16 patio umbrellas to keep you cool in the shade

Patio umbrellas are an outdoor essential. Let's be honest, we love soaking up the rays but it's equally nice to have a shady retreat nearby. And the easiest way to create shade on your deck, patio or in your backyard is to add a patio umbrella.

Whether you have a small outdoor space or you're lucky enough to have an expansive backyard, a patio umbrella is sure to give you relief from the sun's intense rays and will make even the best garden furniture look even more on-point. Plus, it can also protect you from UV rays and any unexpected rain while chilling under it.

With so many patio umbrellas on the market, finding the right one that'll work best for you can be a challenge. We've scoured the internet to find the best ones to look at or at least spark your search with. 

From a space-saving half umbrella and a cantilever version that throws a lot of shade, to stylish bohemian fringed picks and umbrellas that are height and angle adjustable. Shady sunny days we're ready for you.

Patio umbrellas to keep you cool in the shade

1. Striped Outdoor Umbrella

Patio umbrella: H96 x D72 in | Color options: 1
Starting out with a stylish, on trend option, this fine striped umbrella with fringing is the perfect addition to any outdoor space, big or small. Easily collapsing for easy storing, this umbrella will keep you stylishly cool in the shade.

2.  Charcoal grey patio umbrella

Patio umbrella: H89 - 97 x W105 x D105 in | Color options: 3

Article's Paras umbrella features fiberglass spokes, a powder-coated aluminum pole and polyester fabric canopy to keep you protected from the sun's harmful UV rays. In an industrial style, this umbrella will work with pretty much any existing patio furniture and will instantly update your space. UV who? 

3. Yazzie beach umbrella 

Patio umbrella: H75.6 x W121.2 x D121.2 in | Color options: 2

With a UV protection of 50, this beach-style umbrella features layered cut-out detailing and a neutral hue to go with any patio furniture of your choosing. With chic retro styling, style it out with loungers for patio parties on sunny days.  

4. Connie Outdoor Umbrella in Aqua Haze

Patio umbrella: H98.43 x W80.71 x D80.71 in | Colors available: 2

Featuring a two tiered top, the Connie umbrella features a fun striped print and stylish scalloped edges. The umbrella tilts in either direction so you can follow the shade through the day. With an easy 1 step assembly and powder coated steel, it's easy to close and will fit in the smallest of spaces for storage. Just add wide brimmed hats and something bubbly and you're all set.

5. Cannes Outdoor Umbrella

Patio umbrella: H98.8 x W105.5 x D105.5 in | Colors available: 1
Classic and timeless, the Cannes outdoor umbrella is perfectly designed to blend seamlessly into any chic patio décor. The nine foot pole features a eucalyptus core with a natural polyethylene coating for long-lasting style. 

6. Fraiser Rectangular Market Umbrella

Patio umbrella: H102 x W120 x D78 in | Colors available: 2

UV protective and fade resistant, the Fraiser patio umbrella will blend seamlessly with your outdoor furniture, no matter the style. Measuring 10 feet  to cover vast areas, the umbrella features a hand crank to adjust the height and a tilt to chase the shade all day. It also has a lightweight durable aluminum pole that's super stable and can resist pretty much anything the weather throws at it.

7. Carousel Shape Patio Umbrella

Patio umbrella: H94.5 x W90 x D90 in | Colors available: 1

Keep uber cool in the shade with this tie-dye scalloped fringe patio umbrella from Opalhouse at Target. With DuraSeason fabric, which makes it water- and fade-resistant outdoors, it's the perfect addition to both small patio or large deck decor. The fun tie-dye print gives it a playful vibe, while the fringe detailing gives it bonus style points. The sturdy metal frame with built-in crank  lets you easily open and close the umbrella and the handy tilt function will help position the umbrella at your desired angle.

8. Striped outdoor umbrella

Patio umbrella: H98.8 x D100.8 in | Colors available: 1

Bring the Mediterranean to your backyard with this navy patio umbrella with a classic nautical striped print underneath. The nine-foot crank umbrella from West Elm features a tilt to keep you well out of the sun for longer, while its chic black metal pole keeps it looking super low profile.

9. Cantilever umbrella with solar power lights

Patio umbrella: H108 x W127 in| Colors available: 1

Perfect for both during the day and the evening, the Sunnydaze outdoor patio umbrella will shade you from the sun and also light up your patio with its solar power LED lights. Featuring a waterproof polyester canopy, it's strong enough to hold up against the elements and its aluminum frame and steel base only helps to make it super sturdy. Easy to set up, it comes with a simple adjustable crank and cantilever.

10. Safavieh Elegant Valance 9Ft White Black Umbrella

Patio umbrella: H98.8 x W108 in| Colors available: 1

This elegant Safavieh patio umbrella will add a dose of European charm to your backyard. Featuring a black and white canopy with petal valance, it'll protect you from UV rays while keeping you super stylish in the process. With a crank and tilt, you'll be shaded all day long.  

