Summer seems as if it was made for spending time outside. We all spend the winter months burrowed in our homes, not wanting to leave the warmth and comfort of the indoors. However, as soon as the warm weather comes, we’re ready to break out of the confines of the walls and head outside for some fresh air. But, the summer heat and humidity can become stifling quickly. It’s at these times when the comfort of a shaded area in the backyard can become a personal oasis of coolness and comfort. Read below to find out about the many benefits of adding shade to an outdoor living space.
1. Visual interest
One reason to add shading elements to an outdoor area is simply to add visual interest to the entire landscape. Often, homeowners focus on adding flower gardens, shrubbery, and outdoor entertaining areas. However, adding shading elements can add a lot to the entire area. Strategically placed trees can provide both shade and privacy from interlopers. A beautiful awning placed over a sitting area can create a comforting and welcoming atmosphere. An umbrella can offer a pop of color along with having some more practical uses.
2. Protection from weather elements
Summertime brings with it a variety of weather elements. Most days are warm and sunny, but a summer storm can come in with little or no warning. Having an umbrella covering part of the living area can provide protection from both sun and rain. When the sun’s rays are hot and overbearing, lounging under an umbrella offers just enough protection so you can remain outside without becoming overheated, which can ultimately lead to sickness. An umbrella can offer protection from the rain that comes with a summer storm. Although a summer rain can be refreshing; it is not fun to be caught in it. Camping out under an umbrella can keep you safe and dry while you wait for the summer rain to pass.
3. Protection from UV rays
Although the sun feels good when it touches our skin, it is no secret that too much exposure to harmful UV rays is dangerous. Having a shaded structure such as an umbrella or canopy in the outdoor living area can block almost all of the harmful rays. Since almost all of the UV rays are blocked, you can safely enjoy the outdoors with a significant decrease in the risk of painful burns or, even worse, skin cancer. Enjoying the outdoors with this peace of mind is absolutely priceless.
4. Keeps the ground cool
Another benefit of having shaded outdoor areas is that the ground beneath it stays cool to the touch. This feature is especially important for households with small children. In the heat of the
summer months, ground that is not protected by shade can get incredibly hot. If an unknowing child were to walk on hot cement that was not covered by shade, the result could be severely burned feet and an extremely unhappy child. So, having shaded areas in the yard is an easy way to make sure kids stay safely out of harm’s way.
5. Dine in peace
Dining al fresco is one of the simple joys of summer. But, it can be quickly ruined from any one of a number of outside factors. The aforementioned summer storm can have people grabbing their plates and ducking for cover. Similarly, an invasion of bees or other flying pests can put a damper on an otherwise perfect summer dining experience. Some people do not like to eat with the heat of the sun beating down on them. Having a shaded structure over the dining area can alleviate all of these issues and allow everyone to ease into their meals and even enjoy an after dinner drink without any worries.
Creating beautiful shaded areas in the outdoor living space is an easy and affordable way to get the most out of every inch of your home. Although the summer weather has many advantages, it is not without its liabilities. A shaded area can eliminate all the negative aspects of spending time outdoors in the summer and allow you to bask in all of its glory without a worry.
If you need to enhance your outdoor area with some shading structures, check out Design Furnishings. We have lots of products to help make your outdoor area a special place to spend your leisure time all summer long.