New Making the Most of Bamboo

Making the Most of Bamboo

Outdoor living areas, such as patios, gardens, porches, and decks, are extremely popular. They offer busy homeowners a virtual escape in their own backyard, and many take advantage of the warm spring, summer, and fall weather to fully enjoy their outdoor areas. Along with the warm weather, inevitably, comes unwanted hot sunlight. Bamboo Shades are a wonderful way to keep such sunlight out of these areas. Their natural, simple looks are pleasing to any decorating theme, and the neutral colors allow the landscaping, lawns, and flowers of the outdoor areas to take center stage.

Originating in Asia, Bamboo Shades were, at one time, used to ward off evil spirits, in certain cultures. Today, their uses are more aesthetic and functional, but they are certainly popular. Being made from a natural material, they withstand weather conditions well, although they may need to be treated periodically to keep them looking their best in the outdoor environments. They are very, very easy to install; most simply require a couple nails to hold them in place. Some are so simple that they only need to be untied and unrolled in order to block the sun's rays, or to offer privacy when desired. Others are made to work with a cord system like mini blinds, for example, and while they are more complicated than their roll-up counterparts, they are by no means difficult to use.

Bamboo Shades aren't only useful for outdoor areas. Many people choose to take their beauty indoors, where the simple lines and natural look are also pleasing with many decorating schemes. They are especially appropriate in Asian-themed rooms! Beyond beauty and ease of use, they are also extremely cost effective, making them popular with shoppers who are on a limited budget.

Shoppers can find Bamboo Shades in many different stores, and online shopping is becoming an increasingly popular option as more people have begun to use high-speed Internet connections. Online shoppers are sure to be pleased by the sheer number of websites that offer the bamboo options for window treatments, as well as the large number of decorating ideas that are available, simply by conducting a search, or finding a good decorating website. Online prices are sure to be good, and many shoppers have taken advantage of all these great features, rolled up into one beautiful shade!

Awesome Making the Most of Your Canopy Porch Swing

Making the Most of Your Canopy Porch Swing

Canopy porch swings are always an elegant and resourceful addition to any outdoor furniture set, especially for those who do not have a covered or enclosed porch area to escape from the sun while outdoors. They can be a great piece of furniture for those who like to relax without the glare of the sun and they can be beneficial for families who need to protect young children from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun. To ensure a long life for your canopy porch swing, there are a few important things to consider before deciding on which one to buy.

Location should always be the first aspect to consider before your purchase. Specific measurements should be taken to guarantee that your canopy porch swing will do its job properly. A canopy porch swing should always be placed on a flat surface and in an area where the swing will not hit walls or other surfaces when it swings back and forth, especially if children will be occupying it. Just like any other piece of outdoor furniture, it will face many weather elements such as rain and extreme sunlight depending on where you put it. This is important to consider when shopping around and deciding what kind of canopy porch swing you will purchase and how to properly care for it.

Canopy porch swings are usually made out of wood, metal, or plastic materials. Wooden swings are usually the longest lasting but they also require the most care. They need to be treated with sealant or varnish to protect it from the weather elements. Cedar or redwood are good materials because they will endure long exposure under the sun because cedar and redwood are resistant against cracking, rotting, and warping in shape. Metal swings are easier than wood to care for and clean but they should be treated or painted occasionally to avoid rusting. Metal does heat up more quickly than wood or plastic so extra care is needed to ensure that the metal will not cause injuries like burns. Plastic is the easiest to care for and clean and usually only require soap and water. They also are not prone to rotting or rusting but they do crack in extreme weather conditions, especially the cold. Keeping the swing indoors during the winter may be necessary.

Appearance is also necessary to consider especially because they come in all different colors and patterns. The cushions on the seats should be purchased to match the canopy in color or pattern. These patterns and colors should also be purchased to match the overall look of any existing colors or themes of the outdoor area.

Price is always the most important aspect to consider and shopping around will prove to be very beneficial. Wooden canopy porch swings are usually the longest lasting but they are also the most expensive. Plastic or metal canopy porch swings are cheaper but they may need to be replaced more quickly than a wooden canopy porch swing.

A canopy porch swing can be a great addition to any outdoor living space especially if you choose the right one.