Tanning, to me, is a bit of a sport. On vacation, it's my full-time job. But as much as I love basking in the sun outdoors, nobody enjoys overheating or, even worse — skin damage. Yes, summers can be brutal. Of course, that won't deter us from going outside, but we can certainly take measures to ensure our experience is as cool and comfortable as possible.
When it comes to outdoor furniture options for shade, patio umbrellas stand out as a fan favorite. According to Brad Holley, design director at Pure Design, ‘Umbrellas can be an important part of an outdoor living area. Not only because they can be versatile, but because fixed/attached shade structures and awnings can be very expensive.’ And let's not forget how cumbersome those options are to move around. ‘Umbrellas aren't the only way to get enough shade in your backyard living space, but they're one of the most flexible,’ muses Rafi Friedman, President of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. Unlike larger, more expensive shading options, umbrellas offer the convenience of easy mobility as the sun shifts or to accommodate guests.
Setting logistics aside, if I have one strength, it's style. It's the reason why I shop pretty things for a living. And patio umbrellas, with their naturally graceful shape and wide-open canvas for color, pattern, or texture, are a definitive outdoor favorite. Done right, a patio umbrella is the ultimate accessory for a backyard, adding a pop of interest to spaces you might otherwise overlook. Patio umbrellas exude a resort-like elegance and, delightfully, are one of the easiest backyard items to set up. Take it from me, a challenged individual in the 'build it yourself' arena: if I can install a patio umbrella, so can you.
Beautiful, affordable, and easy-going, this is your sign to invest. I've done my homework and scouted only the crème de la crème of umbrellas. Sourced from the best outdoor furniture brands, prepare to dream up images of Palm Beach and the California coast — serving up the only shade you'll actually want this summer.
Best Patio Umbrellas
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Price: $90
Keep it cool with this classically coastal pick from Target, coming in at a cool $90. It's worth noting that you're getting what you pay for to a certain extent. Based on the reviews, the quality is good but not amazing, and it doesn't include a base, which you'll have to purchase separately. However, well-executed stylistic patio umbrellas like this are hard to find at this price point. So, if you're okay with the fact that it may not be the sturdiest option out there and you love its appearance, then it's a good buy.
Price: $188.85
Was: $224
If you're looking to shade larger spaces, such as a long dining table or a sizable outdoor living room, then consider this 15-foot rectangular umbrella from Lowe’s. It comes with an iron base and two sandbags, so there's no need to worry about it flipping over. Notably, this clever design features its own solar storage panel, illuminating the lights on its interior without the need for changing. Perfect for adding a touch of romance to your outdoor space or creating an alfresco dinner ambiance.
Price: $198
At first glance, this might appear to be a plain ivory umbrella, but upon closer inspection, subtle stripes add a luxurious country club-like charm. If currently you're watching Palm Royale, then you might notice it bears a strong resemblance to the scenes' outdoor decor. While it doesn't come with a base, Anthropologie offers many chic base options (I recommend The Clamshell Umbrella Base). This socialite-worthy umbrella is best styled poolside.
Price: $1,449
We protect our bodies with sunscreen, but did you know that an umbrella can offer similar protection? This innovative design from Fritz Hansen offers UPF50 and UV protection, reinforced with leather for extra strength. Not all umbrellas are created equal, but this is a prime example of what luxury can provide. Although I haven't seen this square-top umbrella in person, given Design Within Reach’s stellar reputation, I’d expect nothing but excellence.
Price: $1,021
Was: $1,333
When I first laid eyes on this umbrella, I feel in love. While it may seem simple at first glance, I believe this might be the chicest patio umbrella I've ever seen. The looped bunch at the top from its pulley lift gives it an equestrian and jewelry-like look, both of which are major pros in my book. It boasts eight solid ash wood rib canopies for maximum support and a triple-sealed varnish that adds to its glossy, rich wood appearance. So simple, yet it exudes quiet luxury, akin to that of a high-end heritage clothing brand.
Price: $948
Was: $1,298
Striped umbrellas like this evoke a swanky beach town vibe from circa 1960, and I'm absolutely here for it, forever and always. This Serena & Lily style is a fantastic choice for those who prefer playful yet timeless designs. Note that it doesn't include a weighted base, so it may not be the most affordable option on this list. However, this kind of elegance is well worth the price. You could style it with more affordable cream furniture and still achieve an incredibly high-end look. Let this be the investment piece for your backyard.
