--- title: Science of Shade description: Tropitone Umbrellas and Cabanas provide the best shade, because the principles of temperatures, sun protection, and color gives us a scientific understanding. image: https://blog.tropitone.com/hubfs/blog-images/temperature-final.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://blog.tropitone.com/science-of-shade#main-content) [Tropitone logo Beautifully crafted, time tested furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/) [Basta Sole® Shade](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/basta-soler-shade) [Products](https://www.tropitone.com/products) Product Groups Spaces Styles [Accessory Pieces](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/accessory-pieces) [Benches](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/benches) [Cabanas](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/shade/cabanas) [Chaise Lounges](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/chaise-lounges) [Furniture Covers](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/furniture-covers) [Modular Seating Pieces](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/modular-seating-pieces) [Outdoor Bar Stools](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-bar-stools) [Outdoor Fire](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-fire) [Outdoor Ottomans](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-ottomans) [Outdoor Patio Chairs](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-patio-chairs) [Outdoor Patio Tables](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-patio-tables) [Planters](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/planters) [Patio Umbrellas & Market Umbrellas](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/patio-umbrellas-market-umbrellas) [Resort Soft Seating](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/resort-soft-seating) [Rugs](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/rugs) [Umbrella Bases](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/umbrella-bases) [Waste Receptacles](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/waste-receptacles) [Cast](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/cast) [Rope](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/rope) [Teak Products](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/teak-products) [Shade](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/shade) [Cafe](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/cafe) [Patterned Aluminum Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/patterned-aluminum-furniture) [Cushion](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/cushion) [EZ SPAN™ Segments](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/ez-spantm-segments) [Fire Products](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/fire-products) [Marine Grade Polymer](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/marine-grade-polymer) [Modular Seating](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/modular-seating) [Padded Sling](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/padded-sling) [Resort Soft Seating](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/resort-soft-seating) [Rugs](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/rugs) [Sling](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/sling) [Strap & Cross Strap](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/strap-cross-strap) 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Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/porch-res) [Poolside Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/poolside-res) [Patio Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/patio-res) [Dining Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/dining-res) [Deck Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/deck-res) [Bar Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/bar-res) [Fireside Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/fireside-res) [Garden Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/garden-res) [Lounge Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/lounge-res) [Gazebo Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/gazebo-res) [Balcony Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/balcony-res) [Café Outdoor Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/style/cafe-outdoor-furniture) [Contemporary Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/style/contemporary-furniture) [Traditional Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/style/traditional-furniture) [Transitional Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/style/transitional-furniture) [Collections](https://www.tropitone.com/collections) [Arzo](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/arzo) [Bayfront](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/bayfront) [Brasilia](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/brasilia) [Cabana Club](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/cabana-club) [Catalina](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/catalina) [Contour](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/contour) [Corsica](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/corsica) [Curve](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/curve) [Duval](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/duval) [Elance](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/elance) [Evo](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/evo) [Fire](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/fire) [FIT](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/fit) [Glendale](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/glendale) [Haven](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/haven) [Kahana](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/kahana) [Kenzo](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/kenzo) [KOR](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/kor) [La Scala](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/la-scala) [Laguna