Whether you’re dining outside, relaxing with a book or entertaining guests, a well-placed parasol, umbrella or shade sail can transform your garden into a comfortable and stylish extension of your home. A carefully chosen shade can help protect you from UV rays (don’t forgo agood sunscreen, though), creating cool, sheltered spots from where you can enjoy the outdoors without overheating or burning.
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The right design can enhance the look of your outdoor space, too, adding colour and pattern and complementing existing garden furniture. It’s also worth noting that many parasols are portable, making them perfect for the beach or park. With plenty of choice available before peak summer demand hits, now is the perfect time to invest, so you can make the most of every sunny day, at home or on days out.
I have been writing about design and interiors for more than two decades. In that time, I’ve covered a huge number of design-related subjects, from kitchens to carpets to bathrooms, bedding and beyond. Here, I’ve scoured a multitude of suppliers to find the very best sunshades, umbrellas and parasols to suit a host of scenarios and budgets.
Hyams outdoor umbrella
From £1,395 at King Living
The Australians know a thing or two about creating shade, as this uber-functional umbrella from Sydney-based brand King Living proves. With six preset tilt options and foot-operated 360-degree rotation for optimal shade, it comes with remote-operated, solar-powered LED lighting that can also be charged via USB.
Outsunny square cantilever parasol
From £83.69 at the RangeFrom £87.99 at Amazon
Available in four colours, including an uplifting orange, this cantilever parasol has a sizeable fabric canopy and a playful wavy border. A simple handle mechanism makes it easier to open and close the canopy.
Aluminium cantilever umbrella
£999 at Kingsley Smythe
Measuring 3 x 3m, this is one of the few cantilever umbrellas that comes in a fun striped fabric. Including solar-powered LED lights, 360-degree rotation and a heavy granite base, this umbrella comes in either cool and contemporary grey or this fresh green colourway.
Free arm garden parasol
From £1,199 at Kettler£1,369 at John Lewis
This high-quality parasol is made from non-crease, shower-resistant polyester that offers UV50+ sun protection, too. The aluminium frame has spring-loaded spokes, which ensure the canopy sits tight against it, and the modern design includes LED lights and even a wireless speaker.
Berkfield double parasol
£189 at Debenhams£200 at B&Q
Providing twice as much shade as a regular parasol, this double-canopy design is easy to wind up and down thanks to its simple crank mechanism. Rigid steel ribs, a sturdy steel pole and a cross base help to keep the umbrellas stable. Available inblack,creamand this super-stylish burgundy.
Recycled polyester cream carousel parasol
£70 at Dunelm
This generous parasol has a crank mechanism that makes putting it up and down a breeze. Made from 100% recycled, wipe-clean polyester, the elegant cream shade is trimmed with beaded tassels that add just the right amount of glamour.
Portable tassel parasol with tilt
£39.99 at Christow£39.99 at Amazon
Guaranteed to add a touch of vintage style to any occasion, this budget-friendly parasol is lightweight and portable, and has a tilt feature so that it can be angled in any direction. Standing at two metres tall, it comes in six pastel shades and has a cotton tassel trim.
Fabienne double top crank and tiltparasol
£199.99 at Daals
The double-top vent design of this lofty three-metre-high parasol allows air to pass through, reducing wind pressure and making the parasol more stable. Made from UPF50+ polyester fabric that also has a water-resistant treatment, it comes in six colours(although three are currently out of stock) and has a crank-and-tilt function.
The Poppy
£235 at Boho Parasol Hut
With its feminine, ruffled edging, this pink striped parasol will add a touch of romance to any garden or patio. Collapsible for easy storage, the lightweight, beech wood design comes with a matching carry bag to make it easy to transport wherever you go.
Suntime Shanghai wind-up tilt parasol
From £68.99 at The Range
This cheerful yellow parasol will bring a touch of sunshine to any outdoor space, whether the real thing is out or not. Made from durable polyester, it can be angled using the crank-and-tilt mechanism, while its pole and ribs are made from powder-coated steel, making it hard-wearing.
Daphne octagonal parasol
£785 at the East London Parasol Company
With an Arabian-inspired valance decorated with light blue tassels, the print on this octagonal garden parasol gives a nod to wildflowers. Made from water-resistant canvas lined with cotton, both sides are printed, while the frame features a double pulley system and brass fittings.
The Amalfi umbrella
£199 at Business & Pleasure
With a reclaimed laminated timber pole, this UPF50+ and water-resistant parasol has a Mediterranean style. It provides maximum coverage with a chic, minimalist look. The simple, fringe-free design makes it more lightweight, and it comes with a matching canvas carry bag.
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Sywawa couture garden parasol
From £600 at Go Modern
Smart and sophisticated, this parasol is made from hard-wearing Symacryl-coated fabric, which blocks out 97% of UV rays. Two layers of fabric are used to create the stitching detail, and the design is available in 12 colours. Designed to last, this shade is also suitable for commercial use.
