Home Home Decor Ideas You'll Have It Made in the Shade with These 15 Stylish Patio Umbrellas By Southern Living Editors Updated on January 26, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: wayfair.com Shade is a Southerner's best friend, and a patio umbrella is a simple yet smart way to get some relief from the sun's glare. Whether you're by the pool, the lake, or just looking for an afternoon patio escape, sweltering days are best spent in the shade. If you want to step outside your screened porch, equipping your patio with the right accessories will ensure you're lounging in comfort and style. But with so many shapes and sizes available online, it's important to know what factors to look for in a suitable outdoor patio umbrella. So, we turned to the experts. "First, take into account the size and shape of the area you want to cover," recommends Lindsey Zborowski, style expert for Wayfair Professional. "It's best to calculate an additional 2 feet on each side, whether it's a table or patio seating." You should also think about the type of climate you reside in. "If you live near the ocean, consider an umbrella with an aluminum poll which is less likely to rust or corrode from salt air," she advises. Fabrics and structures that will stand up to the elements are also crucial. "A Sunbrella fabric is UV-resistant, meaning it won't fade or discolor in the sun like some materials do over time, and it also resists mildew. Fiberglass canopy ribs can provide structure flexibility as well, making [the umbrella] less likely to break in heavy wind. It's also more resistant to salt air, humidity, or heavy moisture." Make sure your base is ready to keep your umbrella safely grounded too. A 20-pound base is usually best for an umbrella that's 6 feet in diameter, while a 50-pound base is recommended for one that's 9 feet. Umbrellas 11 feet or larger typically require a 70-pound base or more. Finally, make sure it fits your style. "Umbrellas with retro flair are having a moment right now," Zborowski reveals. "But while umbrellas with scalloped edges or those that resemble parasols may be trending, traditional, striped, and neutral-tone umbrellas are always popular." Ready to add more shade to your outdoor space? Here are some of the best patio umbrellas to shop on Wayfair right now. 01 of 15 Best Small Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Lambeth 8.5' Market Umbrella, $139.99 (orig. $231.62); wayfair.com 02 of 15 Best Tilt Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Carina 9' Market Umbrella, $117.82 (orig. $219.89); wayfair.com 03 of 15 Best Price for a Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Jaida 9' Market Umbrella, $57.99 (orig. $69.99); wayfair.com 04 of 15 Best Patio Table Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Artrip 9' Market Umbrella, $139.99 (orig. $271.04); wayfair.com 05 of 15 Best Scalloped Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Jersey Square Patio Umbrella, $90.99; wayfair.com 06 of 15 Best Patio Umbrella for Wind wayfair.com BUY IT: Crediton 9' Market Umbrella, $144.99 (orig. $178); wayfair.com 07 of 15 Best Double Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Brantley 15' x 8.5' Rectangular Market Umbrella, $209.99; wayfair.com 08 of 15 Best Cantilever Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Vassalboro 10' Cantilever Umbrella, $114.99 (orig. $329.99); wayfair.com 09 of 15 Best Lighted Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Roland 10' Market Umbrella, $117.99; wayfair.com 10 of 15 Best Freestanding Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Trotman 10' Cantilever Umbrella, $98.99; wayfair.com 11 of 15 Best Rectangular Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Serena 10' x 6.5' Rectangular Market Umbrella, $82.99 (orig. $139); wayfair.com 12 of 15 Best Patio Umbrella Canopy wayfair.com BUY IT: Iyanna 9' Market Umbrella, $89.99 (orig. $94.99); wayfair.com 13 of 15 Best Large Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Ferrell 9' x 12' Rectangular Cantilever Umbrella, $286.99 (orig. $349.99); wayfair.com 14 of 15 Best Umbrella Stand wayfair.com BUY IT: Bellana 118" Cantilever Umbrella, $419.99 (orig. $439.99); wayfair.com 15 of 15 Best Fade-Resistant Patio Umbrella wayfair.com BUY IT: Oceanside Series 9' Market Sunbrella Umbrella, $299.99 (orig. $515); wayfair.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Must-Shop Products This Is The Best-Selling Maxi Dress At Amazon—And Shoppers Say It’s Perfect For Hot Summer Days Ward Off Bugs This Summer With These 8 Insect Repellents You'll Actually Want To Use Amazon Quietly Marked Down Tons Of Kitchen Must-Haves, And These Are The Best Deals To Shop