Outdoor umbrellas are an essential part of any backyard. They provide shade and shelter from the sun, allowing you to relax in comfort all year round. Outdoor umbrellas can also be an interesting design elements in your yard, making it more than just a place to hang out—but a stylish focal point.
The best patio umbrellas are not only strong and durable, but look attractive and mesh well with your landscape design style. The best outdoor umbrellas are also very functional—this means plenty of uv protection, easy to use, and easy to move around. You don’t want an umbrella that is too heavy or difficult to open and close, no matter how great it looks.
Here is a list of the best outdoor umbrellas as chosen by Yardzen landscape design clients and designers. Our clients and staff chose these products because they are durable, stylish, and user-friendly—three qualities important to look for in all landscape design elements.
8 Outdoor Umbrellas Most-Loved by Our Designers and Design Clients
01 Market Umbrella by Lulu & Georgia
Price: $599
Dimensions when open: 84″ diameter x 102″ high
The Market Umbrella by Lulu & Georgia is a sunshade that offers elegant style and superior performance. This umbrella’s sleek silhouette is a classic shape for outdoor spaces and is perfect for adding visual interest to your yard or patio. It delivers a modern bohemian look that will add an element of comfort to any outdoor space.
This umbrella is a must-have element for anyone looking to blend the beauty of modern design with the elegance of traditional style. The ,market patio umbrella’s large size casts a sizable shade area — great for catching some rays with friends at your next backyard party!
This sunshade features an energy-efficient design with fabric coated in UV-resistant material that protects against harmful rays while allowing you to enjoy the view through its canvas material. This sturdy umbrella also has a solid frame to keep it stable in even strong winds, so you can enjoy shade no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
It features a sturdy frame and gorgeous fabric with cotton trim, giving it an eye-catching look without sacrificing durability or function. It’s perfect on its own as a shady respite from the sun but also looks great paired with other market umbrellas to create a cohesive look. The umbrella uses high-quality materials designed to last for years with proper care and maintenance.
02 Round Sunbrella Outdoor Patio Umbrella by Crate and Barrel
Used in over 325 Yardzen designs in 2022 so far
Price: $464
Dimensions when open: 108″ diameter x 102 ” high
Choose this 9′ Round Sunbrella® Silver Patio Umbrella by Crate and Barrel for ample outdoor space. This umbrella uses a fade-resistant Sunbrella® acrylic fabric that provides 98 percent protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, so you can stay cool in comfort even if it becomes hot outside. While giving off a classic and stylish design, you can pair this umbrella with other market umbrellas to create a cohesive look. It is the best umbrella to create a tropical oasis in your backyard.
The premium eucalyptus wood pole is crafted from FSC ®-certified lumber and features four adjustable settings for custom positioning anywhere on your patio or yard. The black frame comes with brass fittings and an easy-to-use pulley system for opening and closing; you should also note that this model works with small or large patio umbrella stands with patio tables and a large stand on its own.
You’ll have no problem finding the perfect spot for this umbrella to provide shade—its compact design makes it easy to store or move around when necessary. Measuring 108″ in diameter x 102 ” high, it is large enough to shade a large patio, but small enough that it won’t take up too much space in a compact yard.
This product’s durable, stain-resistant Sunbrella fabric makes it an excellent choice for messy moments: you can wipe it clean when done enjoying the shade. It will also last longer than other models thanks to its extra protection against rain, wind, snow, and other elements that could damage it otherwise! You can choose between 6 color options of this Crate and Barrel exclusive, so you can find one that fits right in with your outdoor décor. Crate and Barrel sells both large and small umbrella stands separately—either can be used with an umbrella-compatible outdoor table, but the large stand is required to support the umbrella freestanding.
