Sun umbrellas with decorative valances are back. Influenced by the glamourous retro ambience of cafés across Europe and the US, valances on sun umbrellas are making a statement in New Zealand.
Valances add charm to an umbrella, along with a hint of luxurious indulgence. It is almost impossible to look at a valanced Shade7 sun umbrella and not feel invited to pause and enjoy. This effect is especially powerful for those in hospitality offering outdoor dining and bar experiences. A Shade7 valanced sun umbrella could be the deciding factor on where the next patron decides to order a drink or a meal.
Mudbrick branded scalloped 4.0 Milan and 3.1 Venice umbrellas
Mudbrick is a stunning and extremely popular location, particularly prized for weddings. The luxury Mediterranean atmosphere wraps around you before you even set foot on the waterside dock and makes any visit to Mudbrick a memory to treasure for life. Getting the ambience just right is essential, and Shade7’s scalloped valances adorning the extremely durable Milan 4m octagonal and Venice 3.1 octagonal umbrellas achieves just the right effect. Branded with Veuve Clicquot and Mudbrick logos, the umbrellas add the perfect touch as well as much needed shade.
Dishery Branded Milan 2.5 Square, photo by Bri Woolnough
Canyon Brewing has been enjoying the clean lines of Shade7’s square Milan umbrellas for years, with black canopies and white Canyon Brewing logo as a striking contrast. However, when it came to creating just the right ambience for Dishery eatery, Canyon Brewing chose square Milan umbrellas again, this time adding not only scalloped valances but also choosing custom Burgundy canvas for the canopy with pink logo branding to establish a luxurious yet playful mood for the venue.
Boatshed Bakery branded Venice 1.9, photo by Bri Woolnough
Also coming under Canyon Brewing’s creative direction were umbrellas for the Boatshed Bakery. This must be one of the most beautiful bakery locations in New Zealand, and getting the outdoor space look just right led to valanced 1.9m Pop Up umbrellas. The Pop Up is Shade7’s latest design in the Venice range, and the petite 1.9 square size keeps the lines clean while offering enough shade for enjoying delicious baked goods whilst overlooking the stunning water views. The Boatshed Bakery has black canopies and scalloped valances with a custom cream logo. The effect is one of Parisienne Chic.
Riversdale Beach Venice 2.6 octagonal tasseled scalloped valances
Riversdale Beach Store at the heart of the Riversdale Beach seaside community on the Wairarapa’s east coast is another early adaptor, and the first in New Zealand to add tassels to the scalloped valances. Known for its sunny and welcoming beachy vibes, popular with locals and visitors alike, the local Riversdale Beach store was already sporting some branded Shade7 Venice umbrellas. The umbrellas were so strong and durable that the owners decided to put Shade7 Venice umbrellas throughout the rest of the social space. And to make the biggest splash in this costal destination, all the new umbrellas were made in bright orange and turquoise canopies with tasseled valances. The results speak for themselves. Visually stunning, the ambience is delightful and patrons are loving it.
Curbside Bagels Venice 2.6 octagonal straight valances
While scalloped canopies are undoubtedly the most requested valance style, a close second is the straight valance. Curbside Bagels went for an elegant Khaki Green custom colour with straight valances. The result is charming yet refined ambience, perfect for this pretty café courtyard garden.
Valances are also available for residential customers choosing from the Venice and Milan ranges. If valances are an upgrade that would add the perfect ambience for your outdoor space, you can test each valance style – scalloped, straight or Roman – as well as branding options, on the Shade7 Venice branding configurator. Milan configurator to follow. Contact the friendly, experienced Shade7 team for more information and customised quotes for your outdoor umbrella project.
