Beautiful patio umbrellas can instantly elevate your backyard, outdoor living space, poolside, deck or patio, while also providing protection from the summer sun! Patio umbrellas are versatile in that they can be placed on an umbrella stand and moved around or centered on an outdoor dining table, providing style and shade wherever you need it! And over the years, they’ve come out with some gorgeous designs. From luxury patio umbrellas to affordable looks-for-less, here is your guide to finding the most beautiful patio umbrellas for your outdoor living space.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions and recommendations are my own.
Why You’ll Love Beautiful Patio Umbrellas
If you’ve ever been to a nice poolside resort, there’s something that feels so luxurious about cozy poolside chaises lined with beautiful outdoor umbrellas. But you don’t need a luxurious resort-style pool to pull off the look!
Adding a colorful outdoor patio umbrella (also called an outdoor market umbrella), is a fun way to incorporate a pretty pop of color into your patio or outdoor living space. It’s a nice way to break up the sea of natural hues of wood, wicker or rattan patio sets. You can go with a classic blue and white cabana stripe umbrella for that resort-style feel, or you can go with a cute fringe or scalloped umbrella for some texture and character.
Not only do outdoor patio umbrellas instantly elevate your outdoor living space, they provide shade so you can actually enjoy your outdoor living space longer! Even if you LOVE to bask in the sun, sometimes you really need that “break” from the heat and UV rays. A patio umbrella offers shade to read, relax, or dine outdoors. And not only do you get protection from the sun, but also get coverage from light rain showers that pass through (you don’t need to leave the fun and scramble inside!).
If you have kids, a patio umbrella is the perfect solution to provide shade for summer outdoor play. Whether it be playing in a sand box, having fun at a water table, or having lunch at a kids picnic table, you won’t need to stress about “too much sun” when you have that option of much-needed shade.
Outdoor Umbrella Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Outdoor Patio Umbrella Material?
- SunbrellaĀ® fabrics are the top of the line for the best outdoor patio umbrella material. They are awarded the Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation for providing up to 98% UV protection
- SunbrellaĀ® fabrics resist fading, stains, mold, dirt and mildew
- And they feature a vented canopy, which allows hot air to circulate
How many outdoor patio umbrellas do I need?
- Well this really depends! If you have a smaller space like a balcony or small patio or deck, then 1 outdoor umbrella should be sufficient! Or if you’re adding an umbrella to an outdoor dining table or outdoor bistro table, then one umbrella is all you need. And if you haven’t bought outdoor dining sets before, more often than not, the outdoor dining table already comes with a pre-drilled umbrella hole in the center of the table, all set and ready for you to pop that outdoor umbrella in place.
- If you have a larger outdoor living space, that let’s say has a full outdoor patio set with outdoor sofas and chairs, as well as a dining table or more, than you may want to have 2 or 3 patio umbrellas. For example, one outdoor dining table umbrella and then 1 or 2 more outdoor umbrellas placed at the corners near the backside of the outdoor sectional. This will provide ample shade whether you sit on one side of the sectional/lounge/chairs or the opposite side.
- If you’re looking to add outdoor pool umbrellas, I think it looks best situated between TWO outdoor chaise lounges. For example, if you have a pool with 8 chaise lounges, then I would pair them off, place a poolside umbrella between them, and you’d end up with 4 outdoor pool umbrellas. If you have a large pool and have 16 chaise lounges, then you’d end up with 8 outdoor pool umbrellas, so on and so forth.
Should I leave a patio umbrella open or closed when not in use?
- Personally, I wouldn’t stress too much about closing a patio umbrella every time it’s not in use- who has time for that? However, it will prolong the umbrella’s lifespan if you protect it from intense elements. If there are particularly hot days where the sun is scorching and you’re not going to even be outside, then try to keep the umbrellas closed. If there are thunderstorms rolling in, then try to make your best effort to keep them closed. Avoiding constant harsh UV rays and protecting from the elements will keep your outdoor umbrellas looking much better and can last more summer seasons.
Can I mix and match colors or styles?
