The Top 10 Outdoor Patio Umbrellas
Patio Umbrellas That are Made for the Shade
If your patio or deck does not have an overhead roof to shield you, your family, and guests from the sun's harsh rays, a patio umbrella will do the job—in style. Umbrellas for outside are made with special weatherproof (specifically sun-proof) fabric to withstand several seasons or years. Many are made of fabric that offers UV protection. It all depends on the materials, manufacturer, quality of construction, and how well you take care of it during the season it's being used.
Off season, you should store it in a place that is dry, like a basement, cupboard, shed or garage.
Unlike the 1950s, there is no longer a one-size-fits-all type of umbrella. Types and styles vary according to shape (usually round, rectangular, octagonal or oval), where it will be located, and maneuverability, among other factors. Types include pagoda-style, cantilevered, market-style, aluminum, and more traditional. Take a look at Pool & Patio's picks for the top 10 umbrellas.
Note: when the size of the umbrella is indicated, it's referring to how many feet in diameter the umbrella's canopy measures. Hence, the larger the umbrella - 9 feet diameter or more - the larger amount of space, or outdoor table, it will cover.
1. Ballard Auto Tilt Umbrella
Who: Ballard
What: A nice, round umbrella that tilts by turning a crank.
Size: Umbrella is 9 feet wide. Pole is 1.5 inches in diameter. From bottom of canopy to ground: 78 inches.
Materials: The pole is constructed of lightweight, yet sturdy aluminum and has a scratch-resistant finish that is available in bronze or champagne. A 30-pound (or larger) umbrella base is recommended if the umbrella will be freestanding, and not inserted into a hole in your table.
For the umbrella canopy, a choice of Sunbrella fabrics or sturdy indoor/outdoor fabrics.
Colors: As mentioned, the pole comes in bronze or champagne.
Don't let Ballard's classic styling fool you: this umbrella bends in ways that would make your grandma's umbrella jealous (and make grandma blush, giggle and swill down another Manhattan). To automatically tilt the umbrella, turn the crank to open, and continue turning for the tilt degree you desire. More »
Crate and Barrel Round Sunbrella
Who: Crate and Barrel
What: A round umbrella, although rectangular shapes are also available.
Size: Range from 6 to 9 feet. Pole averages 1.5 inches in diameter.
Materials: The canopy is made of fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella acrylic. Poles are made of aluminum or wood; aluminum features a powdercoat finish.
Colors: A variety of colors and fabrics are available, including Turkish Tile (pictured), Charcoal, Chili Pepper, Apple, Red tonal Stripe, Sulfur (pictured), White Sand, Juniper, Harbor Blue, Stone and Arroyo.
Crate and Barrel umbrella collection.
Design Within Reach Mid-Century Sunshade
Who: Design Within Reach, but originally designed by Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan for Brown Jordan. Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan, who started their California-based company in 1945, have since helped to define the shape and look of modern outdoor leisure furniture and accessories.
What: The Mid-Century Sunshade, developed by the above-mentioned designers on behalf of Brown Jordan for the Southern California Case Study houses during the 1940s to 1960s.
Size: 60 inches wide by 78 inches tall.
Materials: Aluminum; stainless-steel hardware; Versatex® vinyl; Suncloth® dyed acrylic. Mobile stand: (sold separately) concrete-filled aluminum with Tuff-Wheels
Colors: White (pictured).
The DWR sunshade is sculptural in form, yet versatile and functional. In other words, it's not just an awesome, retro-cool object for your yard. Intended to provide shade for one or two closely huddled people, the Mid-Century Sunshade can go poolside or anywhere you need it. The rotating shade is simple to adjust, and rotates from horizontal to vertical by simply loosening and re-tightening the handle located at the top of the pole. The Sunshades work well (and look fabulous) when several are working a yard at a time, like personal assistants shading their celebrity clients. A PVC insert in the hole of the base will need to be removed prior to installation
Design Within Reach (DWR)
A Guide to Mid-Century Outdoor Furniture
Frontgate Limbou Lotus Shade
Who: Frontgate
What: The leaf-shaped Rimbou Lotus Shade, a sunshade-style umbrella that provides protection from the sun's harsh rays for individual chaise lounges or patio chairs.
Size: 8-1/2 feet long x 4-3/4 feet wide.
Materials: The base is constructed of galvanized steel with thin, decorative anodized aluminum cover. The shade is made of 100 percent Sunbrella and is a solution-dyed acrylic furniture-grade fabric.
Colors: Canvas and Aruba (blue-green).