Price: $275.45
Was: $289.95
This umbrella strikes a good balance. Inspired by the healing waters of the Baden Baden village in Germany, its European charm is evident in its wide stripes. Black and white, this umbrella seamlessly fits with your existing patio furniture, whether neutral or bold. Sitting comfortably below the $300 mark, this 11-foot umbrella offers the best of both worlds: elegance and affordability.
Price: $239.99
While researching for this edit, I ventured down a rabbit hole of cantilever umbrellas. They tend to be quite pricey, with most costing well over $1,000 (I've even seen some as high as $20,000!). While I wish most of us could splurge on an umbrella like the price of a used car, that's not feasible for many. That in mind, this gem took quite a while to find, but I'm glad I did. Unlike other affordable cantilever styles, this one is actually chic with its ultra-sleek, modern construction. You can easily rotate its shade up to 360 degrees by stepping on its pedal and twisting its pole.
Price: $1,198
Was: $1,598
This umbrella feels quite Rococo with its light blue hue and dainty decorative tassels. This pagoda-style umbrella would surely please Marie Antoinette, and I imagine it would look great with your backyard lounging ensembles. So elevated and classic, it would pair perfectly with two outdoor chaise lounges underneath in cream or beige, creating a French-inspired tanning area that's sure to become the envy of the neighborhood (or any of your Instagram followers).
Price: $567.20
Was: $709
Bunny Williams drew inspiration from the scalloped Mughal arches of India for this beautiful umbrella. Despite its idyllic appearance, it's quite sturdy, thanks to its Sunbrella acrylic covering, which won't fade and resists the elements with grace. If you're not a fan of the black pole, there's an option to choose brown for a slightly warmer look. Although I haven't seen it in person, from the review photos, it looks like it should be priced much higher. For maximum impact, style it with black and white striped everything, from pillows to towels.
Price: $699
‘St. Tropez’ is in this umbrella's title, and while I don't disagree, I can't help but conjure up something — or rather, someone — more fitting to encapsulate this vibe: Sharpay Evans — towels imported from Turkey, and Turkey imported from Maine — and so on. Especially in pink, it exudes elegance and richness, but the tassels add a touch of whimsy — it doesn’t take itself too seriously. However, if you prefer something a little more formal, you can opt for white as well.
Price: $276.99
Was: $364.99
Last but certainly not least, we have another affordable cantilever umbrella option from Wayfair. Perfect for outdoor living with its ultra-sturdy, UV-resistant construction, it stands out with its unique octagonal design and airy top vent. Although it doesn't come with a weighted base, information on the one to purchase can be found easily in its product description. Expect three years of fading resistance, 360-degree rotation, and six adjustable positions.
What style of patio umbrella should I choose?
Choosing the right style of patio umbrella largely depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Consider the size of your backyard and how often you entertain guests. Do you need to shade a large group of people, or is it usually just you and a partner? Also, think about whether you prefer the flexibility to move your umbrella around.
Brad Holley suggests considering a dual-umbrella setup with swinging arms if it fits your budget. This allows you to maximize shade and adjust the umbrellas as the sunlight changes throughout the day. ‘Not to mention, it absolutely gives you the resort-like vibes that you typically enjoy at your favorite all-inclusive resort.'
Though, his personal favorite is a cantilevered setup, which is also a popular choice I’ve noticed among outdoor experts. But what exactly is a cantilever umbrella? According to Brad, it means ‘that the base of the umbrella is off to the side and out of your way, and a large arm (with the umbrella attached) hangs over your furnished space, giving you much more freedom and flexibility when it comes to arranging all of your furniture pieces (and your people).’
Where should I put my patio umbrella?
Regarding placement, Rafi recommends situating the umbrella to the south or west of your main gathering space, as this is where the sun typically comes from. Though, if you want to be more strategic, Brad advises conducting a shade study to observe where shadows fall throughout the day.
'What direction are the shadows falling at noon, at 2pm, at 5pm and beyond?’ he asks. ‘If you know this then you can determine several spots to install umbrella sleeves so that you can pick up your shade umbrellas and move them to new anchor points as the day progresses and the sunlight shifts,’ explains the design director.
What are the cons of a patio umbrella?
As great as patio umbrellas may be, they do come with some downsides. Brad points out that their occasionally heavy bases, often made of coated steel or filled with sand, can be cumbersome and unsightly. To address this issue, he suggests using umbrellas that can be placed into sleeves in the ground. While this requires extra work and planning, 'it can pay off in shady dividends later if you're up for it.’
Style your new umbrella with a pick of the best patio furniture.
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