Artemis parasol
£3,800 at House of Hackney
Made from a soft-touch, linen-look fabric that’s shower-resistant, anti-microbial and UV-protected, some of the proceeds from this classic outdoor House of Hackney umbrella go towards protecting forests, thanks to its partnership with the World Land Trust.
George tiki beach parasol
£35 at Asda
Bring a touch of the tropics to your back garden with this fun, raffia-effect tiki parasol. It’s height-adjustable, and a simple push-up-and-down function ensures it’s easy to use. Comes with a practical carry bag, too.
Simplicity parasol
£925 at Plia
This parasol is made from fabric used in the production of luxury yacht upholstery. Colour-matched to Farrow & Ball’s paint shade Ammonite, it’s mould- and stain-resistant and easy to clean. It’s also resistant to colour change from UV light and chlorine.
Premium waterproof sail shade
From £64.99 at Zephyr
Combining sun and rain protection, this shade has a smart, architectural look and comes in different shapes and sizes to suit your space. It’s made from polyester and blocks more than 98% of harmful UV rays, and by positioning one corner slightly lower than the rest, the rain will run off directly, preventing it from sagging.
Tasselled canopy
£95 Cox & Cox
A more decorative take on the shade sail concept, this tasselled canopy can be hung between trees or across a pergola. It’s made from a water-repellent polyester with chic, black cotton tassels, and it comes with a carry bag, making it easy to take anywhere.
Coconut fibre shade sail
From £149.48 at Etsy
Handmade by Indian artisans, this rustic-style shade sail is crafted from 100% natural coconut fibre – a water-resistant material that fares particularly well in adverse weather. Available in custom sizes, the loose weave nature of the fabric provides shade while still allowing air to pass through.
Miasun portable beach tent
£95.20 at Holloways of Ludlow
Weighing just over a kilogram, this ultra-portable, tent-style shade provides about 3m² of cover to ensure the whole family is safe from the sun. It’s easy to assemble and can be set up in three ways. Choose from nine cheerful colours and patterns.
Beige rectangular sunshade sail
£56 at Homebase
Lightweight, tear-resistant and budget-friendly, this shade features stainless steel rings for secure attachment. Made from breathable knitted polyethene with a high UV50+ protection, it is perfect for use on camping trips, by pools, over patios or in gardens. It’s easily cleaned, too, with a blast from a garden hose.
Solaria furl shade
£1,126.30 at Maanta
This ingenious shade sail uses nautical technology and a high-quality furler that allows it to be manually retracted quickly and safely. The radial-cut sail allows greater distribution of tension, which makes it strong, durable and wind resistant.
The right sunshade or parasol will depend on your space, budget and how you plan to use the area. It’s worth noting that many designs, especially more traditional-style umbrellas, don’t come with a base as standard, so you may need to buy one separately.
Cantilever parasolsoffer excellent versatility and are ideal for larger spaces, such as patios, poolside areas or outdoor dining spots, where you want unobstructed room beneath the canopy. They can swivel, tilt and rotate, allowing for flexible shade coverage as the sun moves throughout the day. However, they’re more expensive and require a heavy base, which can make them bulky and less portable.
Tilting parasolscan be more affordable and work well in medium-sized spaces, such as patios, seating areas and on decks. It’s useful to be able to adjust the angles to block the sun from different directions, although the central pole can sometimes limit space directly beneath. They’re also less stable in strong winds.
Upright parasolsare the most basic and cost-effective option, best suited for small patios, balconies and portable setups such as picnics. They’re easy to store and set up, but lack the flexibility of a tilt or rotation function, offering limited directional shade. They also tend to be less stable in windy conditions, unless well anchored.
Sail shadesprovide a sleek, architectural look and can cover large areas such as decks, playgrounds and patios without obstructing the space below. They’re often more wind-resistant, but they need mounting points and are fixed in place, which means they don’t adjust with the sun’s movement, so correct placement is important.
If you want your parasol or shade to last, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential. Cantilever, tilting and upright parasols should all be cleaned by removing loose debris with a soft brush, then wiping the canopy with a mixture of mild soap and water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry. Check any moving parts and joints regularly, tighten any loose screws and lubricate, if necessary, withan all-purpose product such as WD40to keep mechanisms smooth.
Always close and cover a parasol or umbrella, especially during windy or rainy weather, and store indoors – or use a cover when not in use for any length of time. To deep clean a sail shade, lay it flat and use a mild detergent with a soft brush to remove any dirt. Rinse well and let dry completely before reinstalling. Check attachment points and tension regularly, tightening as needed to prevent sagging.
Claudia Baillie is a journalist specialising in design and interiors. Although her days are spent writing about high-end and contemporary furniture and spaces, she loves nothing more than a rummage at a charity shop or car-boot sale. She’s the proud recipient of several industry awards, including a Red Carpet Award, which is literally for writing about carpet. She owns too many souvenir ‘I Heart’ mugs. One day, she would like to live by the sea and become an artist