Oonagh Turner
From the boho and playful to the structural and contemporary, outdoor umbrellas and backyard shelters are a surefire way to make the most of your open-air space. No matter the size of your patio or lawn, such structures provide a dedicated space for shade and an organic way to divvy up the different areas of your backyard.
They're staples at all of the best outdoor furniture brands, and today, after a bit of shopping and research, we'll go through a few of our favorites on the market right now — focusing primarily, of course, on aesthetics and style (with a hefty dose of customer reviews).
"Backyard tents and shelters are a nice addition to a relaxing space," says Kat Aul Cervoni, landscape designer and founder of Staghorn NYC and The Cultivation by Kat. "They can provide coverage from Sun and sometimes rain, give privacy, help define a special destination, and can help define a style or set a mood."
Find our curated list below — if privacy and shade are what you're after this summer, look no further than this 12-item edit.
Stately Patio Umbrellas
The arched patio umbrella is all about convenience. Its cantilever base prevents it from interrupting furniture groupings, while its freestanding shade keeps everything and everyone below shaded from the sun's rays.
Price: $359.99
While its base is admittedly a bit of an eyesore, the excellent price of this arched patio umbrella is enough to erase any design sins. Plus, the striped shade design is reminiscent of a 5-star coastal hotel, so let that be what pulls you in. Customer reviews are equally as favorable; add in the 360-degree rotation and ... could this be the best buy of the summer?
Price: $1049
Was: $1499
This Pottery Barn option is a great idea for anyone who prefers stately appearances, clean lines, and the simple, suburban aesthetic Pottery Barn does better than anyone. While the canopy here is in the shade "natural," "navy," "heather gray," and "black" are also available. The best part? The easy-turn crank and tilt function. No sunburns here!
Price: $425.40
Was: $709
With a 4.9/5-star rating across 28 reviews, it's safe to say the Bunny Williams Arch Umbrella is a customer favorite. And if you strike now, you can be the proud owner of this Indian arch-inspired accent for about $300 less than usual. Like the Pottery Barn option, the shade is made of Sunbrella fabric to prevent fading, stains, and mildew.
Playful Cabanas
Umbrellas aren't your only option for shade — a cabana is a fabulous option for anyone looking for something substantial but inexpensive, and easy to set up. Depending on the look you choose, they can make quite the style statement, as well.
Price: $199
Was: $399
This fabulous cabana from Business and Pleasure screams 1970, thanks to its groovy block colors and decorative tassels. Take it to the beach or set it up in the backyard — just fill the security bags on each leg with sand or soil, depending. Plus, a quick-release pulley allows for simple set-up and take-down without straining your back on the reach. Looks to be a customer fave for a reason.
Price: $199.99
This arched cabana tent designed by Minnidip and available at Target could be the perfect budget buy. Smaller in scale but still big enough for two outdoor lounge chairs, this light and bright tent features arched openings on either side plus removable sheer curtains for a bit of privacy. The fabric is UV-resistant and boasts UPF 30+ sun protection. Perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your yard without totally breaking the bank.
Price: $399
Was: $499
POV: you're lying on a white sand beach, cocktail in hand, staring at crystal blue waters. Such are the vibes of the St. Tropez Scalloped Cabana, particularly in this butter yellow colorway. Supposedly quite compact to carry, this discounted shelter will keep you from burning without first breaking your back (because is there anything worse than the walk to and from the beach?).
Fabulous Parasols
Though parasols are most closely associated with poolside furniture or a trip to the beach, they're also great for building a shaded seating area in the grass. Use them to transform an unloved corner of your backyard — add a gas grill or outdoor bar set-up and you're good to go.
Price: $159
Was: $199
Fashioned in a fabulous vintage gold, this tasseled beach umbrella transports those basking in its shade to a bygone era of high-waisted bikinis and public pools. But there is nothing old-fashioned about its quality — at least, according to the many customer reviews available online, which seem to coalesce around a 4.5/5-star rating. That plus a $40 discount, an adjustable pole hinge, and a canvas shade with UPF 50+ protection makes this a can't-miss buy.
Price: $179.95
This Palm Beach pattern is by far the most chic of them all, but the Limoncello Stripe is in a close second. Subtle, elegant, and breezy, this piece serves up Southern California charm with an Old Hollywood twist. Relax in style underneath its wide shadow (6.5' diameter), which you can shift by tilting the umbrella throughout the day.
Price: $118.80
Was: $198
For a limited time only, you could be the proud owner of the Amalfi Umbrella, also from Business & Pleasure but available at a stunning limited-time markdown at Anthropologie. "The quality of the umbrella is great and very easy to put up," one customer wrote in their review. "I would highly recommend this to anyone that wants to add character to their backyard patio!"
Functional Pergolas
A pergola is more of a permanent structure for your backyard and a perfect solution for entertaining during the summer months. But rather than shelling out thousands for a custom build, a DIY pergola kit is a great affordable option for anyone willing to get their hands a bit dirty on the assembly.
Price: $309.99
This budget buy comes recommended by Elizabeth Vergara, owner, principal designer, and lead project manager at Vergara Homes. Its aluminum frame is supposedly quite sturdy, while the retractable canopy is finished with a UV- and water-resistant coating. It is definitely a budget buy, but customers seem decently happy for the price; the piece boasts 4.2 stars for stability, 4 stars for sturdiness, and 3.8 stars for ease of assembly.
Price: $592.50
Slightly more expensive but definitely better reviewed, this 12' x 9' black steel pergola is an excellent blend of affordability, style, and versatility. Customers love it — 70 of the 75 total reviews are 5-star, while 3 are 4-star — the fabric shade is weather-resistant, and the steel frame is rust-resistant. As it stands, it looks like a great way to add an extra bit of shade to the backyard.
Price: $1499
All our research suggests Backyard Discovery is a leading manufacturer in the pergola kit space. So although this 14' x 10' option is the most expensive here, it is certainly the most decked out (and even better reviewed than the Sunjoy option). It's wind-tested to withstand up to 100 mph winds, crafted from galvanized and powder-coated steel, includes a UV-protected soft shade for the top, and even boasts 3 removable electrical outlets and 3 USB ports that can be moved to any of the pergola's four legs (the structure itself must be connected to a power source, however). If you want to really do it up but still prefer something cheaper than a totally custom build, this might be the choice for you.
Looking for more al fresco furniture? We've got you covered. Try our edit of stylish outdoor side tables next.
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