- Outdoor patio umbrellas look best when kept in a uniform look since they’re generally placed near each other. If you want to mix and match colors or styles in your outdoor living space, then I would do so with outdoor pillows! It will look much more intentional if styled correctly, vs different colored umbrellas.
How long will a patio umbrella last? What is the life expectancy of a patio umbrella?
- The length of time a patio umbrella will last really depends on multiple factors- quality, care/protection from the elements and harsh UV rays, whether they are packed away for the off-season(s), and the quality of the umbrella. A good quality umbrella should be able to last a decade (or more!) if taken care of, whereas if you’re going with a “look for less” option for style, then it may only last you a few seasons, especially if not durable.
Are patio umbrellas truly weather-proof?
- We’ve learned through experience that “weather-proof” is a subjective term- especially if your space is surrounded by mature trees! You can have a bad storm that rolls in and limbs could fall and do some damage, however, a GOOD-quality patio umbrella should really be able to withstand the elements as long as not too extreme. For example, a huge windstorm may do damage if you don’t close the umbrella. But overall, a good quality patio umbrella will be able to handle rain and sun to keep you dry and protected. Always read through the specifications for an outdoor umbrella to make sure it’s made of material that is weather-resistant or waterproof from the rain (if that’s important to you!).
Is it better to go with a high-end patio umbrella or a more affordable look for less?
- This also depends on your living situation or budget! A high-end, good quality patio umbrella should last you a long time, so it very well could be worth the investment! If you are creating a more “permanent” space, and one you will use often, like a new deck or patio with a nice outdoor furniture set, or a nice pool space, then I’d say splurge. But if you feel that you just want to “spruce things up a bit” and elevate the look of your outdoor living space but still stay in budget, then a look-for-less is the way to go. I’ve linked many affordable patio umbrellas below!
What To Look For When Buying an Outdoor Umbrella
- 1) Canopy Material
- 2) Canopy Size
- 3) Pole Material
- 4) Pole Height
- 5) Base Weight
- 6) Lift and Tilt Features
- 7) Weather-Resistance
- 8) Color / Style
- 9) Ventilation
The Most Beautiful Patio Umbrellas
Now for the fun part! I’ve gathered some of the most beautiful outdoor patio umbrellas so you can take your outdoor living space to the next level. From luxury patio umbrellas to affordable looks for less, let’s do some shopping!
Luxury Patio Umbrellas You’ll Love
ONE- This classic white fringe market umbrella from McGee and Co is made from weather-durable canvas and trimmed with a natural cotton fringe. It features a bamboo and steel pole structure that looks vintage, yet durable. *Sells out fast!
TWO- IN LOVE with this 9′ round resort collection Frontgate umbrella in “resort air stripe blue”. Made with highly durable, top-of-the-line Sunbrella fabric that provides 98% UV ray protection. The frame is available in aluminum or natural teak.
THREE- Such a classy and classic design! This Bunny Williams designed Mughal Arch Umbrella from Ballard Designs was inspired by the scalloped Mughal arches of India. The canopy is made of weather-defying SunbrellaĀ® acrylic to resist fading, stains and mildew.
FOUR- This Pacific Pagoda 8.5 ft Umbrella with Trim from Ballard is made from ultra-durable, washable Sunbrella canvas material. It features a playful pagoda-style canopy with a double-scalloped edge.
FIVE- The Marques Outdoor Rectangular Umbrella from McGee and Co is a sleek and classic large patio umbrella that features a weather-durable acrylic canopy, leather details and a teak pole.
SIX- A gorgeous 7-1/2′ round resort-style umbrella from Frontgate that comes in this pretty “resort stripe leaf” color and has multiple options for both canopy color and frame material.
SEVEN- A classic design with a twist featuring a pop of color on the darling tassels and valance trim. Featuring SunbrellaĀ® fabric that won’t fade, provides 98% UV protection and includes both a classic crank option with auto-tilt or an easy-to-open pulley system.
