If you’re a backyard enthusiast, ready to soak up some rays (but not too many) it’s time to get yourself a trusty patio umbrella. I’m a sucker for those alfresco vibes and truthfully, I couldn’t live without my light-up outdoor umbrella. Not just because I am scared of getting sunburned, but also because it takes my outdoor space from a 2/10 to a 10/10.
But, hold on! Before we get carried away, let’s think about the technicalities of this purchase. If you’ve been blessed with a yard that can only be compared to Central Park, then you’re good. However, if like most of us, your pad isn’t so generously equipped with green space then you’re going to want to measure up those dimensions to determine how much shade coverage you need. Also consider how much you can afford to spend on a patio umbrella, because if you're buying from one of the best outdoor furniture brands you'll get quality but it will come at a price.
Another point relating to space is… what are you using it for? A larger umbrella will provide ample shade for big gatherings, while a smaller one might be perfect for intimate gatherings or cozy nooks. Beyond that, it’s all about finding fabulously good-looking shade solutions and that’s where we come in! Consider me your ticket to backyard heaven.
Quick Menu:
1. Patio umbrellas with stands
2. Patio umbrellas for tables
3. Patio umbrellas with lights
Soooo, hold onto your hats (or umbrellas) because I’ve done some research and these parasols are the best on the market!
The best (and most stylish) patio umbrellas to buy in 2023
The best outdoor umbrellas with stands
Outdoor umbrellas with stands are like the trusty sidekicks of the backyard, always ready to lend a helping pole in the quest for shade and the perfect chill spot.
Made from: Polyester
Size (in.): H 96 x D 60
Price: $63.99
Recently, I'm seemingly incapable of putting together a home décor roundup without leaning into the barbiecore trend... seriously, it's got me in a chokehold rn. This umbrella is the perfect shiny, glamorous solution for a boring backyard.
Made from: Recycled polyester
Size (in.): H 108 x D 108
Price: $110
This cool blue leafy parasol has a simple light wooden stand, giving it a Grecian charm that I could picture on a white sandy beach somewhere. It's like having your own personal oasis in your backyard. So, grab a cold bev and let your worries drift away with the breeze thanks to this easy, breezy outdoor umbrella!
Made from: Canvas and nylon, reclaimed timber
Size (in.): H 90 x D 78
Price: $208.80
You can always count on Anthropologie to deliver the cute factor! This tassel-y, charmingly designed umbrella creates a shady respite from UV rays. While it can be placed on an outdoor patio or terrace, it is not designed to withstand constant sun exposure, so store it inside when not in use!
The best outdoor umbrellas for tables
Outdoor umbrellas for tables are like sunglasses for your furniture. Cool and understated while keeping you safe from the weather. Check these out to give your backyard dining experience some pizzazz.
Made from: Cotton
Size (in.): H 72 x D 90
Price: $164
This stunning garden umbrella epitomizes boho charm and artisanal flair! So, get ready to inject some serious personality into your outdoor space with this maximalist granny chic outdoor umbrella. I love the embroidered details, bringing a relaxed and eclectic vibe to your backyard hangouts.
Made from: Polyester, Metal
Size (in.): H 98 x D 100
Price: $163
Make morning coffee and evening meals outside even more lovely with this funky fresh drape umbrella in a citrusy orange with a white scalloped hem. I'm obsessed with the double petal accenting on the skirt and quite frankly can't get enough. It comes in loaaaads of different colors, too!
Made from: Polyester, Metal
Size (in.): H 96 x D 100
Price: $147.99
This navy market umbrella infuses your outdoor space with a breezy, coastal vibe. The octagonal canopy is made from polyester and features dual wind vents on the top for stability and ventilation. Please note that the umbrella stand is to be purchased separately!
The best outdoor umbrellas with lights
Check out these outdoor umbrellas with lights. Bringing festive vibes even after the sun goes down, illuminating your gatherings with a cozy, warming glow.
