Schools and educational facilities have such wide-ranging areas and activities that the most versatile and effective shade solution is often outdoor umbrellas. From vast, telescopic semi-permanent umbrellas like the Tempest, to small, light and durable umbrellas like the Venice, outdoor umbrellas that are strong in the wind can provide the best protection from harmful UV rays in the varying terrain and functions of our schools and education centres’ outdoor spaces.
The most in-demand small commercial umbrella in the Shade7 range is the Venice. This smaller scale centre pole umbrella offers sizes of 1.9/2.2 square, 2.6 octagonal (best-selling), and 3.1 octagonal. The Venice is lightweight and extremely strong, with slender fiberglass arms that flex under pressure. The ease of moving the Venice, along with its durability, makes it ideal for events, such as school sports events like cricket and rowing regattas, and permanent settings such as school lunch areas where umbrellas are frequently moved.
The Venice has an aluminum pole made up of two pieces for easy storage, which also makes the umbrella economical for shipping. The smaller scale and high wind-ratings of 50kph to 80kph when secured make the Venice useful year-round and suited to most budgets..
A new Pop Up version of the Venice is available from August 2025. The new model Venice Pop Up adds simplicity and ease of use to the already brilliant Venice, replacing traditional rope and pin with streamlined looks and clean operation.
Branding Venice umbrella canopies is a fantastic option for school sports teams and school spirit group events. The Venice is also ideally suited to digital printing projects like students’ artwork being featured as part of school prize giving and motivation for creative students to participate in school projects.
For locations that need larger umbrellas with moveable bases, Shade7’s Milan umbrella range is an excellent mid-size option. The Milan is like a bigger version of the Venice, with heavy-duty fibreglass arms and a 50mm pole, wind ratings of 50-60kph, and a solid stance and appearance.
The Milan comes in four sizes; 4m octagonal, 3m square, 3.5m octagonal and 2.5m square. The 3m square and 4m octagonal Milan arms are too long to close over tables, so the 3.5 octagonal Milan, which does clear a table when closed, is the best-selling table-compatible Milan. Restaurants and cafes often favour the Milan for its generous canopy sizes and elegant, solid appearance. The Milan v2 launches in August 2025, with an even bigger Alfresco 3.5m square umbrella ideal for University and Tertiary campuses launching August 2025. The Alfresco is telescopic to ensure it is compatible with tables for staff areas and student cafe and lunch areas.
It is not only schools that favour the Venice and Milan outdoor umbrellas. Coca Cola, DB, Zeffer, vineyards, boutique breweries and cafés nationwide rely on the Venice and Milan for powerful branding as well as protecting patrons from our fierce sun. The Venice and Milan offer outstanding value for money with elegant appearance, simple operation, high strength and canopies with the highest UV protection for fabric and 7-8 out of 8 rating against fading.
Shade7’s outdoor umbrella range also includes large cantilever and semi-permanent umbrella options ideal for universities, early learning centres and public spaces, with canopy sizes from 3m square up to 5m square, or 3.5 octagonal up to 4.5m octagonal. These can also be branded to represent schools and university spirit.
Shade7’s friendly and experienced team can help you to choose the best design and size umbrella for your school or business premises. Contact them online or call into the beautiful showroom at 1096 Great South Road, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060.