EIGHT- Frontgate’s Bardot Designer Umbrella was inspired by vintage cafe awnings, and has a classic look that will elevate any outdoor space. The SunbrellaĀ® canopy features premium, solution-dyed acrylic material that can tolerate the elements and will stay beautiful year after year.
NINE- The Skyros Designer Umbrella by Frontgate features an indigo trim and whimsical tassels.
ONE- How pretty is this 9′ Florencia Damask Designer Umbrella by Frontgate that features 100% SunbrellaĀ® solution-dyed acrylic fabric and is handpainted by artisans using nonfading UV-resistant paint.
TWO- The Eastport Striped Umbrella in Coastal Blue and White is a Serena and Lily classic with a pagoda-style design and scalloped edges.
THREE- 9′ Round Colome Tile Designer Umbrella- Another beautiful Frontgate find featuring artisan handprinted designs on SunbrellaĀ® solution-dyed acrylic fabric.
FOUR- A lovely neutral 8.5 ft patio umbrella in canvas beige and white Sunbrella fabric.
FIVE- Alicante Tassel Umbrella from Serena and Lily features a gorgeous Mediterranean blue colored Sunbrella canvas with playful white tassels.
SIX- Serena and Lily’s Teak Market Umbrella has a classic look on a polished teak pole. Such a simple, classy, and versatile design!
SEVEN- Frontgate Resort Collection 9′ Round Designer Umbrella in Air Blue is stunning! One of my top favorites for sure!
EIGHT- Serena and Lily’s Eastport in White and Grass features a pagoda-style umbrella with scalloped edges and a beautiful green trim.
NINE- And here it is in a classic navy!
ONE- Alicante Tassel Umbrella in Coastal Blue is basically perfect. I love this for a pool umbrella!
TWO- The Wave Club Umbrella by Serena and Lily is perfect as a pool umbrella with a stand, or even as a beach umbrella! Versatile, chic, and has the sweetest wave pattern.
THREE– Hannah Two-Tier Square Patio Umbrella in White from One Kings Lane features a square, fringed canopy that is crafted from durable Sunbrella acrylic to protect against the elements, a frame that is crafted from a combination of sturdy aluminum and stainless steel, and features a tilt-and-crank function.
FOUR- Love the feminine and delicate look of this pom-pom patio umbrella in the sweetest shade of light pink.
FIVE- A beautiful double scallop umbrella in blush pink!
SIX- A gorgeous double scallop light blue umbrella that comes in a 90″ or 108″ size.
SEVEN- A classic black and white patio umbrella in durable Sunbrella fabric, featuring dainty black tassels all around.
EIGHT– A simple and classic look with LED lighting lining the inside- perfect for evenings on the patio!
NINE- A lovely glacier blue striped patio umbrella that comes in different pole colors from white, teak, or black.
Affordable Patio Umbrellas (And Looks For Less)
If it’s not currently in your budget to buy a high-end patio umbrella, these affordable finds give you the look for less. From a white fringe umbrella to a classic cabana stripe umbrella to a super cute scalloped umbrella- these are all so pretty for an outdoor living space or summer patio!
ONE – A beautiful 9ft navy double scalloped patio umbrella, featuring a tilt feature, that is under $100!
TWO– A super cute 9ft beige tilt patio pom-pom umbrella, also under $100!
THREE- A nice, affordable Target find- a 6’x10′ rectangular cabana stripe outdoor patio market umbrella in a pretty light blue with a light wood pole.
FOUR– An Amazon find under $199 (often has a coupon!)- a smaller sized vintage lemon umbrella that doubles as a beach umbrella!
FIVE- Also comes in a lovely “Pink Capri Stripe”!
SIX– And a classic “Antique White”. Love the fringe!
SEVEN- A navy stripe umbrella with fringe and a push button tilt feature. (Under $100!)
EIGHT- Love this 9ft green scallop outdoor umbrella!
NINE- A large 9ft white scallop outdoor umbrella with navy trim featuring an auto-tilt (Also comes in a pretty Beige/White option or a pretty forest green color!)
*Here is a simple white market umbrella that falls mid-range in price, but considered very classic and durable!
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