Beach](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/laguna-beach) [Lakeside](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/lakeside) [Millennia](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/millennia) [Mirage](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/mirage) [Montara](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/montara) [Oasis](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/oasis) [Orbit](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/orbit) [Platform](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/platform) [Radius](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/radius) [Resort Soft Seating](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/resort-soft-seating) [Rugs](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/rugs) [Shade](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/shade) [Shoreline](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/shoreline) [Six](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/six) [South Beach](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/south-beach) [Stratton](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/stratton) [Stowe](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/stowe) [Tables](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/tables) [Teak](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/teak) [Trelon](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/trelon) [Twist](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/twist) [Materials](https://www.tropitone.com/materials) [Trade](https://www.tropitone.com/trade-account) [Request a Quote](https://www.tropitone.com/request-a-quote) [Where To Buy](https://www.tropitone.com/where-to-buy) [Login](https://www.tropitone.com/login) [Tropitone logo Beautifully crafted, time tested furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/) [Tropitone logo Beautifully crafted, time tested furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/) [Basta Sole® Shade](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/basta-soler-shade) [Products](https://www.tropitone.com/products) Product [Accessory Pieces](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/accessory-pieces) [Benches](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/benches) [Cabanas](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/shade/cabanas) [Chaise Lounges](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/chaise-lounges) [Furniture Covers](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/furniture-covers) [Modular Seating Pieces](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/modular-seating-pieces) [Outdoor Bar Stools](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-bar-stools) [Outdoor Fire](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-fire) [Outdoor Ottomans](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-ottomans) [Outdoor Patio Chairs](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-patio-chairs) [Outdoor Patio Tables](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/outdoor-patio-tables) [Planters](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/planters) [Patio Umbrellas & Market Umbrellas](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/patio-umbrellas-market-umbrellas) [Resort Soft Seating](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/resort-soft-seating) [Rugs](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/rugs) [Umbrella Bases](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/umbrella-bases) [Waste Receptacles](https://www.tropitone.com/product-type/waste-receptacles) Groups [Cast](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/cast) [Rope](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/rope) [Teak Products](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/teak-products) [Shade](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/shade) [Cafe](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/cafe) [Patterned Aluminum Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/patterned-aluminum-furniture) [Cushion](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/cushion) [EZ SPAN™ Segments](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/ez-spantm-segments) [Fire Products](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/fire-products) [Marine Grade Polymer](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/marine-grade-polymer) [Modular Seating](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/modular-seating) [Padded Sling](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/padded-sling) [Resort Soft Seating](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/resort-soft-seating) [Rugs](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/rugs) [Sling](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/sling) [Strap & Cross Strap](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/strap-cross-strap) [Tables](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/tables) [Woven](https://www.tropitone.com/collection/woven) Spaces [Balcony Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/balcony-contr) [Bar Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/bar-contr) [Club Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/club-contr) [Deck Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/deck-contr) [Dining Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/dining-contr) [Fireside Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/fireside-contr) [Gazebo Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/gazebo-contr) [Patio Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/patio-contr) [Poolside Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/poolside-contr) [Public Gathering Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/public-gathering-contr) [Restaurant Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/restaurant-contr) [VIP