How to Choose an Outdoor Umbrella: Space, Material and Model

The choice of an outdoor umbrella is a very important thing especially for those who have a garden, balcony or terrace, the right umbrella can protect not only from the sun, but can provide shelter from bad weather and above all create an area sheltered from indiscriminate eyes, thus creating an area of ​​privacy and allowing you to enjoy your spaces.
However, there are umbrellas of all shapes, sizes and models on the market, how do you choose the right one?

Discover the 3 steps for choosing your umbrella: the space available, the types of coverage and the materials.

Why choose an umbrella instead of a gazebo?

Many people prefer a garden umbrella to a gazebo, and the main reason lies in space issues: gazebos are more often used in very large gardens where people need a bigger shadow area.
But if your garden is small or you don't have much space to devote to an umbrella, but you don't want to give up a bit of coolness, there are various models that can be right for you.

First Step "Place": Where will you place your umbrella?

You cannot choose an umbrella without first knowing where you are going to place it, its dimensions depending on the space you have available.
Here's a quick tip:
  • Spacious areas / Courtyard corners: round or square garden umbrellas with central support.
  • Spacious areas / Restaurants, Bars or Hotels: umbrellas with decentralized pole.

Second Step "Type of Cover" - The 3 Categories of Garden Umbrellas:

There are all kinds of outdoor umbrellas, you can find various shapes such as: round, square, rectangular, etc.
You will find different types of parasols: colored, monochromatic, polyester, cotton, etc.
And finally also different opening mechanisms: classic, crank, remote control, etc.

In short, there are something for all needs!

However, most models can be grouped into 3 categories:
  • Garden umbrellas with central arm (or pole),
  • Garden parasols with side arm,
  • Umbrellas with shading sails.
Umbrellas with central arm: if you have little space this type is right for you, since on average they can project a cone of shadow on a dining table and a couple of chairs. If, on the other hand, you have more space and you still want to opt for this model, you will find in our catalog even larger models equipped with bases integrated directly into the table.

Parasols with side arm: if you have enough space available, you can also opt for garden parasols with side support. In addition to being generally larger than those with a central pole, they allow you to use the entire shaded area without any problem, since the arm on the side does not in any way clutter the space under the cloth.
In addition, the off-center support makes it easier to follow the movement of the sun during the day, making it easier to adjust the angle of the shadow.

Shade sail umbrella: this type represents the most modern and innovative version, capable of unique functionality and design, which makes it the most fashionable product: simple, light and very resistant.

Third Step "Material" - How to Choose the Right Umbrella Material:

When you choose an umbrella, the material is one of the most important key elements; quality, resistance and durability are the basic principles on which to base the choice.
In fact, an umbrella must resist UV rays from the sun, rain, winds and all kinds of bad weather... so we prefer solid and durable materials.

In particular, we must pay close attention to the quality of the sunshade, which must have the following characteristics:
  1. good UV protection,
  2. tear resistant,
  3. water repellent,
  4. treated to resist mold and moisture.
  5. The fabrics for the umbrellas:
The waterproofed polyester is detachable and washable, but tends to fade with time and wear.
Acrylic has higher quality, as it preserves coolness better, as well as being stain-resistant, water-repellent and oil-repellent.

Now you have clearer ideas: CLICK HERE to see our selection of umbrellas!
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