Every outdoor space is about fun in the sun, but having a little bit of shade from the sun in the form of patio umbrellas is very important. There are so many different kinds of patio umbrellas that anyone can find a form and style that suits them perfectly. Some umbrellas are smaller and meant for just one or two chairs, while others are very large and can cover an entire deck. Still others fit right onto tables so that they provide some shade while eating. There certainly is a wide variety of patio umbrellas to choose from, so here are some important things to keep in mind when trying to pick out the perfect one for your outdoor space.
Size
Probably the most important thing to take into consideration when looking at patio umbrellas is size. You should always measure the space you have so that you know what you can work with. Think of the area both in a circular shape and in a square shape because there are patio umbrellas that will work well with both types of space. In fact, measuring the length and width of the space may even help you determine what shape of umbrella will work the best. Just remember that you might need to be a bit flexible on whether you want one large umbrella for the whole area or a few smaller ones to place at key points in the space.
Design
It is also very important to think about what kind of design you are looking for. Of course patio umbrellas always need a stand, so think about how it will stand up and shade your deck or patio area. In many cases you will be able to work it out so that the stand is not necessarily conspicuous. You might think about putting it between two chairs, much like a floor lamp. You should also think about whether you want a traditional umbrella that opens up or if you prefer a stand that dangles a shade over your head. Each of these has a very different design and results in a different placement for the stand. A traditional umbrella will require the stand to be right in the center of the shaded area, while the kind that dangles a shade overhead typically is off to the side of the shade a bit. Some umbrellas are designed to have adjustable angles, while others only open straight up, so take a look at the different features in this aspect also. Remember that if you are looking for an umbrella to go over your table, it is best to go with one that matches your table and is from the same manufacturer if possible. If this is not an option, then make sure the measure the table and figure out how heavy of an umbrella it will be able to support.
Material
Another thing you should think about ahead of time is what kind of material the umbrella will be made out of. Not all materials are completely waterproof because many of these umbrellas are made only to shade you from the sun, so remember to think about whether it will be left out in the rain frequently. The material that the pole is made out of is important too, especially if you live in a windy area where the umbrella will have to stand up to a lot of buffeting. Metal and wood are both good options for poles, but beware of flimsy metal umbrellas with frames that turn inside out. Just spend some time looking at the construction of the frame and comparing it to other umbrellas of the same type.
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