Contract](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/vip-contr) [Sunroom Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/sunroom-res) [Porch Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/porch-res) [Poolside Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/poolside-res) [Patio Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/patio-res) [Dining Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/dining-res) [Deck Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/deck-res) [Bar Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/bar-res) [Fireside Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/fireside-res) [Garden Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/garden-res) [Lounge Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/lounge-res) [Gazebo Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/gazebo-res) [Balcony Residential](https://www.tropitone.com/spaces/balcony-res) Styles [Café Outdoor Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/style/cafe-outdoor-furniture) [Contemporary Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/style/contemporary-furniture) [Traditional Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/style/traditional-furniture) [Transitional Furniture](https://www.tropitone.com/style/transitional-furniture) [Collections](https://www.tropitone.com/collections) [Arzo](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/arzo) [Bayfront](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/bayfront) [Brasilia](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/brasilia) [Cabana Club](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/cabana-club) [Catalina](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/catalina) [Contour](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/contour) [Corsica](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/corsica) [Curve](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/curve) [Duval](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/duval) [Elance](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/elance) [Evo](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/evo) [Fire](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/fire) [FIT](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/fit) [Glendale](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/glendale) [Haven](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/haven) [Kahana](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/kahana) [Kenzo](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/kenzo) [KOR](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/kor) [La Scala](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/la-scala) [Laguna Beach](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/laguna-beach) [Lakeside](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/lakeside) [Millennia](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/millennia) [Mirage](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/mirage) [Montara](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/montara) [Oasis](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/oasis) [Orbit](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/orbit) [Platform](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/platform) [Radius](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/radius) [Resort Soft Seating](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/resort-soft-seating) [Rugs](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/rugs) [Shade](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/shade) [Shoreline](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/shoreline) [Six](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/six) [South Beach](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/south-beach) [Stratton](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/stratton) [Stowe](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/stowe) [Tables](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/tables) [Teak](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/teak) [Trelon](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/trelon) [Twist](https://www.tropitone.com/groups/twist) [Materials](https://www.tropitone.com/materials) [Trade](https://www.tropitone.com/trade-account) [Request a Quote](https://www.tropitone.com/request-a-quote) [Where To Buy](https://www.tropitone.com/where-to-buy) Login Aug 2, 2017 10:00:00 AM # Science of Shade [Jennifer Morse](https://blog.tropitone.com/author/jennifer-morse) Share: [facebook-f icon](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.tropitone.com/science-of-shade) [linkedin-in icon](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.tropitone.com/science-of-shade) [Twitter icon](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.tropitone.com/science-of-shade) [pinterest-p icon](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https://blog.tropitone.com/science-of-shade) [envelope icon](mailto:?body=https://blog.tropitone.com/science-of-shade) On a hot summer day, don’t escape into the air-conditioned house. You’ve waited all winter to spend time outside. Patio covers, umbrellas, or cabanas are a great way to add shade to your outdoor space and make sure you stay cool. Let’s take this a step further and discover the science behind summer shade. **1. Temperature** We can all feel the temperature difference between an uncovered area and a shaded area in the yard. But, what is the actual difference in temperature? To find out, we set up a thermometer outside in direct sunlight and another thermometer under a [Tropitone® Patio Umbrella](https://www.tropitone.com/outdoor-furniture/residential/product-collection/basta-sole-umbrellas-cabanas). During the hottest part of the day, we measured a difference of 30 degrees! While results may vary depending on the angle of the sun and cloud coverage, this provides us with evidence that shade does, in fact, keep us cool. This is the difference between comfortably spending time outside and sweltering in the heat! **2. Sun Protection** Shade provides sun protection from the Sun’s UVA and UVB rays, which are strongest from 10am to 4pm. UV rays