03 Tuuci Bay Master Cantilever Patio Umbrella by RH
Used in over 44 Yardzen designs in 2022 so far
Price: $4,295
Dimensions when open: 96” square or 120” square x 105″ high
The 8’ Tuuci Bay Master Cantilever is an excellent choice for smaller spaces. It’s ideal for patios, decks, and balconies that can accommodate its more compact size — but that still need plenty of shade. The canopy fabric is a solution-dyed acrylic canvas that resists fading, mildew, and abrasion while remaining soft to the touch. This umbrella offers a sleek, minimalist design in 17 different canopy colors.
The durable, heavy-duty base features a manual lift system with piston assist; it’s easy to use and operate by anyone who wants to enjoy some time outdoors without stress or strain. You don’t need any tools to handle this umbrella — turn the key until you hear a click, then raise or lower it as needed!
Built-to-last, this cantilever umbrella is made with marine-grade anodized aluminum, stainless steel hardware, and marine polymer rib connections and hub for smooth opening and closing. The manufacturer offers a five-year warranty on the mast, hubs, and stainless-steel fasteners—so you can be sure that your umbrella will serve you well for a long time. And if you’re worried about the windy conditions, don’t be —this cantilever umbrella is wind-resistant and can stand up against even the strongest gusts!
The Master Cantilever is available in two sizes: the 8′ Square and 10′ Square. Compatible TUUCI® umbrella base is sold separately.
04 Natural Fringe Umbrella by World Market
Used in over 25 Yardzen designs in 2022 so far
Price: $99.99 (canopy only)
Dimensions when open: 108” diameter (no standard height—frame is purchased separately)
The natural fringe on this 9′ diameter cotton canopy provides great coverage for shade, making it perfect for patios and decks. This vintage-style umbrella will bring a touch of bohemian elegance to your outdoor space. The neutral color allows it to be a versatile addition to the color scheme of any landscape design.
The umbrella pole and frame are sold separately to allow for customization based on the size/shape of your table, height requirements, and material selection‚ but also because switching out canopies to achieve different styles as the season changes is super fun! Or, if you already have a frame from World Market or another manufacturer and want to swap in this canopy, it might be all you need.
To clean dirt spots, use mild soap and water, rinse well and allow to dry. Do not bleach or harsh detergents: these can leave a residue that damages fabric when used repeatedly. The canopy is made from a durable 100% cotton fabric that must stretch with the help of pins when you first use it.
05 Round Sunbrella Cantilever by Crate and Barrel
Used in over 23 Yardzen designs in 2022 so far
Price: $1,277
Dimensions: 120″ diameter x 102” high
This round cantilever umbrella perfectly fits Crate and Barrel collection patio furniture. It measures 10’ in diameter when open and the round canopy can be opened or closed by simply turning the crank lift that telescopes the arm up and down the aluminum pole.
The cantilever design allows more flexibility in arrangement—whether you want selective light to shine into your space or want a specific area shaded from overhead. The canopy is Sunbrella acrylic fabric, which blocks out 98% of the sun’s UV rays to keep you cool on those hot summer days.
This Crate and Barrel exclusive is a stylish addition to your outdoor space and is made to last. It delivers a classic, clean look that will coordinate with your existing furniture. Use it alone or with any Adirondack chairs in your outdoor space for a modern and sophisticated look.
The cover is weather resistant so that you can use it year round! When not in use, store indoors during winter and extreme weather conditions. Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using harsh cleaners, solvents, and bleach.
06 Dome By Crate and Barrel
Used in over 10 Yardzen designs in 2022 so far
Price: $689
Dimensions when open: 108″ diameter x 98.4″ height
If you’re looking for a unique, tasteful umbrella that will add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space, check out our Crate & Barrel exclusive. The Dome measures 108″/9′ in diameter, making it great for small patios or balconies. The wide canopy offers plenty of shade, while the single pole design makes it easy to install and maintain.
The Dome takes the classic parasol form and updates it for modern living, creating an elegant and functional piece that will last for years. This umbrella canopy is fade-resistant olefin fabric with 24 fiberglass ribs, giving it it’s unique dome shape.
