Whether you’re planning on renovating your outdoor patio are just looking for a few quick ways to spruce things up a bit, the best patio umbrellas are as much a style centerpiece as they are a useful outdoor accessory. But there’s a lot to consider when shopping for a patio umbrella.
Patio umbrellas come in two basic styles. There’s the market umbrella; fittingly, they’re the kind you’d see at an outdoor cafe. These have a straight pole that’s easier to fold up and carry, and they’re generally more affordable. Cantilever or offset umbrellas have a shade that hangs from a stand that’s off to the side. These are great because they can be shade areas where a base would be prohibitive. However, these are larger and more expensive.
Another factor to consider is the size. Umbrellas are measured by the diameter of the shade, with standard sizes ranging from 7 1/2 feet up to 13 feet. Another detail to look out for is the base. Many umbrellas do not come with a base or base weight, while some do. If you already have a base, or you’d like the ability to choose the best one, you may want to look for an umbrella that comes on its own.
Available in a range of colors and style options, these outdoor umbrellas are designed to help keep us cool while adding a certain charm to the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for portable models, plus-size designs or those extraordinary tilting umbrellas you find in five-star hotels, we’ve rounded up the best patio umbrellas below.
1. Abba Aluminum Offset Patio Umbrella
BEST OVERALL
Perfect for the pool, a backyard patio, or just to hang near your terrace, this Abba aluminum umbrella is easily the cream of the crop. It looks (and feels) simply lush, for starters: the frame itself features a rust-free powder coating that also works to prevent chips and general wear and tear over time. It also features five different mechanical tilt settings to help you customize your shade however you see fit. And because it measures 8-feet by 10-feet, it’s spacious while simultaneously not taking up too much space, making it a great middle option for most people.
Related Stories
2. L.L.Bean Sunbrella 9′ Market Umbrella
BEST MARKET UMBRELLA
In addition to clothes, L.L.Bean is well known for selling Adirondack chairs. So it’s no surprise the brand also sells patio umbrellas to go along with those chairs. This option has a classic market design with a push-button tilt for convenience. The acrylic fabric is fade and mildew resistant, while the vent on top helps the umbrella stay upright when it’s windy. The base and base weight are not included, so you must purchase those separately.
3. Frontgate 11′ Round Outdoor Market Umbrella
MOST CUSTOMIZABLE
Frontgate’s market umbrella comes at a premium, but you get one of the most customizable options on the market. Whichever way your style leans, there’s a Frontgate umbrella for you. This option is a sizeable 11 feet for plenty of coverage. You can select from solid, striped and patterned fabrics, and you can also customize the pole’s material. You can go for a natural look with teak, for example. The shade is made from premium Sunbrella fabric.
4. Hampton Bay 11′ Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella
BUILT IN LEDS
It’s best known for making indoor and outdoor fans, but Hampton Bay makes other products for keeping you cool. This 11-foot offset umbrella is an excellent option for placing over an outdoor table. The shade is available in a wide variety of stylish colors. This option includes the stand, too, so you can set it up right out of the box. Plus, LED lights under the shade provide illumination once it gets dark.
5. Abba Patio 9′ by 12′ Rectangular Umbrella
BEST CANTILEVER OPTION
As much a style statement as it is a valuable tool, this 12-foot umbrella features five different adjustable tilt options so you can perfectly position your shade at any time of the day. In addition to featuring a dual-vent design for added airflow, this umbrella is made for a durable polyester fabric that’s both fade-repellent and offers up to 98% UV protection. The pole and steel ribs are also highly durable and are both topped with a smart bronze powder coating to help prevent chipping and rusting over the years.
6. Frontgate Altura Cantilever Umbrella
BIGGEST UMBRELLA
If you have a large area to cover, Frontgate’s massive cantilever umbrella is the option you need. It’s available with a shade up to 13 feet in diameter. As is the case with Frontgate’s market umbrellas, you can customize this one, although the customization options are more limited. Still, there are three colors to choose from and two frame materials.
7. L.L.Bean Sunbrella Cantilever Umbrella
INCLUDES BASE
L.L.Bean offers a cantilever umbrella made with a premium Sunbrella shade. The shade is available in hunter green or sea salt. The aluminum pole has a bronze finish that evokes the look of wood. This option is the complete package; it includes the base and base weight.
8. Frontgate 7 1/2′ Round Outdoor Market Umbrella
BEST PATTERNS
In addition to its more giant 11 foot umbrella, Frontgate also offers an umbrella with a smaller 7 1/2 foot shade. Frontgate provides the same level of customization with its smaller umbrellas, allowing you to choose between over 30 solids, over a dozen striped colors, and six different patterns. Likewise, you can choose between six pole colors. Additionally, the base is sold separately.
9. Wondershade Ultimate Umbrella
BEST PORTABLE OPTION
Looking for a handy patio umbrella you don’t have to bolt into the ground? This Wondershade model is an excellent portable option and comes with its telescoping tripod case that’s easy to set up and even easier to take apart. With a built-in tilt feature, the umbrella itself can block up to 98% of harmful UV rays and even comes with two little cup holders, a welcome addition for sure.
10. Giantex 10′ Solar Patio Umbrella
BEST LARGE UMBRELLA
Big, solid and packing some personality, this extra-large solar patio umbrella has a wingspan of approximately 10 feet, giving you more shade than most other models at the same price point. The umbrella fabric is made from 100% 180G polyester, which means in addition to looking and feelin’ fine, it’s also water-repellent and UV-resistant. Best of all, this gorgeous model includes three solar-powered bulbs on each rib which light up at night, giving you more visibility during those twilight hours.