates more room for people to move in once the sun takes up a part of their spot inside the shade.
2.    Since its pole is on one side only, people are now free to move inside the shade easier and more comfortably.
3.    There is no pole inside the shade that could limit people’s activities like lying down to take a nap or stretching out for early morning exercise.
4.    Everyone under the umbrella could also have an unconstrained view of their companions as no pole hinders their scene. Everyone can see everyone.
5.    It can be used in pool sides that do not require tables and chairs but still offers shelter for those who want to lounge around. Offset umbrellas are useful for providing shade to those inside the pool too.

Now that you know these four kinds of umbrellas, it is up to you to decide which one best fits your style. The important thing is that you can spend your time in the open air without the hassle of being exposed to direct sunlight which can be harmful. Take into consideration too, the quality, durability and features of the umbrella you want so you can enjoy its full benefits.


Article by Andrew Declue of http://www.epatioumbrellas.com, a website with the best patio umbrella information on the web.