How to Pick the Best Patio Umbrella this Summer Season
The right one will last you years.
Ready to add a decorative touch to your outdoor haven this summer? This guide explores the best patio umbrellas, so you can save time searching and instead spend it relaxing in the shade.
Tip!
Simplify the process of shopping for a patio or deck umbrella by focusing on these three key components:
- Canopy: Is it the perfect shape, style, and fabric?
- Size: Will the umbrella provide sufficient shade?
- Features: Is it easy to open, tilt, and store?
Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Patio Umbrella
A patio umbrella’s canopy creates shade and stands up to weather conditions, all while serving as a decorative statement in your outdoor space. Read on for an overview of every option.
- Market: This is the most popular style of patio umbrella. It features a center stand with several support bars connecting to the canopy. Place it between two reclining chairs, or at the center of an outdoor dining set with an umbrella hole.
- Beach: This style is ideal for replicating the iconic beach umbrella look! It has a more vintage feel with sections of loose flaps around the edges.
- Cantilever: These patio umbrella types have an arched construction, perfect for open spaces. The stand is placed off to the side, with the canopy looming directly above the seating area.
- Wall-Mounted: Wall-mounted patio umbrellas attach to an exterior wall or fence using durable mounting brackets. This type of patio umbrella doesn't take up any deck or patio space and provides cooling shade under which to dine or lounge.
It’s important to consider the size of your patio umbrella in relation to the size of the area in which you’re placing it. Below, we outline the various options that work for different size patio tables and spaces.
5' – 7' Umbrellas:
- Pairs with a 30" – 36" table set
- Accommodates four to five people standing
7.5' – 9' Umbrellas:
- Pairs with a 36" – 48" table set
- Accommodates six to seven people standing
9.5' – 11' Umbrellas:
- Pairs with a 48" – 60" table set
- Accommodates seven to eight people standing
11.5' to Over 13' Umbrellas:
- Pairs with a 60" – 72" table set
- Accommodates nine to 10 people standing
Tip!
Maintain the right amount of shade with a height-adjustable patio umbrella. The stands allow you to easily adjust the height of your umbrella to fit perfectly above a seating area, outdoor dining space, or poolside patio.
When choosing a patio umbrella canopy, consider the shape, fabric, and color options that work best for you.
Umbrella Shape
Pick an umbrella shape that complements the furniture your umbrella will be covering. For a square table, make the canopy square as well. Have a circular seating arrangement? Go with a round, octagonal, or hexagonal shape for full coverage.
Umbrella Fabric
Choose a patio umbrella fabric that is durable, fade-resistant, and easy to clean. Some of the most popular fabrics that have these characteristics are olefin, polyester, Sunbrella, acrylic, and vinyl.
Durability for outdoor conditions is another key consideration, making UV-, mildew-, and wind-resistant patio umbrellas other terrific options. To learn more about weather-resistant fabrics and features, check out our Outdoor Furniture Materials Guide.
Umbrella Color & Pattern
Match your patio umbrella color to your furniture, cushions, and outdoor rugs for a cohesive outdoor oasis. Patio umbrellas come in a variety of colors, from cool blue or green to vibrant yellow, orange, or red. Neutral colors like beige or white create a luxe resort-like feel to any outdoor space.
Opting for a fun canopy pattern is another way to enhance your patio aesthetic. From striped to floral selections, there’s something for every outdoor space.
Consider these patio umbrella features to make the setup process more efficient and enhance your lounging experience.
Lift
Patio umbrellas come with different lift mechanisms that make it easier to raise, lower, and adjust the canopy as the sun moves throughout the day. The three most common types are manual, pulley, and crank lifts. When choosing a style, think about how often you’ll open and close the umbrella. Manual lifts require the most effort, pulley systems offer moderate ease of use, and crank lifts are the simplest and smoothest to operate.
Tilt
If you find yourself constantly moving your chair to stay in the shade, a tiltable patio umbrella is a smart solution. Tilting the canopy helps block the sun as it shifts throughout the day, and is easy to do using one of several tilt mechanisms:
- Collar: Twist a collar above the crank to adjust the angle
- Auto: Continue cranking the umbrella upward until it tilts
- Rotational: Rotate the outer edge of the canopy to unlock the tilt
- manual: Physically adjust the top of the umbrella
- push button: Press a button at the top of the umbrella to activate the tilt
Additional Accessories
Explore extra accessories that can help you get the most out of your patio umbrella. Popular add-ons include replacement covers, mosquito netting, built-in lighting, and weights to keep the umbrella in place. You can also look for additional stands and bases to improve stability or make your setup easier to move. Whether refreshing your outdoor look or enhancing functionality, there are plenty of options to suit your space.