11. Outdoor round cantilever umbrella

Patio umbrella: H107.4 x D138 in| Colors available: 1

This super sleek patio umbrella will easily cover a large outdoor dining table or a patio lounge set. Featuring a super easy crank for opening and closing as well as adjust the shade angle, the cantilever umbrella can also be easily rotated by stepping on a pedal. Slick operation.

12. CorLiving yellow patio umbrella

Patio umbrella: H87.6 x W87.6 in| Colors available: 1

Whether you're headed out to your patio or the beach, this umbrella is designed to keep you cool and protected from sun's rays with its UV resistant fabric canopy. In a sunny yellow, it'll add a welcome pop of color to your backyard and will look just right with a lounger or two. Plus, the vented canopy and wind tension settings provide added stability on windy days.

13. Black and white stripe auto-tilt market umbrella

Patio umbrella: H108 x W102.72 in| Colors available: 1

This Allen + Roth umbrella with striking black and white stripe print will transport you to the sunny climes of Europe. With its 9 foot frame and vented canopy, it provides cover from the ever-moving sun with its automatic tilt function so you can forget about the frustration of continuously adjusting your umbrella to keep you in the shade. What's more, its 1.5 inch pole will work well with any standard patio table or umbrella base.

14. Rectangular sunbrella market umbrella 

Patio umbrella: H100.8 x W120 x D72 in| Colors available: 2

Both practical and stylish, this 'sunbrella' from AllModern will add the finishing touch to any outdoor furniture set-up. The weighty, durable, colorfast polyester fabric is treated with ScotchGard to ensure enduring quality. Plus, each umbrella is constructed of eight solid hardwood ribs attached to a solid hardwood two-piece interlocking pole with a composite hub. 

15. Sunshade parasol with crank system

Patio umbrella: H97.3 x D118.2 in| Colors available: 2

Ok, this one's a little on the pricier end of the scale but for good reason. Its slick styling and even slicker crank system makes it a must-have in any backyard grouping. Consisting of a super fine aluminum framework and weather resistant canopy fabric, the Sunshade is a minimalist parasol with a long life. The bonus is it comes with a multifunctional parasol base on wheels, combining a plant box and a base providing a unique opportunity to personalize and decorate it.

16. Market Umbrella in Burnt Orange

Patio umbrella: H93.6 x W93.6 in| Colors available: 8

Got a small balcony or patio that needs some shade? A half round umbrella is what you'll need. With an easy to use hand crank and quality sun protection, it's the perfect option for small spaces, like a balcony or small terrace. Made with durable steel ribs, it features a sturdy pole that fits in most standard patio tables or bases. Its durable polyester fabric is made to withstand whatever weather, so you can enjoy your backyard come rain or shine, while its vented canopy helps to stabilize in windy weather and lets cool air flow freely when it's super hot.

How do I know what size umbrella to get?

When it comes to getting proper shade with a patio umbrella, you'll need one that’s larger than the table or area that you'll be sitting in. You'll need to make sure it's not too large for the space though – that's one of the worst patio decorating mistakes you can make.

Amber Dunford, Style Director at Overstock.com advises, 'Measure your patio and find out exactly how much space you want to shade. When shading a lounge or play area, choose an umbrella that covers as much of the space as possible.'

'The more shade you are able to create, the more space for kids to play protected from the sun. Another rule of thumb, your umbrella should be 7-9 feet tall, no matter what type of area you are shading, so that the area is comfortable for anyone, and the space does not feel confined.'

'Some of the larger umbrellas require a bit more substantial bases that you fill with water or sand to keep them anchored, and those tend to take up a decent-sized footprint. So, it’s always helpful to factor that in when space planning.'

'I like to harmonize umbrella covers with my outdoor rug or throw pillows. This creates a more cohesive look from top to bottom. For a more beachy or nautical vibe, go for a cabana stripe on your umbrella pattern.' 

'If you want a more playful boho look, opt for umbrellas with some adornments like fringe or scalloped edges. And for a classic modern aesthetic, a solid neutral colored umbrella can help achieve the look.'

What should I look for when buying an outdoor umbrella?

From tilting mechanisms and pulley systems to built-in cranks and LED lights, there are so many patio umbrella features to choose from and it can be a little overwhelming. But as a general rule of thumb, let the size of umbrella you need and the cost guide you first and foremost.

When it comes to patio umbrella features, we asked Wayfair's Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill for her thoughts:

'For more flexibility, there are patio umbrellas with tilt options to adjust to the sun's position throughout the day. There are three types of lift methods: manual, pulley, and crank lift. Consider how often you will need to take down the umbrella when deciding on a lift method. For example, manual lift patio umbrellas are more labor intensive than a pulley, and crank lift umbrellas are the easiest to operate.'

'If you're always moving your chair to avoid the sun, then the tilt feature is exactly what your umbrella needs. Tilting the canopy is easy to do and is accomplished by one of the following tilting methods: collar and auto, manual, rotational, and push. All of these methods require minimal effort.'