Shades that are used primarily for recreational purposes are most often seen in homes where there is a backyard pool or backyard patio deck. Depending on the type of backyard, people put up various types of shading. For pools, one might use canopies, cabanas and lateral umbrellas. For patios one might use pergolas, arbors, awnings and also canopies.
In the summer, the weather turns comfortable, many people will plan or hold social gatherings in the backyard, on a porch, or in the wonderful home garden. Having the event outside gives the party-goers a chance to experience the nice weather, but also allows the party-giver to take care of many more guests than is feasible inside the house.
During the summer time people often hold events outdoors in the yard, on a patio or near a beautiful home garden. This allows them to take advantage of good weather and fresh air, but also to accommodate a large number of people easily without having to squeeze them under the roof of the house.
Consequences of spending time outdoors under the sun are burnt skin, premature wrinkling and late-life skin-related problems. Some ways of spending time outdoors are using the pool, toiling in the yard in the day time, or relaxing on a porch. These are everyday activities which potentially lead to damage in the skin from excessive UV exposure.
The traditional home awning is composed of a metal frame onto which a shade fabric is stretched for shading purposes. The metal frame may be fixed or retractable in some way. The position of the frame is either over a window or door, and occasionally can cover a front porch or patio. Fancier awnings at home may be remote controlled or automatically retractable in the event of rain.
In almost every part of the country, with the exception of the extreme northern state of Alaska, and the temperate region of Hawaii, the continental United States experiences hot, sweltering summers. In some states the summer time is an extended affair, while in other states it lasts a few days or a few weeks.
I became charmed with the drama of outdoor patio lights at an exceptionally romantic restaurant in the old part of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We sat in the courtyard garden surrounded by outdoor art sculptures while rope lights wandered up and down the trees. It was the first time I had recognized the beauty and impact of outdoor lighting and outdoor art. I was mesmerized. Since that initial night I have visited many other romantic restaurants and have admired their outdoor lighting and outdoor art but nothing makes an impact like the first night.
