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When it rains, it pours, but summer sunshine has its own set of drawbacks. Whether you have a tiny balcony or a sprawling backyard with multiple terraces, a great outdoor umbrella can lower the temperature when it’s hotter than a fire emoji outside. Adding some shady cover is also a foolproof way to turn your outdoor eyesore into a resort-worthy extension of your indoor oasis. But looks can only get you so far.

“Splurging on quality umbrellas is always a yes for me,” says Abbe Fenimore, founder and principal designer of Studio Ten 25 in Dallas. She suggests choosing one that’s well designed and easy to adjust to get the most out of an item that eats up considerable space and budget. “The intention is to add shade without the challenge of moving the umbrella around while you are out enjoying the space,” she adds. You also want to pay attention to the technical stuff: the sun-protection factor and durability for starters, but also the size. Read on for pro tips on how to choose the best patio umbrella for your shade needs and design style, plus a roundup of the best canopies to instantly make any alfresco area look and feel cooler.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Fabric: An umbrella is only as good as its canopy, and material largely dictates overall quality. Usually found on pricier models, Sunbrella is a top choice among experts because the brand’s durable performance fabrics resist the elements and provide true sun protection. They are “designed with innovative technology that dyes them at the fiber level to be UV- and fade-proof, allowing them to retain their beauty even when exposed to direct sunlight,” says Kirk Fitzsimmons, director of industrial sales at Sunbrella. “They are also easy to clean and resistant to mold and mildew.” To further size up the sun-protection factor of a canopy fabric, he suggests looking for third-party accreditation vetting, like Sunbrella’s Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation for UV protection.

Mechanism: There are various mechanisms to lift and tilt the canopy on an outdoor umbrella, and certain ones make more sense depending on typical use and the type of setting. “Consider the size of the umbrella and how often you are putting it up and down,” says Fitzsimmons. “A pulley might be the right choice if you’re adjusting your shade frequently throughout the day, whereas a crank is a great option for an umbrella that sits near a pool and is opened just once or twice per day.”

Patio decor: Fortune favors the bold. “If you have a very neutral design, I say go for an umbrella that will add contrast,” suggests Dabito, founder of Old Brand New, a Los Angeles–based creative studio. “I also like to mix cool and warm colors or opt for monochromatic, which you can never go wrong with.”

Size: “There is no one-size-fits-all solution for shade,” says Fitzsimmons. But you can use this simple trick for choosing the right canopy dimensions: “As a general rule of thumb, consider extending the shade 2 feet beyond the size of what you are covering, like a dining table,” he suggests. Roxy Te Owens, founder and creative director of Society Social, has a similar sizing M.O. for umbrellas. “Measure the area or table you want to shade, then add 2 to 2.5 feet to each side to figure out the diameter,” she says.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: Ballard Designs Auto-Tilt Umbrella

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Ballard Designs Auto-Tilt Umbrella, Ballard Designs ($429)
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It’s easy to throw constant shade from every angle thanks to the simple crank mechanism on this classic umbrella by Ballard Designs. But its impenetrable Sunbrella canopy has a trick up its sleeve: The UV-shielding, fade- and mildew-resistant fabric features a single vent to make way for bracing breezes. Available in 27 colors and 9- and 11-foot diameters, it’s designed to fit a variety of alfresco setups to create the ultimate beach vacation atmosphere in any backyard. “I love striped patio umbrellas because they have such a summery vibe that makes me feel like I’m at a resort,” says Dabito.

Best Value: Blissun Aluminum Patio Umbrella

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Blissun Aluminum Patio Umbrella, Amazon ($49)
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With more than 8,000 reviews on Amazon, most of which are glowing 5-star ratings, Blissun’s 9-foot umbrella is a classic overachiever, especially when you consider its under-$50 price tag. The waterproof, UV-resistant fabric canopy comes in a dozen juicy colors, and its lightweight aluminum frame is easy to move if you want the flexibility of shading various patio areas. It’s also a good pick for rentals and shorter-term housing, where you might not want to invest in heavy-duty wrought iron and stainless steel poles, says Fitzsimmons.

Best With Built-In Lighting: Sunnyglade Solar 24 LED Lighted Umbrella

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Sunnyglade Solar 24 LED Lighted Patio Umbrella, Amazon ($68)
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Love hosting dinner parties but hate eating in the dark? The built-in lighting in Sunnyglade’s illuminated patio umbrella lets you stay out way past curfew under the glow of 24 solar-powered lights tucked into the canopy. But before visions of detangling Christmas-light tumbleweeds dance through your head, take note: Amazon reviewers praise the easy setup. The best part? You can turn them on with the flip of a switch on the pole, and they shine for up to six hours when fully charged. There is a downside, though. While the umbrella is surprisingly affordable considering the techy bells and whistles, you’ll need to buy the base separately.

Best Cantilever: Crate & Barrel Round Cantilever Umbrella With Base

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Crate & Barrel Round Cantilever Umbrella with Base, Crate & Barrel ($1,269)
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If you want to invest in the Rolls-Royce of outdoor umbrellas, one you won’t have to replace in a few years, Fenimore recommends a cantilevered style. “It’s great for dining and for large lounge spaces because it can be moved out of the way,” she says. This Crate & Barrel pick has a 10-foot round canopy constructed of ultra-durable Sunbrella fabric, and it’s easy to make shade adjustments thanks to an efficient open-and-close crank system. Plus it has a solid base with wheels, so you can effortlessly maneuver it around a terrace or porch.

