If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us?
10 Attractive, Effective Patio Umbrellas to Up Your Backyard Game
Throw shade with grace.

With patio season at your doorstep, you may feel like your summer is made in the shade. While the spring sunshine and festivities are certainly a welcome respite from winter, when the height of summer hits, you’re going to want a place to shelter from the glare (hopefully with SPF on hand, too!).
Patio umbrellas offer a consistent source of shade, plus protection from the occasional sunshower. Also, they add a touch of elegance and style to any outdoor space. The market for patio umbrellas is vast, with options ranging from basic to highly stylized. They generally come with bases and come in a range of colors and sizes. Some protect better against gusts of wind and UV rays than others, and some umbrellas are better suited for the occasional sprinkle.
The Best Patio Umbrellas
What to Consider
Picking the perfect patio umbrella for your space requires a few careful considerations. Keep the following in mind and we think you’ll land on one that throws just the right brand of shade for your space:
- Size: Patio umbrellas are usually measured by the foot. Think about the size of your space and how much shade you will realistically need before buying. We have smaller kid-size umbrellas and extra-large umbrellas, with plenty in between.
- Stand and Base: Unless noted, all of these patio umbrellas include a stand. A heavy-duty base is essential if you live in a windy area. The base essentially grounds the umbrella and protects the whole thing from flying away in strong winds, potentially harming people or property. If your base does not feel sturdy enough, you can always add a cement block or another heavy, solid object to ground it further.
- Mechanism: Almost all of these umbrellas feature both a crank mechanism and a push-tilt function. Much like an old-fashioned manual car-window opener, a crank mechanism is a handle that you can use to turn and open or close the umbrella. A push-tilt button allows you to release a lock that angles the umbrella and protects you from the sun or wind. Consider how easy or convenient you want the process to be, or whether you or anyone setting up the umbrella has mobility or grip issues and would benefit from more automatic mechanisms.
- Color and Design: This seems basic, but it’s easy to overlook. Consider the colors of the space you plan to put the umbrella in as well as your overall aesthetic, and shop accordingly.
We thought about all of the different requirements you may have for your patio umbrella, depending on your space, lifestyle, and budget. We consulted top experts in the fields and read through hundreds of consumer reviews before coming up with our collection of patio umbrellas for every type of shade lover. Get ready to throw fabulous shade all summer long.

Watch Next


30 Gardening Gifts for the Green Thumb

15 Welcome Mats That Are Cute and Practical

25+ Oasis-Worthy Outdoor Furniture Essentials

Gather Your Loved Ones Around the Best Fire Pits