Made from: Polyester
Size (in.): H 120 x D 93
Price: $159.99
This cream umbrella with LED lights inside helps create an attractive and welcoming setting for any home. Simply tilt this umbrella using the tilt function to the perfect angle. Oh, and this umbrella has a round solar panel at the top, which powers the lights along the umbrella ribs!
Made from: Polyester
Size (in.): H 108 x D 108
Price: $199.95
Illuminate your outdoor gatherings with a splash of magic, thanks to this gorgeous turquoise outdoor umbrella, fitted with solar-powered lights. This showstopper has lights that last an impressive 9-12 hours, ensuring that your late-night soirées are lit up in style!
Made from: Polyester, Steel
Size (in.): H 108
Price: $82.67
There's something super romantic about a black outdoor umbrella with lights. I love the way this kind of model emulates a starry night with its effective contrast. Move seamlessly from day to night with this umbrella from Walmart.
Types of patio umbrella
A classic patio umbrella has a central pole that can slot through the center of an appropriate garden table and be attached to a weighted base. (You'll usually need to purchase the base separately, so check the details before you buy). Look out for a parasol with a tilting canopy that allows you to angle it better against the sun, and a wind-up crank mechanism that lets you open and close the canopy without any heavy lifting.
A cantilever parasol or banana parasol has an offset base to allow greater flexibility in where you position it. These parasols are great for over a play area, to add shelter to a hot tub, or over an outdoor sofa. Look for options that have a tilt and crank mechanism and offer a 360° rotating arm so the canopy can be swiveled to any position, plus a locking mechanism to keep it in your desired location.
And lastly, if you're adding shade to a balcony, a small courtyard, or an awkwardly shaped patio, then a half-moon patio umbrella that sits flush against the wall will offer a smart space-saving solution.
What to consider when choosing a patio umbrella
When it comes to finding the best patio umbrella to suit your needs, there are a few factors we'd recommend taking into account. These include:
Size
It's well worth measuring this out on your patio before you shop, as the circular design can often take up a lot more space than you think! Also, take into account the umbrellas pole height to ensure the canopy will have enough clearance around any roof overhangs or awnings, and most crucially, that it’s not in danger of spontaneous combustion courtesy of a too-close portable grill.
Functionality
Generally, the more patio umbrella functionality you opt for then the more you'll pay, but it can be well worth it to score a patio umbrella that actually delivers useful shade when and where you need it.
We think the most important feature to invest in is a tilt function, because, as you soon learn when you put up a patio umbrella without this functionality, the sun rarely tends to be directly above. A tilt adjustment allows you to angle the canopy to create shade when the sun is a little lower in the sky, and it helps to create a shaded area where you need it, without having to drag the umbrella around.
If you're not blessed with Herculean muscles or great height then it's useful to add a winding crank mechanism to your wishlist. This means you get a handle at a (generally) more accessible height that's attached to a pulley mechanism that opens the canopy as you wind. All that canopy fabric can be heavier than you think, so it's a useful feature to look out for.
If you opt for a cantilever parasol and have a large patio area that you want to shade, then it can be worth looking for an option with a 360° rotating arm that will again help you to get the shade where you need it. Cantilever parasols tend to be very heavy, so this is an option you won't want to be dragging around. A parasol that has free-arm rotation is best when it also has a locking mechanism added to the mix so that the canopy doesn't blow around if there's a bit of a breeze.
UV-protection
Although it can still be wise to wear sunscreen no matter which garden parasol you pick, some offer much more sun protection than others. The highest protection tends to be a UV50+ rating, with the next best the mid-range UV30+, and many patio umbrellas not offering any protection at all, despite lulling you into a false sense of security with the shade. Check the specifications to make sure you know what you're getting.
Durability
Look for an umbrella pole made of rust-resistant aluminum for the best weather resistance outdoors. They'll also be lighter to move than a powder-coated steel or iron alternative.
