Best patio umbrella

To maximise enjoyable time in the garden, a patio umbrella is a must. Whether it’s located over a dining set or outdoor seating, it’ll keep you, the family, and guests out of the direct sunlight so you can enjoy your plot's sights and sounds all day long. As well as designs of various diameters, you can select unconventional shapes for wider coverage as well as chic cantilevered options. Find a model sized to your space in a colour you love among our best picks.

This good-value patio umbrella is a useful and good looking addition to any garden, adding a fabulous colour accent. It’s height-adjustable and can also be tilted to change the angle as the sun moves during the day. It offers UV20+ protection to keep damaging rays at bay while you’re enjoying your plot. With a diameter of 160 centimetres, it will fit smaller tables, but, bear in mind, you will need to buy a base separately. It will pack away neatly when it’s time to store it.

Opt for this cantilevered patio umbrella for a super chic look that’s a great complement to a contemporary garden design. With a 3-metre diameter, the umbrella will provide a generous shaded area, and it can be tilted as well as rotated to keep sitters and diners comfortable at all times. It is also height adjustable for convenience. The canopy is water repellent, so you needn’t worry if there’s a sudden shower. This grey shade is my favourite, but there are several other smart colours to consider. Note that the base needs to be purchased separately.

If you’re concerned about keeping the sun off little ones and your own skin, go for this patio umbrella. It has a rating of 50+, which shows excellent UV protection. The canopy has a 2.7-metre diameter, providing shade for four to six chairs around a table. Move it up and down with the hand crank, and use the tilt button as required for better shading. The modern black frame is powder-coated, and there are plenty of additional colour choices besides this brown version.

Brighten up your garden in an instant with this patio umbrella in exotic orange, or choose from a range of other hot or cool shades. The polyester canopy is fade-resistant to keep it looking good for longer. A crank mechanism makes the umbrella easy to raise and lower, and it can be tilted at the push of a button, so it’s easy to both setup and adjust. I like the wind vent built into the canopy; it stabilizes the umbrella, but, as with our other choices, it does need a base. With a diameter of 2.3 metres, it’s suitable for a small to medium table, whether it’s round or rectangular. 

If you want to welcome a group to your garden, opt for this sizeable patio umbrella. It has a 4.6-metre diameter that’ll ensure no one has to wilt in the heat and a handsome double-canopy shape. Putting the large parasol up is easy, though, because of the crank mechanism. A steel pole along with 12 connector ribs keep it strong and sturdy, despite its size. If the clouds roll in it will resist light rain. A cross base is included, but a counterweight isn’t, and it needs to be assembled. 

You don’t need to take your patio umbrella down as dusk falls if you select this design. With solar LED lights in its frame, it will create a magical atmosphere for evening dining alfresco. They’ll provide up to eight hours of light from a single charge so everyone can linger. During the day it provides UV40+ protection for skin, and it’s easy to raise and lower thanks to a crank handle. With a diameter of 2.7 metres, it will keep a group cool, and it can be tilted.

Our verdict

Shade a dining table and chairs, a garden sofa, or loungers with a patio umbrella. Our favourite design is the Sekey garden parasol, which has good looks, UV protection, and is easy to put together. It’s ideal for compact patios and suits a bistro table perfectly.

Want contemporary style and good coverage? The VOUNOT cantilevered garden parasol might be right up your street. You can adjust the height, tilt, and rotate it as desired, and it has a 3-metre diameter.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously – testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.