Garden parasols are a must for outdoor living as the mercury creeps upwards of 25ºC. To get enough shade in the right place, you need to find the best parasol for your set up. Size, shape, mechanism and UV protection are just some of the factors you need to consider when choosing a garden parasol, as well as how heavy the base needs to be to stand up to the wind, and whether you want an upright, wall-mounted, crank-and-tilt or cantilever parasol.
To see what’s proving popular this summer, furnishings website ufurnish.com, which showcases collections from more than 100 retailers, has shared their top 10 best-selling parasols.
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1. Tilting cantilever parasol
The Royce Ambassador smoke grey tilting parasol from Dunelm has a Novasun canopy, which is made from recycled plastic chips, offers UPF 50+ UVA and UVB protection and is fade and weather-resistant. It offers full rotation for flexible shade options and has an LED light so you can carry on entertaining after the sun sets.
The canopy measures H 265cm x L 300cm x D 300cm, while the pole diameter is 58mm x 88mm. This tilting parasol can be wiped clean with a soft cloth and comes with a one-year guarantee. Bases and weights are not included. Priced £599, available via ufurnish.com.
Royce Ambassador tilting parasol with Novasun canopy from Dunelm
2. Parasol with LED lights
The Zeus rotating cantilever parasol from Olivia’s is available in taupe or charcoal with a round or square canopy, so you can tailor it to suit any garden, patio, decking or lawn. It has a simple lift mechanism and vented top section.
The acrylic, UV-resistant canopy is fitted with LED lights to create atmosphere as dusk falls, and is also weather resistant and can be wiped clean.
The square canopy measures H 262cm x W 3m, while the round canopy measures H 262cm x W 3.5m. The 80 x 80cm parasol base is included with this model. Priced £699, available via ufurnish.com.
Zeus rotating cantilever parasol from Olivia’s
3. Aztec shade sail
If you are tired of your parasol base getting in the way of your garden parties then the Aztec Print Shade Sail has you covered. Thanks to the D ring and ropes, the canopy is easy to install.
The rectangular sun shade sail adds a unique touch of boho styling with the monotone Aztec print fabric which can compliment many garden schemes. But more than just a style statement, the polyester fabric is water-resistant and provides UV protection.
The Aztec is 2m x 3m and is £24.99 via ufurnish.com.
The Aztec shade sail by VonHaus
4. Bali
Skilfully crafted in India, this parasol can add unique style to your shading with striking, decorative metal trims hanging from the edge. Made from Sal Wood, the Bali can easily be folded and stored away when not in use. Base not included.
Full height is 242cm, ground to umbrella is 180cm and parasol diameter is 190cm. £206.50 via ufurnish.com.
Bali parasol by The White Company
5. KETTLER
The KETTLER parasol has a simple wind-up mechanism making it easy to put up or down with the added bonus of a tilt facility. The canopy is removable for easy cleaning.
Made with a high-quality aluminium frame, designed to be lightweight yet robust. The canopy boasts UV50+ sun protection – ideal for keeping diners protected from harmful rays while the shower resistant fabric protects during light rain.
The KETTLER is H225cm x Dia.244cm and is £105 from ufurnish.com.
KETTLER Wind-Up Garden Parasol by John Lewis & Partners
6. Mahi
The Mahi hand painted mint green parasol nods to Indian summers and Moroccan nights. The parasol has teal tassels, woven fringing and hand-painted designs that border the umbrella top and wrap around the bamboo pole.
The Mahi is H247cm x Dia.188cm with a weight of 7.8kg. £425 via ufurnish.com.
Mahi Hand Painted Mint Green Parasol by Graham and Green
7. Overhang parasol
The Overhand parasol has a sleek design and durable build. The versatile 3m overhang solar LED garden outdoor parasol is perfect for day and evening garden functions.
It provides a shaded area during the sunshine and lighting during the evening. It has a shower proof polyester canopy that is opened with a crank system and features white LED lights. Once opened, the parasol canopy can be tilted to an angle.
It is H250cm and is £99 from ufurnish.com.
Overhang garden parasol by Cherry Lane Garden Centres
Types of garden parasols
Cantilever parasols solve the issue of the stand getting in the way, especially with larger set ups featuring a corner garden sofa, dining table and additional seating. The cantilever system means the canopy overhangs your garden furniture while the base and the main pole stand to the side.
Tilting parasols allow you to move the canopy as the sun moves across the garden, keeping you in the shade without needing to move the parasol. With a 360° rotation option, you have even greater flexibility.
Upright parasols take the shape of a typical garden umbrella, with the stand and base directly under the canopy. An upright parasol is fine for smaller set ups of just one or two sun loungers or garden chairs, as well as for simple garden dining table set ups.
Wall-mounted parasols are great for a patio, terrace or decked area adjacent to the house. Attached to the wall, and more often than not cantilevered, this set up can also help keep your home cool by preventing the sun streaming through windows.
What to consider when buying a parasol
UV protection differs vastly between products. A higher price tag usually offers a better quality of canopy, as well as a more durable lifting mechanism. Look out for a minimum protection of UPF 30, but ideally aim for UPF 50+ as parasols do not completely block UVs. The higher the density of the fabric, the better protection it will offer against UV rays.
Lift mechanisms vary from a simple push-it-up system (like an umbrella), to a pulley or crank-and-tilt parasol, which is best for those with limited mobility. A cranking mechanism makes it easy to raise the canopy, before tilting it to offer the best sun protection.
Pole materials also vary – choose from eco-friendly wood, which will likely need to be treated annually, aluminium, which is more hardwearing and rust-resistant, or powder-coated steel, which tends to be less expensive.
The parasol base will depend on the size and weight of the parasol and how windy the area is. Parasol bases are often sold separately for this reason, and the company you are buying from should offer guidance as to the base weight for the parasol you are buying. For commercial use, look for parasol bases wind-tested up to 90kmph.