Best Details: Business & Pleasure Co. Premium Beach Umbrella

Business & Pleasure Co. Premium Beach Umbrella
Premium Beach Umbrella, Business & Pleasure Co. ($224 was $299)
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This dainty striped number is heavy on charm and function thanks to details like the natural cotton fringed edges, a fiberglass-ribbed canopy, and a laminated pole crafted from reclaimed timber with just enough gloss to give it a fancier-than-most feel. We’re also into the marine-grade hardware—both the hinge and handle are made from hand-polished aluminum. While the canopy is UV- and water-resistant, it’s not watertight, so closed storage will help to retain its good looks. “Such an attractive umbrella,” writes one 5-star reviewer. “A handy item to bring to the beach!” 

For a patio, just add a base. If you want to tote it to the beach, tuck the umbrella into its accompanying canvas carrying bag for the perfect outdoorsy setup.

Best Extra-Large: Phi Villa Patio Umbrella

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Phi Villa 15-ft Patio Umbrella, Amazon ($190)
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“One of the most important decisions when picking out an outdoor umbrella is the size,” explains Owens. “If it’s too big, it can take over the whole space, but if it’s too small, you won’t get enough shade,” she says. To avoid the latter scenario, especially if you have a big family or frequently entertain guests, this supersize Phi Villa option with a crank handle is a solid bet. Its generous 15-by-9-foot canopy is a welcome oasis on sunny days. Bonus points for the included base.

Best Small Scale: Novogratz Connie Market Umbrella

Novogratz Connie Market Umbrella
Connie Market Umbrella, Novogratz ($137 was $340)
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There are only a couple of these scallop-edged shade providers in stock, so it’s safe to say we’re not the only one digging them. Equipped with a powder-coated steel base and two-tier top that tilts in either direction, this stripy shield opens to 80.71 inches wide with the assistance of a manual lift. It’s also weather-resistant, but if you plan to stow it occasionally, customers say it closes easily and can fit into smaller storage spaces. You’ll have to buy the stand separately, but reviewers find it to be exceptionally well made, durable, and stylish. “Sturdy and mildew-free six months or so later,” comments one 5-star reviewer. “I live in Palm Beach County, and she’s holding up like a dream in our sun without fading.” Another enthusiastic customer adds, “It has a cute outdoor café look and works perfectly with my outdoor built-in barbecue.”

Best Rectangular: Pottery Barn Premium Rectangular Umbrella

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Pottery Barn Premium Rectangular Outdoor Umbrella, Pottery Barn ($749)
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Modernists might prefer the crisp lines of a square or rectangular canopy to the traditional circular style. This Pottery Barn model radiates resort vibes and is easy to tilt to your desired, sun-blocking angle, plus the 10-foot rectangular Sunbrella canopy is available in an impressive array of 42 colors, with a hue to suit any decor. Unsure if a square umbrella will mesh with your space? “Look at the other shapes in your furniture, flooring, or even landscaping to determine what will work best,” suggests Fitzsimmons.

Best Scalloped: Opalhouse Round Fringe Patio Umbrella

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Opalhouse Round Fringe Patio Umbrella, Target ($90)
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Feeling playful? Splashy prints and zippy stripes instantly transport you to far-off destinations, and so does this fun Target find. The UV-resistant canopy is both fringed and scalloped and measures a modest 7.2 feet in diameter, so it’s well suited to small and medium outdoor spaces that need a quick style infusion but might be dwarfed by bigger canopies. The reasonable price point is appealing, too.

Best Pagoda Style: Serena & Lily Eastport Umbrella

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Eastport Umbrella, Serena & Lily ($974 was $1,298)
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Like something out of an Old Hollywood soundstage, this showstopping canopy sets the scene for Aperol Spritzes at sunset and lively brunches with friends. With its scalloped edging and contrasting trim, the fun pagoda-style stunner is more than just a pretty shade: Our chief content officer swears by its windproof construction, and the Sunbrella canopy and no-fuss push-opening mechanism makes quick location changes a breeze.

Pro Tips for Styling a Patio Umbrella

“If you’re starting from scratch, choosing an umbrella first can be a great way to dictate the vibe of your space,” says Owens. “For example, if you’re going for a fun colored umbrella with tassels, you’ll likely want to carry that maximalist style throughout the rest of your patio.” Looking for something more subdued yet with a bit of personality? “I love seeing bold color on patios or by the pool, but a classic stripe is a great way to add a little pattern and whimsy,” says Fenimore.

How We Vetted These Products

Every product in a Domino guide meets these criteria:

  1. They blend form and function. We believe the best-designed products reflect your personal style and are a joy to use.
  2. They’re expert approved. In addition to our team of editors, we tap a range of designers, makers, renovators, and all-around knowledgeable people to share their intel.
  3. They’re endorsed by people who actually own them. We pay close attention to real reviews from both our creative community and third-party websites to know that they pass the test IRL.