This durable Sunbrella shade pivots 360° atop a stainless steel base and is small enough to fit on spatially-challenged decks or porches. Base is galvanized steel with thin decorative anodized aluminum cover plate. The shade is 100 percent Sunbrella® solution-dyed acrylic furniture-grade fabric. Protection cover included. Able to withstand moderate wind levels, but remove or disassemble partly when winds get too strong.
Rimbou Lotus Shade More »
Galtech LED Lighted Umbrella
Who: Galtech
What: Galtech 11-foot Auto Tilt Patio Umbrella with LED Umbrella Lights
Size: 11 feet
Materials: Aluminum frame and pole. Sunbrella fabric canopy comes with five-year fade warranty.
Colors: Pole available in traditional, antique or bronze. Choose from various Sunbrella fabric colors for the umbrella.
Shade by day gives way to ambiance by night with an umbrella that features a built-in low-voltage LED lighting system.
Features an easy-to-crank handle, and an auto-tilt feature for customizable shade. The extra-large 11-foot canopy shades or illuminates a patio table that measures 60 to 72 inches. Galtech's umbrella comes equipped with a 20-foot cord that connects to a regular, grounded outlet. A switch on the housing operates the lights, which have been tested and will provide 15,000 hours of use. More »
Hayneedle Palapa Tiki-Style Umbrella
Who: Hayneedle
What: DestinationGear Palapa Patio Umbrella, which looks like a grass tiki hut. All you need are tiki mugs, a lei, and some Don ho music for an authentic backyard luau.
Size: 7.5 feet in diameter; stands 96 inches tall. Weighs 12 pounds.
Materials: A 1.5-inch-diameter aluminum two-piece pole; polypropylene faux grass cover.
Colors: Available in four colors - Yellow, Whiskey, Natural, and Lime.
Hayneedle recommends using a 50-pound umbrella stand if you are using it with a table, and a 70-pound base if it will be freestanding or used in a windy area. Recommended for shading square and round dining tables up to 48 inches across. The durable, 1.5-inch diameter wood pole features a multi-rib undercarriage with a push-up lift system and three-position tilt. More »
Pier 1 Pagoda Umbrella
Who: Pier 1 Imports
What: A pagoda-style umbrella, different than everyone else's garden-variety style. Quite a chic statement on the patio, deck, terrace, or wherever you intend to shade your oh-so tres chic self. The canopy is topped by a finial accent (that thing that looks like a small umbrella on top of the umbrella). Underneath, a pulley provides easy opening and closing, while the eucalyptus pole is easy to assemble and provides eco-minded sturdiness.
Includes a drawstring storage tote.
Size: 108 inches diameter x 122.50 inches high
Materials: Bright, colorfast, water-repellent fabric has been treated for UV protection. FSC-certified eucalyptus wood, polyester, metal hardware.
Colors:The pagoda model is available in solids and prints. The print (pictured), is in red, turquoise, white and yellow. Solids include Citron (green), Maui (blue), Marine (blue), Moss (green), Red, Red Scatter Daisy (Red Scatter Daisy (print)print), Sand, Spice (reddish), Turquoise, and Chili (brownish red). Also available in prints: Ana (blue and white) Red Scatter Daisy, Lani (greens and blues) and Kaedon (pictured, right).
This design was inspired by the tiered roof lines of Asian architecture. Assembly is simple and quick.
Pier 1 Pagoda Umbrellas More »
Pottery Barn Rectangular Umbrellas
Who: Pottery Barn
What: A rectangular umbrella, because round doesn't always shade the right way.
Size: 9 feet 8 inches wide x 6 feet 5 inches deep x 8 feet 5 inches high, when open.
Materials: Canopy is constructed of 100% acrylic, tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection. The fabric has received the Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Hubs are made of PVC. Poles comes in teak, aluminum and eucalyptus.
The wood is stained with acrylic and sealed with a semigloss lacquer for moisture resistance.
Colors: Comes in a variety of colors and prints.
Because it is the right "fit," Pottery Barn recommends using its Pottery Barn Umbrella Stand, which is sold separately. The stand will accommodate several umbrella sizes.
Pottery Barn Rectangular Umbrella More »
Patio Umbrellas and Outdoor Shade
Who: Target
What: A nice, round patio umbrella in assorted solids and stripes.
Size: 6 feet in diameter; 7.6 inches in height. Weighs 9 pounds.
Materials: Weather-resistant acrylic fabric. Frame and hardware are a durable, anodized aluminum.
Colors: Several colors and stripes, including purple, pink, red, black, orange, yellow, and blue.
This particular umbrella 'features eight ribs and a three-position tilt function that allows you to adjust it for the perfect shade experience.
It's easy to assemble and no tools are required. Includes a one-year limited warranty.
