Patio umbrellas and sun shades are just getting better and better. They can really set the atmosphere outside, be it patio, garden or pool. Especially the large ones, they can dominate a backyard space. The ubiquitous market umbrella is the work horse. Generally wood parts (but not always) and with a small canopy at the top, they are built to commercial grade. They are available in many styles and colors.
There are leaning umbrellas, beach umbrellas, offset umbrellas, wall-mounted models and even a half umbrella for those awkward places against a wall. The Balinese patio umbrellas are decidedly Bohemian, we like them a lot. But most of them aren’t weather resistant, so be sure to take them in. And then there is some really cool lighting to be had. Some of the modern umbrellas have some very unusual designs. We’ve taken the best of these umbrellas and sun shade sails and lined them up in a column so you can compare, and then decide. Happy ‘brella browsing.
Market Umbrellas – The Workhorse
Market umbrellas are the work horses of the patio umbrella. They come in some great colors. This is the Woodline Safari model.
This market umbrella has a tilt function. You can choose your fabric color to match your garden design. Source
Here’s a market umbrella doing double duty. It’s a patio table umbrella and a tilter. Red is a popular choice, as is the square shape. Source
From Hedgerow Studios, this is a hand-painted umbrella.
The blue umbrella is accented by the blue tile patio table. They work well together. Source
This square wooden Safari market umbrella looks vibrant in red. Source
Modern Umbrellas
Jordan Manufacturing‘s Lotus patio umbrella features layers
The European Shade Leaf from Curran is an individual umbrella.
The Icarus Shade Leaf from Umbrosa is an interesting concept.
The Solis Umbrella by Porta forma is available at Frontgate. It’s sleek, isn’t it?
The Riviera Premium Plus umbrella is a commercial grade large size for a larger backyard.
The Frou Frou Parasol by Porta Forma is perhaps more style than shade.
Offset – Cantilevered Umbrellas
Red is such a great color for a large umbrella. You need very little else to create a nice patio setting. Source
The lights on this cantilevered umbrella are solar and they come with the purchase. Source
The Capri Offset rotates 360 degrees to follow the sun during the day. Source
The Treasure Garden 8-ft cantilevered umbrella covers the whole backyard seating area. Source
This green tilted umbrella is from Treasure Garden’s Shanghai Collection. Source
The orange Eclipse cantilevered patio umbrella. Source
These lights are also solar powered.
Wall Mounted & Wall Hugger Umbrellas
Aren’t these wall mounted umbrellas a great idea for your patio? From Curran. Source
Wall-mounted patio umbrella design saves a great deal of space. Source
Wall hugger – half umbrella takes up half the space and is great for balconies. Source
Bohemian & Balinese Umbrella Designs
Balinese patio umbrellas have a bohemian, gypsy quality to them. This is a very different idea. We would love to have it in our backyard. Source
Balinese umbrellas in white are fantastic ideas for a wedding or a Summer Solstice party. Or just hanging around the backyard. Source
There’s a real tropical feel to these Balinese umbrellas. Source
Bohemian monkeys on the patio with red umbrella designs. Source
More bohemian monkey ideas.
This DIY pagoda umbrella gives your patio an eclectic look. Source
Here’s another cool Balinese umbrella design – source.
Sun Shades & Sails for Patio and Garden
A great red sun shade sail for the back patio or deck. Easy to install. Buy them on eBay.
The Umbrosa Spectra is a modern sun shade sail. Doesn’t that whole design look great in white? Source
Curran European Sun Shade Sales Triangle in red – an unusual idea. Source
Spectra Square with inclined mast. Isn’t that neat how they call it mast, like a boat? Because it’s a sun shade sail. Source
This UV-blocking sun shade sail can lower the temperature below the sail up to 10 degrees. Source
Lighting Ideas
Umbrella lighting design is important and can make magic on your patio. Source
Lights for patio umbrellas really do make a beautiful setting and it’s so simple. Source
The above image showcases an orb lighting idea. It provides just the right amount of light on the patio – can this be your beautiful evening?.
Soft glowing lights shine from the Blue Star patio umbrella lights.
Candles are lights too. They look fantastic hung under patio umbrellas. Source
Patio umbrella bottle lights by Zal Creations on Etsy.
Custom Logo Umbrella Designs
There are logo patio umbrellas. And then there are these logo patio umbrellas. ‘Nuff said. Source