provide warmth, but potential health concerns.1 While applying sunscreen is always important before enjoying the outdoors, shade can provide sun protection all day long. An expansive [Tropitone® Cabana](https://www.tropitone.com/outdoor-furniture/residential/group/cabanas?nav=649) offers a large area of shade regardless of the sun’s position. You’ll feel like a modern sheikh in your custom-shaded oasis outfitted with a ceiling fan or widescreen TV. **3. Color** Experts, called corporate colorists, determine color trends every year.2 Corporations have used colors to influence how we make purchases for over a hundred years. Tropitone, too, offers expert-selected outdoor fabrics and finishes. The plethora of finishes and fabrics allow you to decide what type of space and emotion to create in your outdoor space. Blues, greens, and floral patterns will create a calm and relaxing outdoor space, while reds, oranges, and stripes create a lively, party-ready space. Enjoy the summer weather to the fullest by using Tropitone's outdoor umbrellas and cabanas as the foundation of your shade design and turn your outdoor space into a cool, welcoming refuge.      1The American Cancer Society Medical and Editorial Team, "How Do I Protect Myself from UV Rays?" American Cancer Society, May 22, 2017, [https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/uv-protection.html](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/uv-protection.html)  2Smithsonian Libraries, "Using Color," Color in a New Light, August 1, 2017, [http://library.si.edu/exhibition/color-in-a-new-light/using](http://library.si.edu/exhibition/color-in-a-new-light/using)  [Outdoor Life and Style](https://blog.tropitone.com/topic/outdoor-life-and-style) ## Related posts [![](https://blog.tropitone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/lakeside_ii_padded_location_07.jpg?height=200&name=lakeside_ii_padded_location_07.jpg)](https://blog.tropitone.com/waterfront-patio-furniture-for-lake-and-beach-houses) [Outdoor Life and Style](https://blog.tropitone.com/topic/outdoor-life-and-style) ## [Waterfront Patio Furniture for Lake and Beach Houses](https://blog.tropitone.com/waterfront-patio-furniture-for-lake-and-beach-houses) [Jennifer Morse](https://blog.tropitone.com/author/jennifer-morse) Feb 3, 2017 4:40:15 PM With a stunning waterfront view, a lake or beach house should have an outdoor porch or deck to take... [Read more](https://blog.tropitone.com/waterfront-patio-furniture-for-lake-and-beach-houses) [![Fine Tune Your Outdoor Experience Blog image.jpg](https://blog.tropitone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-images/Fine%20Tune%20Your%20Outdoor%20Experience%20Blog%20image.jpg?height=200&name=Fine%20Tune%20Your%20Outdoor%20Experience%20Blog%20image.jpg)](https://blog.tropitone.com/fine-tune-your-outdoor-experience-with-accessories) [Outdoor Life and Style](https://blog.tropitone.com/topic/outdoor-life-and-style) ## [Fine-Tune Your Outdoor Experience with Accessories](https://blog.tropitone.com/fine-tune-your-outdoor-experience-with-accessories) [Jennifer Morse](https://blog.tropitone.com/author/jennifer-morse) Oct 4, 2017 10:00:00 AM Have you completed your outdoor space or is something still missing? While outdoor seating and... [Read more](https://blog.tropitone.com/fine-tune-your-outdoor-experience-with-accessories) [![](https://blog.tropitone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Pacifica_Lounge_HeroTQ_Horizontal-1.jpg?height=200&name=Pacifica_Lounge_HeroTQ_Horizontal-1.jpg)](https://blog.tropitone.com/hospitality-summer-solutions) [Outdoor Furniture](https://blog.tropitone.com/topic/outdoor-furniture) ## [Hospitality: Summer Solutions](https://blog.tropitone.com/hospitality-summer-solutions) [Tropitone](https://blog.tropitone.com/author/tropitone) May 30, 2023 8:30:00 AM Summer is right around the corner. Freshen up your outdoor social areas with the latest hospitality... [Read more](https://blog.tropitone.com/hospitality-summer-solutions) ## Tropitone Footer Tropitone logo Beautifully crafted, time tested furniture   ### Materials [Finishes](https://www.tropitone.com/materials/finishes) [Fabrics](https://www.tropitone.com/materials/fabrics) [Segments & Vinyls](https://www.tropitone.com/materials/segments-vinyls) ### About Us [Why Tropitone?](https://www.tropitone.com/why-tropitone) [What's New](https://www.tropitone.com/new-introductions) [Product Care](https://www.tropitone.com/product-care) [Green Living](https://www.tropitone.com/green-living) [Enjoyable Locations](https://www.tropitone.com/enjoyable-locations) [Blog](https://blog.tropitone.com/?_gl=1*19vm77q*_ga*MTkwOTYwNDAwMC4xNzIwNzg5Mzkw*_ga_91M8H2ZB23*MTcyNzcxMDc1NS4yMC4xLjE3Mjc3MTA3NTUuNjAuMC4w) ### Specify [Catalogs](https://www.tropitone.com/catalogs) [Lookbooks](https://www.tropitone.com/lookbook) [Where to Buy](https://www.tropitone.com/where-to-buy) ### Service [Trade Accounts](https://www.tropitone.com/trade-program-page) [Request A Quote](https://www.tropitone.com/request-a-quote) [Resources](https://www.tropitone.com/resources) [Contact us](https://www.tropitone.com/contact-us) [Warranty](https://www.tropitone.com/warranty) [FAQ](https://www.tropitone.com/faq) [Sitemap](https://www.tropitone.com/sitemap) [Accessibility Statement](https://www.tropitone.com/accessibility) Tropitone® outdoor patio furniture is exquisitely designed, flawless in form and function, and delivers an enjoyable outdoor experience. © 2025 Tropitone Furniture Company, Inc. A Brown Jordan International Company. [Privacy Policy](https://www.tropitone.com/privacy-policy) [Terms of Use](https://www.tropitone.com/terms-use) [Do not Sell My Info](https://www.tropitone.com/california-privacy-policy) [Opens Tropitone Facebook Page in a new tab](https://www.facebook.com/TropitoneFurniture) [Opens Tropitone Instagram in a new tab](https://instagram.com/tropitonefurniture) [Opens Tropitone YouTube in a new tab](https://www.youtube.com/user/TropitoneFurnitureCo/videos) [Opens Tropitone Pinterest in a new tab](https://pinterest.com/tropitone/) ---