Target Umbrellas
If your patio or deck does not have an overhead roof to shield you, your family, and guests from the sun's harsh rays, a patio umbrella will do the job—in style. Umbrellas for outside are made with special weatherproof (specifically sun-proof) fabric to withstand several seasons or years. Many are made of fabric that offers UV protection. It all depends on the materials, manufacturer, quality of construction, and how well you take care of it during the season it's being used.
Off season, you should store it in a place that is dry, like a basement, cupboard, shed or garage.
Unlike the 1950s, there is no longer a one-size-fits-all type of umbrella. Types and styles vary according to shape (usually round, rectangular, octagonal or oval), where it will be located, and maneuverability, among other factors. Types include pagoda-style, cantilevered, market-style, aluminum, and more traditional. Take a look at Pool & Patio's picks for the top 10 umbrellas.
Note: when the size of the umbrella is indicated, it's referring to how many feet in diameter the umbrella's canopy measures. Hence, the larger the umbrella - 9 feet diameter or more - the larger amount of space, or outdoor table, it will cover.
1. Ballard Auto Tilt Umbrella
Who: Ballard
What: A nice, round umbrella that tilts by turning a crank.
Size: Umbrella is 9 feet wide. Pole is 1.5 inches in diameter. From bottom of canopy to ground: 78 inches.
Materials: The pole is constructed of lightweight, yet sturdy aluminum and has a scratch-resistant finish that is available in bronze or champagne. A 30-pound (or larger) umbrella base is recommended if the umbrella will be freestanding, and not inserted into a hole in your table.
For the umbrella canopy, a choice of Sunbrella fabrics or sturdy indoor/outdoor fabrics.
Colors: As mentioned, the pole comes in bronze or champagne.
Don't let Ballard's classic styling fool you: this umbrella bends in ways that would make your grandma's umbrella jealous (and make grandma blush, giggle and swill down another Manhattan). To automatically tilt the umbrella, turn the crank to open, and continue turning for the tilt degree you desire. More »
Crate and Barrel Round Sunbrella
Who: Crate and Barrel
What: A round umbrella, although rectangular shapes are also available.
Size: Range from 6 to 9 feet. Pole averages 1.5 inches in diameter.
Materials: The canopy is made of fade- and mildew-resistant Sunbrella acrylic. Poles are made of aluminum or wood; aluminum features a powdercoat finish.
Colors: A variety of colors and fabrics are available, including Turkish Tile (pictured), Charcoal, Chili Pepper, Apple, Red tonal Stripe, Sulfur (pictured), White Sand, Juniper, Harbor Blue, Stone and Arroyo.
Crate and Barrel umbrella collection.
Design Within Reach Mid-Century Sunshade
Who: Design Within Reach, but originally designed by Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan for Brown Jordan. Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan, who started their California-based company in 1945, have since helped to define the shape and look of modern outdoor leisure furniture and accessories.
What: The Mid-Century Sunshade, developed by the above-mentioned designers on behalf of Brown Jordan for the Southern California Case Study houses during the 1940s to 1960s.
Size: 60 inches wide by 78 inches tall.
Materials: Aluminum; stainless-steel hardware; Versatex® vinyl; Suncloth® dyed acrylic. Mobile stand: (sold separately) concrete-filled aluminum with Tuff-Wheels
Colors: White (pictured).
The DWR sunshade is sculptural in form, yet versatile and functional. In other words, it's not just an awesome, retro-cool object for your yard. Intended to provide shade for one or two closely huddled people, the Mid-Century Sunshade can go poolside or anywhere you need it. The rotating shade is simple to adjust, and rotates from horizontal to vertical by simply loosening and re-tightening the handle located at the top of the pole. The Sunshades work well (and look fabulous) when several are working a yard at a time, like personal assistants shading their celebrity clients. A PVC insert in the hole of the base will need to be removed prior to installation
Design Within Reach (DWR)
A Guide to Mid-Century Outdoor Furniture
Frontgate Limbou Lotus Shade
Who: Frontgate
What: The leaf-shaped Rimbou Lotus Shade, a sunshade-style umbrella that provides protection from the sun's harsh rays for individual chaise lounges or patio chairs.
Size: 8-1/2 feet long x 4-3/4 feet wide.
Materials: The base is constructed of galvanized steel with thin, decorative anodized aluminum cover. The shade is made of 100 percent Sunbrella and is a solution-dyed acrylic furniture-grade fabric.
Colors: Canvas and Aruba (blue-green).
