Ready to add that finishing touch to your outdoor haven? Our guide will help you find the best patio umbrella so that you can save time searching and instead spend it relaxing.

Jump To:

Canopy: Is it the perfect shape, style and fabric?
Size: Will the umbrella provide sufficient enough shade?
Features: Is it easy to open, tilt and store away?

Canopy

Shape

The easiest way to choose an umbrella shape is by complementing the furniture your umbrella will be covering. If it will be covering a square table, make the canopy square as well. Have a circular seating arrangement? Go with round, octagonal, or hexagonal umbrellas for full coverage.

Style

Traditional: Traditional is the most popular style of patio umbrella. This style features a centre stand with several support bars connecting to the canopy. Place these between two reclining chairs or at the centre of an outdoor dining set (with a parasol hole of course!).

Beach: Replicate the iconic beach umbrella look. This style has a more vintage look with sections of loose flaps around the edges.

Cantilever: These parasols have an arched construction that is perfect for open spaces. The stand can be off to the side with the canopy looming directly above the seating area.

Fabric

Choose a fabric that is durable, fade-resistant and easy to clean. Some of the most popular fabrics that have these characteristics are olefin, polyester, Canvas, acrylic and vinyl. To learn more, check out our Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Furniture Materials.

Tip: Check out these extra accessories to create the best garden parasol possible. Special features include replacement covers, lighting, {"type":"filteredBrowse","id":"1868245","urlFilterString":"a3268~12537","anchorText":"netting"}} and weights.

Size

It's important to consider the size of the parasol in relation to the size of the table or area you'll be standing in. Below, we've outlined the various umbrella sizes that work for different size patio tables and spaces.

1.5m & Under:

• Pair with a 75 – 90cm table set
• Accommodates four to five people standing

2m:

• Pair with a 90 – 120cm table set
• Accommodates six to seven people standing

2.5m:

• Pair with a 120 – 150cm table set
• Accommodates seven to eight people standing

4m & Over:

• Pair with a 150 – 180cm table set
• Accommodates nine to 10 people standing

Features

Lift

For more flexibility, there are garden 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 parasols are more labor intensive than a pulley and crank lift parasols are the easiest to operate.

Tilt

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.