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Catch some shade (the good kind) this summer.
When it comes to outdoor furniture, finding the best patio umbrella is a must. It provides shelter and shade for rainy spring days and hot summer afternoons. And, much like an outdoor rug, the best patio umbrellas are functional, beautiful, and tie a space together. In other words, the best patio umbrellas give you more reason to enjoy the outdoors.
"Beyond sun and rain protection, patio umbrellas are a fantastic accessory," says interior designer Brendan Kwinter. "They add personality to yards. You can go traditional with solid colors, or you can match your umbrella and rug to give a sense of balance, and a great conversation starter."
But finding the right patio umbrella for your home can be tricky. That's why we spent the past month consulting with some of the best interior designers in the industry, and scoured the internet to find the best patio umbrellas that can turn any outdoor space into a summer oasis. One thing to note: to keep patio umbrellas in place, most require a weighted base, and are usually sold separately.
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If we were to recommend only one patio umbrella to buy immediately, this would be it. And over 15,000 Amazon customers agree with us. For around $50, Blissun's bestseller provides incredible value. It has a durable, all-weather-friendly aluminum frame with a polyester canopy that's available in dozens of colors, doesn't fade easily and can withstand gust. Customers say assembly is a cinch.
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If your backyard patio setup is mainly lounge chairs rather than a central dining table, then a cantilever umbrella is the way to go. Its base is either at the top or the side of the umbrella, and usually provides more tilt. Take this one, which comes highly recommended by interior designer Audrey Scheck. "It has a UV resistant and waterproof canopy, which is rare at this price point," she says. "Plus, it can be rotated 360 degrees by stepping on a pedal, so you can easily move it with the sun throughout the day for maximum shade."
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When deciding umbrella styles, a round canopy is a classic. This one from L.L. Bean is more expensive than the other picks on our list, but its suite of features are worth the premium price point. For starters, its canopy is made of Sunbrella, which is the industry standard for its ultra-durability and UV protection, so you're less likely to get scorched under its shade. The canopy's vented top prevents swaying caused by wind, and the pulley system makes this easy to open and close. Plus, its solid wood frame and ribs makes for a luxurious finish worthy of the higher price tag.
It's hard to find a quality umbrella for small patios or umbrellas, which is why designer Margarita Bravo recommends this modern one from direct-to-consumer brand Bluu. "It's sturdy and affordable and looks great in an apartment patio or terrace without taking up too much space," she says. Available in six colors, this one comes with a five-year warranty, so you're sure it's made to last plenty of summers.
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Coming in at 6.5 feet, this umbrella is the smallest pick on our list, but packs tons of features. Its polyester canopy is wind-resistant up to 15 miles per hour, and it's UV-resistant to help prevent sun burn. Plus, the canopy's square shape gives it a sleeker finish compared to most round umbrellas we've seen. Great for small porches and patios, it has a sturdy wood pole. Customers say the pulley system is easy to use.
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Arlmont & Co. gets rave reviews for its stylish umbrellas that hold up for years, and this striped option is no exception. It's easy to open, thanks to its crank lift system. Like the best umbrellas on our list, this canopy is water, wind, and UV-resistant. Its aluminum frame is rust resistant, further adding to its durability. While partial assembly is required, customers say it's relatively easy to put together.
For the past month, we consulted with five interior designers across the country who have tried, tested, and recommended countless patio umbrellas in the past year. Men's Health editors tried and tested a few of these patio umbrellas to evaluate their durability and style. Plus, we considered rugs that had at least a 4.5 star average rating from e-commerce sites we trust.
When looking for the right umbrella for your space, the first thing to look for is size. In general, you want an umbrella that's two feet wider than the dining table, sofa, or lounge set you're trying to cover. Sure, you could go all out and get a massive umbrella, but it won't look proportional to your outdoor decor, so it'll look awkward.
"The canopy should always be fabricated from an outdoor material, such as Sunbrella or polyester to stand up to the elements," says Los Angeles-based designer Nichole Schulze. "Opt for light neutral colors (not white), since they can mask any dust or dirt, and resist the look of fading."
When it comes to the umbrella's frame, teak frames look the best, Schulze says, but require more maintenance than metal. She recommends a lightweight aluminum frame for a weather-resistant material that looks great and is easy to take care of.
What kind of sun coverage will you need? Are you trying to cover multiple areas with one umbrella? If so, Schulze says to go for models that have a tilt or swivel, so you can adjust the canopy with the sun's movement. "They're a little more costly than other umbrellas, but will more than prove their worth in the long run," she says. "The operating mechanisms make it easy to provide coverage throughout the day."