This durable Sunbrella shade pivots 360° atop a stainless steel base and is small enough to fit on spatially-challenged decks or porches. Base is galvanized steel with thin decorative anodized aluminum cover plate. The shade is 100 percent Sunbrella® solution-dyed acrylic furniture-grade fabric. Protection cover included. Able to withstand moderate wind levels, but remove or disassemble partly when winds get too strong.
Rimbou Lotus Shade More »
Galtech LED Lighted Umbrella
Who: Galtech
What: Galtech 11-foot Auto Tilt Patio Umbrella with LED Umbrella Lights
Size: 11 feet
Materials: Aluminum frame and pole. Sunbrella fabric canopy comes with five-year fade warranty.
Colors: Pole available in traditional, antique or bronze. Choose from various Sunbrella fabric colors for the umbrella.
Shade by day gives way to ambiance by night with an umbrella that features a built-in low-voltage LED lighting system.
Features an easy-to-crank handle, and an auto-tilt feature for customizable shade. The extra-large 11-foot canopy shades or illuminates a patio table that measures 60 to 72 inches. Galtech's umbrella comes equipped with a 20-foot cord that connects to a regular, grounded outlet. A switch on the housing operates the lights, which have been tested and will provide 15,000 hours of use. More »
Hayneedle Palapa Tiki-Style Umbrella
Who: Hayneedle
What: DestinationGear Palapa Patio Umbrella, which looks like a grass tiki hut. All you need are tiki mugs, a lei, and some Don ho music for an authentic backyard luau.
Size: 7.5 feet in diameter; stands 96 inches tall. Weighs 12 pounds.
Materials: A 1.5-inch-diameter aluminum two-piece pole; polypropylene faux grass cover.
Colors: Available in four colors - Yellow, Whiskey, Natural, and Lime.
Hayneedle recommends using a 50-pound umbrella stand if you are using it with a table, and a 70-pound base if it will be freestanding or used in a windy area. Recommended for shading square and round dining tables up to 48 inches across. The durable, 1.5-inch diameter wood pole features a multi-rib undercarriage with a push-up lift system and three-position tilt. More »
Pier 1 Pagoda Umbrella
Who: Pier 1 Imports
What: A pagoda-style umbrella, different than everyone else's garden-variety style. Quite a chic statement on the patio, deck, terrace, or wherever you intend to shade your oh-so tres chic self. The canopy is topped by a finial accent (that thing that looks like a small umbrella on top of the umbrella). Underneath, a pulley provides easy opening and closing, while the eucalyptus pole is easy to assemble and provides eco-minded sturdiness.
Includes a drawstring storage tote.
Size: 108 inches diameter x 122.50 inches high
Materials: Bright, colorfast, water-repellent fabric has been treated for UV protection. FSC-certified eucalyptus wood, polyester, metal hardware.
Colors:The pagoda model is available in solids and prints. The print (pictured), is in red, turquoise, white and yellow. Solids include Citron (green), Maui (blue), Marine (blue), Moss (green), Red, Red Scatter Daisy (Red Scatter Daisy (print)print), Sand, Spice (reddish), Turquoise, and Chili (brownish red). Also available in prints: Ana (blue and white) Red Scatter Daisy, Lani (greens and blues) and Kaedon (pictured, right).
This design was inspired by the tiered roof lines of Asian architecture. Assembly is simple and quick.
Pier 1 Pagoda Umbrellas More »
Pottery Barn Rectangular Umbrellas
Who: Pottery Barn
What: A rectangular umbrella, because round doesn't always shade the right way.
Size: 9 feet 8 inches wide x 6 feet 5 inches deep x 8 feet 5 inches high, when open.
Materials: Canopy is constructed of 100% acrylic, tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection. The fabric has received the Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Hubs are made of PVC. Poles comes in teak, aluminum and eucalyptus.
The wood is stained with acrylic and sealed with a semigloss lacquer for moisture resistance.
Colors: Comes in a variety of colors and prints.
Because it is the right "fit," Pottery Barn recommends using its Pottery Barn Umbrella Stand, which is sold separately. The stand will accommodate several umbrella sizes.
Pottery Barn Rectangular Umbrella More »
Patio Umbrellas and Outdoor Shade
Who: Target
What: A nice, round patio umbrella in assorted solids and stripes.
Size: 6 feet in diameter; 7.6 inches in height. Weighs 9 pounds.
Materials: Weather-resistant acrylic fabric. Frame and hardware are a durable, anodized aluminum.
Colors: Several colors and stripes, including purple, pink, red, black, orange, yellow, and blue.
This particular umbrella 'features eight ribs and a three-position tilt function that allows you to adjust it for the perfect shade experience.
It's easy to assemble and no tools are required. Includes a one-year limited warranty.
Target Umbrellas
- What to Look for in a Patio Umbrella
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