Sitting at my desk in New York, I can’t help but envy the bronzed travelers on my Instagram feed — gliding through Sicily, reclining under golden parasols in St. Tropez, basking in the cinematic shade. I may not have a backyard in Manhattan, but as a style editor (and a born-and-raised Angeleno), I know a few things about (1) sunshine, (2) glamour, and (3) shopping — which brings me to an important realization: a patio umbrella might just be the easiest ticket to a more cultured, more cinematic summer.
If you can’t jet off to Cannes, you can sip a cocktail under a canopy of your own making — of which, fortunately, there’s no shortage of fabulous options. After extensive searching (and consulting experts — find their insights in the Q&A below), I’ve narrowed down the best outdoor furniture options: vintage-inspired scallops, Palm Beach-approved fringed styles, classic cabana stripes, and neutral, endlessly versatile designs that work in any space.
More than sandals — or even a patterned caftan — a well-chosen patio umbrella is the ultimate warm-weather accessory, swiftly transforming an overlooked space into a poolside retreat. And, delightfully, they’re one of the simplest outdoor investments to install — if I can do it, anyone can.
If you're looking for shade ideas for your patio, ahead are the crème de la crème of patio umbrellas — the only shade you’ll want this summer.
Best Patio Umbrellas
Price: $90
This classic fringed umbrella from Target’s ever-popular Studio McGee-designed Threshold collection comes in at a cool $90. The quality? Good, not great, according to reviews. The base? Sold separately. But stylish patio umbrellas at this price point are few and far between. If you need something chic for a garden party, poolside setup, or a one season-long upgrade, this is a solid bet.
Price: $194.59, 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: $248
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 (or the cart, regrettably!), Anthropologie offers many chic base and outdoor accessory options (I recommend the Clamshell Umbrella Base and Al Fresco Bar Cart). No matter what you choose, this socialite-worthy umbrella is best styled poolside.
Price: $1,159.20, Was: $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: $1,559, Was: $1,834
At first glance, this patio umbrella seems simple, but look closer — it might just be the chicest patio umbrella I’ve ever seen. The looped bunch at the top, created by its pulley lift, gives it an equestrian, almost jewelry-like feel — both major pros in my book. Eight solid ash wood rib canopies provide sturdy support, while a triple-sealed varnish enhances its rich, glossy finish. It’s understated in the way only true luxury can be — think heritage fashion house, but for your backyard.
Price: $699
Naturally, Business & Pleasure makes another appearance, because no one is doing it quite like them right now. This cooling multicolor design deserves a bird’s-eye view — emerald green, navy, and cream converge into an artful pattern that’s especially striking from an upper-level balcony (just like a real resort). Whether paired with classic loungers or something ultra-modern, this colorful outdoor furniture accessory does all the talking.
Price: $260.90, 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: $434.99, Was: $519.99
Cantilever umbrellas are notoriously expensive — most hover well over $1,000, and I’ve even seen some listed at a staggering $20,000. While I’d love for us all to splurge on an umbrella that costs as much as a used car, reality calls for a more reasonable option. Enter this rare gem: sleek, modern, and — unlike most budget-friendly cantilever styles — actually stylish. Bonus: it rotates a full 360 degrees with a simple pedal step and twist.
Price: $1,598
This patio umbrella feels quite Rococo with its light blue hue and dainty decorative tassels. Its pagoda-style 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: $583.20, Was: $729
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: $193.99
If you’re looking for the best patio umbrella to capture the tropical escapism of The White Lotus, this orange-fringed beauty is your answer. On its own, it’s striking, but pair it with lush greenery — whether actual palms or green seat cushions — and you’re transported straight to Thailand. Add a few gold-accented outdoor pieces, and the illusion is complete (without the jet lag).
Price: $329.99, Was: $429.99
Last but certainly not least, this affordable cantilever umbrella from Walmart delivers on both style and substance. Its ultra-sturdy, UV-resistant construction and dramatic curved silhouette make it a standout, while the generous 11-foot shade ensures ample coverage. Unlike most patio umbrellas, this one includes a weighted base — no surprise, then, that it boasts a glowing 4.5/5-star rating from over 140 reviewers. Expect full 360-degree rotation and a long, shady future ahead.
Q&A
Should I Buy a Fixed Shade Structure or a Patio Umbrella?
It’s the classic outdoor debate: commit to a fixed shade structure or keep things flexible with a patio umbrella? The key question — do you have a permanently sunny spot you plan to inhabit? If so, a built-in awning might be worth the investment. But here’s the thing: the sun moves. If your ideal lounging spot shifts from shady to sunny throughout the day, a patio umbrella is the smarter choice.
“Umbrellas can be an important part of an outdoor living area — not only because they’re versatile, but because fixed shade structures and awnings can be very expensive,” explains Brad Holley, design director at Pure Design. Unlike a permanent setup, a patio umbrella offers instant shade wherever you need it.
“Umbrellas aren’t the only way to get shade in your backyard, but they’re one of the most flexible,” adds Rafi Friedman, president of Coastal Luxury Outdoors. And in the world of outdoor living, versatility is everything.
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."
For more outdoor inspiration, our pick of the best outdoor furniture will have your backyard looking (and feeling) like five stars.
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