Stylish and Durable Patio Umbrellas

Introduction to Umbrellas and Shades

On hot days, you would love to be out in your yard enjoying the sunshine, but let’s be realistic, sometimes it can just be too hot outside. Unless your backyard boasts a huge shade tree, there is one obvious solution: umbrellas and shades.

In addition to adding character to your garden, umbrellas and shades serve the primary purpose of providing you and your guests with a cool place to sit outdoors on a scorching, hot day. 

While purchasing an outdoor patio umbrella may not sound like a big deal, you need to explore your options, so that you buy an umbrella that looks fabulous and protects you from harmful UV rays.

Before You Buy

There are several factors that you should ponder before you pick out your new umbrella or shade. Here are a few things that you may want to keep in mind:

First of all, consider your budget. OK, so an outdoor patio umbrella isn’t an extravagant purchase, but you should still take a look at your finances before making any major purchases, so it is best to select a price range prior to shopping for umbrellas and shades. Although this purchase isn’t an absolute need, unless it is the middle of summer, it will definitely make outdoor life much more comfortable.

Second, take a good look at your backyard. Before you buy umbrellas and shades, you need to take a close look at your backyard and your patio furnishings. It may be helpful to snap a few pictures. Take note of the color themes of your outdoor furnishings, and decide which type of umbrella your patio table can accommodate.

Finally, take a look at the colors and styles of your patio furnishings. Sure, you already noted the color theme, but you also need to look at patterns and designs to make sure that your new umbrellas and shades will match any cushions on your patio chairs. Certainly, you wouldn’t want to buy a large patio umbrella with stand included, only to realize that the colorations and patterns clashed horribly.

Most patio umbrellas serve the same purpose of providing shade on hot days, except when it comes to parasols for gardens, as these decorative umbrellas are for appearances only. Basically, you simply want to consider size, color, and design when shopping for an outdoor patio umbrella.

Features to Consider

There are some features that you should consider when shopping for umbrellas and shades. Of course, shade is the most important feature, but that goes without saying. Here are some additional features that you can look for when selecting an outdoor patio umbrella:

• Size: Umbrellas and shades come in a selection of sizes ranging from a small patio umbrella to a giant patio umbrella. If your outdoor patio area can accommodate a giant umbrella, go for it! However, some patio tables may only be able to handle a smaller umbrella.
• Color: Outdoor patio umbrellas are available in a full range of colors. A blue patio umbrella or a green patio umbrella works well with many outdoor pool areas and furniture ensembles. The coloration is extremely important to consider when shopping for umbrellas and shades. Of course, you wouldn’t want to pair an orange patio umbrella with blue patio chairs.
• Features: This may be surprising, but some outdoor patio umbrellas offer special features. For instance, if you have a lot of nighttime gatherings, you can get a patio umbrella with lights. If your backyard boasts a built-in pool, then you can decide to go with a pool umbrella. In the event that your patio furniture doesn’t accommodate umbrellas and shades, then you can still get a large patio umbrella with stand included.

While there may not seem to be many features to consider, it’s all about size and color coordination when it comes to selecting umbrellas and shades. That said, outdoor patio umbrellas are available with special features to meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.

Types of Umbrellas and Shades

There are a few different types of umbrellas and shades, but the main variations are in color and size. Even so, it may be helpful to know the difference between the two main types of outdoor umbrellas:

• Parasols for Garden: These umbrellas won’t help you on a hot day, but they are amazing accent pieces to have in your garden. Additionally, they can slightly reduce the amount of direct sunlight that your plants receive to prevent them from becoming scorched and dried out.
• Outdoor Patio Umbrellas: These are the outdoor umbrellas that will protect you and your loved ones from harmful UV rays and make outdoor time more comfortable when the temperatures are stifling hot. They are available in many sizes and colors. You can even choose a pink patio umbrella if you want to.

See, shopping for umbrellas and shades isn’t difficult at all. As long as you know the difference between a garden parasol and a patio umbrella, you are good to go. Oh, and once again, always pay attention to the color scheme.

Choosing Umbrellas and Shades

Choosing Parasols for Garden: Since these small umbrellas simply protect your plants from excessive sunlight and are primarily for decorative purposes, you don’t need to think too hard about choosing the right parasol. However, you still may want to consider the color scheme of your garden and select a parasol accordingly.

Choosing Outdoor Patio Umbrellas: After making sure that the size will work, it's all about color when it comes to choosing an outdoor patio umbrella. You may also need to keep your eyes out for certain features such as stands, pool umbrellas, and a patio umbrella with lights, depending upon your specific needs.

Whatever your umbrella and shade needs are, we have you covered. Go ahead and check out our catalog and see how we can help turn your house into a home. Contact us if you have any questions, or if you would like inspiration or assistance.

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