FAQs
How do you clean an outdoor umbrella?
Cleaning an outdoor umbrella can, at first glance, seem like a bit of an overwhelming task. However, there are tricks to the trade I've been clued up on by the experts, and they will wash all your woes away! First things first, give it a shake like you're doing the twist — this will help you to get rid of any loose dirt and debris. Next up, it's time for the soapy cleaning part...
"Cleaning an outdoor umbrella isn't as daunting as it might seem. Most people don't know this, but a bit of mild detergent and water can work wonders. Just remember to rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before folding it up to avoid any mildew." explains Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal.
How we chose these outdoor umbrellas
These outdoor umbrellas are from a range of retailers that are backed up by efficient delivery times and reliable customer reviews. After scrolling through hundreds of different models, narrowed down by the feedback of prior buyers, it was all about finding a balance of styles to suit a range of tastes. So, this umbrella round-up includes different colors, materials, and aesthetics in a quest to cover all bases and complement all kinds of different backyards and patios!
Where to buy outdoor umbrellas
Keep browsing for a patio umbrella to suit your space (and your budget) just below.
- Amazon outdoor umbrellas
- Wayfair outdoor umbrellas
- Target outdoor umbrellas
- Etsy outdoor umbrellas
- Walmart outdoor umbrellas
How to choose the best garden parasol for your outdoor space
When it comes to finding the best outdoor parasol to suit your needs, there are a few factors we'd recommend taking into account. These include:
Size:
Most commonly garden parasols come in 2 m, 2.4 m, 2.7 m, 3 m, and 4 m diameter canopy sizes, and it's well worth measuring this out on your patio before you shop, as the circular design can often take up a lot more space than you think!
Also take into account the umbrellas pole height to ensure the canopy will have enough clearance around any roof overhangs or awnings, and most crucially, that it’s not in danger of spontaneous combustion courtesy of a too-close barbecue.
If you're looking for a patio umbrella to shade a seating or dining area, the following guidelines offer a rough rule of thumb; consider a 2-meter canopy for two seats; 2.4 meters for four to six seats; 2.7 to 3 meters for six to eight; and 4 meters for 10 seats.
You can also find half-parasols that are perfect for smaller patios and balcony spaces.
Functionality:
Generally, the more patio umbrella functionality you opt for then the more you'll pay, but it can be well worth it to score a patio umbrella that actually delivers useful shade when and where you need it.
We think the most important feature to invest in is a tilt function, because, as you soon learn when you put up a patio umbrella without this functionality, the sun rarely tends to be directly above. A tilt adjustment allows you to angle the canopy to create shade when the sun is a little lower in the sky, and it helps to create a shaded area where you need it, without having to drag the umbrella around.
If you're not blessed with Herculean muscles or great height then it's useful to add a winding crank mechanism to your wishlist. This means you get a handle at a (generally) more accessible height that's attached to a pulley mechanism that opens the canopy as you wind. All that canopy fabric can be heavier than you think, so it's a useful feature to look out for.
If you opt for a cantilever parasol and have a large patio area that you want to shade, then it can be worth looking for an option with a 360° rotating arm that will again help you to get the shade where you need it. Cantilever parasols tend to be very heavy, so this is an option you won't want to be dragging around. A parasol that has free-arm rotation is best when it also has a locking mechanism added to the mix so that the canopy doesn't blow around if there's a bit of a breeze.
UV-protection:
Although it can still be wise to wear sunscreen no matter which garden parasol you pick, some offer much more sun protection than others. The highest protection tends to be a UV50+ rating, with the next best the mid-range UV30+, and many patio umbrellas not offering any protection at all, despite lulling you into a false sense of security with the shade. Check the specifications to make sure you know what you're getting.
Durability:
Look for a parasol pole made of rust-resistant aluminum for the best weather resistance outdoors. They'll also be lighter to move than a powder-coated steel or iron alternative.