The Dome’s canopy arcs beautifully over a dining table or lounge chair, providing welcome shade when you need it most. If you want a stylish option to keep your guests protected from the sun or drizzle while seated outdoors at your next barbecue or happy hour party, this would be a good option for you.
The Dome’s aluminum frame has a black powder coat paint that matches our other outdoor furniture selection. An integrated crank mechanism allows you to open and close this umbrella easily; rotate the handle counterclockwise to lower the canopy while rotating clockwise raises it again.
A tilt mechanism enables easy positioning of the Dome so it can be shaded anytime during daylight hours.
07 Shadow Round by CB2
Used in over 6 Yardzen designs in 2022 so far
Price: $499
Dimensions: 108″ diameter x 99″ high
This CB2 exclusive is ideal for those who want the classic umbrella shape but with a modern twist. The shade uses 100% spun polyester canopy that is soft to the touch and weather resistant, making it perfect for an outdoor setting.
You can choose between two color options: Black/White or White if you want neutral hues to match your existing décor. There is also a teak option that will work well with a more traditional-style landscape and is perfect if you want to add a natural touch to your outdoor space.
This item comes with a plastic and steel pole and base and rust-resistant fittings, so you don’t have to worry about rust issues when using this product in your yard or patio area.
The Shadow Round features a crank that allows you raise, lower, and tilt function to position your umbrella at any angle desired during lovely weather days (or rainy ones!). There are also built-in wheels at the base of this product, so you can quickly move it around without any effort.
Finally, this item measures 108″ in diameter x 99″ in height when assembled, which means it’s big enough for several people under its protection from sun and raindrops but small enough for conservative patios and decks.
08 Round White Sun Shade by CB2
Price: $449
Dimensions: 40″ shade diameter x 88″ height
The round white sunshade by CB2 is an excellent choice if you want an umbrella alternative to provide shade in your backyard or patio. The rounded shape of this sunshade makes it perfect for providing shade in small urban outdoor spaces while still being easy to move around.
It comes in three colors – white, blue, and black– so you can choose one that fits the design of your yard or garden. Think modern, sleek, and stylish, but not too formal. This sunshade is perfect for any space, from the beach to your garden. It has a simple design that will make it fit anywhere. It also works as a lounge covering, where you want some personal cover from the sun’s rays without taking up too much space.
The sunshade provides shade that measures 40″ in diameter, while its support pole spans 88″ in height. Its made with a plastic, polyester, and powdercoated steel frame and the shade is a 100% polyester fabric that can easily be spot cleaned when needed.
The base has wheels, so moving it between locations is simple and convenient. The sunshade is easy to set up and take down, making it an excellent choice for those who want to spend more time enjoying their outdoor space than maintaining it.
Creating a shoppable landscape design tailored to your style
Yardzen’s award-winning online exterior and landscape design service is tailored to homeowners across the U.S.. Our design process begins with understanding your outdoor space and style—and a discussion of your budget and vision to minimize surprises when it comes time to build.
Our top-notch designers then develop a personalized vision for your yard, shared through 3D renderings, 2D plan drawings, and plant and material lists. Your design will capture the look, feel, and function you are hoping for, and will be outfitted with materials and elements from our retail partners that you or your contractor can actually purchase.
Once your design is complete, we’ll help you connect with a local contractor from our Pro Network of vetted professional contractors to install your new design.
Ready to bring your dream yard to life? Create your design profile or explore our professional exterior, side yard, front yard, and back yard landscaping design packages today!
Featured Articles
How an Interior Designer Created “Outdoor Rooms” in Her Yardzen Yard
The Best Outdoor Cold Plunge Tubs & Ice Baths in 2024 (Chosen by Our Client...
Our Dreamiest Plunge Pool Yard Designs
Our Favorite No-Grass Front Yard Ideas
Related Articles
Our Guide to Moody Outdoor Halloween Decor 
Our Favorite Kid-Approved Yard Decor
Yardzen’s 10 Favorite Outdoor Sofas
The Best Outdoor Dining Tables in 2022 (Chosen by Yardzen Clients)
