The Best Patio Umbrellas for Your Outdoor Space, According to Interior Designers (2024)

If we were to recommend only one patio umbrella to buy immediately, this would be it. And over 15,000 Amazon customers agree with us. For around $50, Blissun's bestseller provides incredible value. It has a durable, all-weather-friendly aluminum frame with a polyester canopy that's available in dozens of colors, doesn't fade easily and can withstand gust. Customers say assembly is a cinch.

• Size: 9 feet
• Canopy material: Polyester
• Frame material: Aluminum
• Opening mechanism: Crank
• Base sold separately

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If your backyard patio setup is mainly lounge chairs rather than a central dining table, then a cantilever umbrella is the way to go. Its base is either at the top or the side of the umbrella, and usually provides more tilt. Take this one, which comes highly recommended by interior designer Audrey Scheck. "It has a UV resistant and waterproof canopy, which is rare at this price point," she says. "Plus, it can be rotated 360 degrees by stepping on a pedal, so you can easily move it with the sun throughout the day for maximum shade."

• Size: 8 to 10 feet (3 sizes available)
• Canopy material: Solution-dyed fabric
• Frame material: Aluminum, steel
• Opening mechanism: Pedal
• Base sold separately

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When deciding umbrella styles, a round canopy is a classic. This one from L.L. Bean is more expensive than the other picks on our list, but its suite of features are worth the premium price point. For starters, its canopy is made of Sunbrella, which is the industry standard for its ultra-durability and UV protection, so you're less likely to get scorched under its shade. The canopy's vented top prevents swaying caused by wind, and the pulley system makes this easy to open and close. Plus, its solid wood frame and ribs makes for a luxurious finish worthy of the higher price tag.

• Size: 9 feet
• Canopy material: Sunbrella
• Frame material: Wood
• Opening mechanism: Pulley
• Base sold separately

It's hard to find a quality umbrella for small patios or umbrellas, which is why designer Margarita Bravo recommends this modern one from direct-to-consumer brand Bluu. "It's sturdy and affordable and looks great in an apartment patio or terrace without taking up too much space," she says. Available in six colors, this one comes with a five-year warranty, so you're sure it's made to last plenty of summers.

• Size: 7.5 feet to 11 feet (3 available sizes)
• Canopy material: Outtra™ recycled fabric
• Frame material: Aluminum
• Opening mechanism: Crank
• Base sold separately

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Coming in at 6.5 feet, this umbrella is the smallest pick on our list, but packs tons of features. Its polyester canopy is wind-resistant up to 15 miles per hour, and it's UV-resistant to help prevent sun burn. Plus, the canopy's square shape gives it a sleeker finish compared to most round umbrellas we've seen. Great for small porches and patios, it has a sturdy wood pole. Customers say the pulley system is easy to use.

• Size: 6.5 feet
• Canopy material: Polyester
• Frame material: Wood
• Opening mechanism: Pulley
• Base sold separately
• One year warranty

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Arlmont & Co. Jaenis 89'' Market Umbrella

Arlmont & Co. gets rave reviews for its stylish umbrellas that hold up for years, and this striped option is no exception. It's easy to open, thanks to its crank lift system. Like the best umbrellas on our list, this canopy is water, wind, and UV-resistant. Its aluminum frame is rust resistant, further adding to its durability. While partial assembly is required, customers say it's relatively easy to put together.

• Size: 8 feet
• Canopy material: Polyester
• Frame material: Aluminum
• Opening mechanism: Crank
• Base sold separately
  

"The canopy should always be fabricated from an outdoor material, such as Sunbrella or polyester to stand up to the elements," says Los Angeles-based designer Nichole Schulze. "Opt for light neutral colors (not white), since they can mask any dust or dirt, and resist the look of fading."

When it comes to the umbrella's frame, teak frames look the best, Schulze says, but require more maintenance than metal. She recommends a lightweight aluminum frame for a weather-resistant material that looks great and is easy to take care of.