Best garden parasols to get ready for the summer
With summer’s just around the corner, we’re keen to get outside in style. Make the most of your outdoor space by ensuring you can safely sit out for longer with a garden parasol that’s pretty as well as practical.
Of course, the best garden parasols are UV-protective, fade-proof and rust-resistant, but it’s also important to think about what you want to use your parasol for. If you like to sit out all day, you may want one that tilts so you can always get prime cover; and a height-adjustable pole is also a good idea to ensure you have shade as the sun starts going down.
Style-wise, there’s a host of designs to suit every taste. Classic-chic fans will love neutral canvas and wood pole options; boho buffs will adore Maisons du Monde’sâ macrame parasol for a splash of Palm Springs prowess; and modern-retro mavens will be head over heels for Cox & Cox’s perfectly pretty 50s-inpired two-tone number.
Whether you’re looking for a garden, balcony, patio or terrace, there’s a size and shape to suit every outdoor space. And if your mission is more save than splurge, don’t panic, because we’ve got all budgets covered.
Keep scrolling to discover our roundup of the best garden parasols so you can while away the hours in your chic outdoor oasis.
Summer breeze, and a little bit of shade, makes you feel fine…
Looking for a deal? Check out the best garden furniture sales happening right now.
Groundlevel Bluetooth Cantilever Banana Parasol
Size: 3m Best for: summer parties
Lights! Music! Action! A party wrapped around a pole, this parasol is the perfect addition to your garden this summer. It’s fitted with a rechargable wireless Bluetooth speaker as well as lights to suit the mood under an XL cantilevered canopy which can offer shade or shelter depending on the weather. If you’ve got the perfect spot for it, you can screw it down into the ground or decking but we like the idea of adding weights (not included) for the freedom of moving it around as you like. Get it in grey for £129.
Buy now £129.00, Amazon
Business & Pleasure Umbrella
Size: 2m Best for: resort ritz
No way to get to St Tropez? Make the French Rivieria come to you with the help of this chic parasol from homewares brand Business & Pleasure. The waterproof design will look just as good when the heavens open as when the sun shines, so you can get use of it year round. And if you’re decamping to the beach or park, take it with you in style thanks to the chic matching canvas carrier bag. We think white goes with everything but there are a variety of other colourways and patterns if you’re more of a statment-maker.
Buy now £298.00, Anthropologie
Hashtag Home Uriel 2.7m Traditional Parasol
Size: 2.7m Best for: understated glamour
Offered in a choice of pale green and cream, bring Bali-style elegance to your outdoor space with this option from Hashtag Home. Operate it easily with the crank lift and tilt mechanism, and bask in the compliments rolling in from the design, which includes a peaked top and beaded drops fringing for a touch of glamour. Base not included.
Buy now £189.99, Wayfair
FATBOY Stripesol with Base - Yellow
Size: 350cm Best for: stylish shade
Stripes will never go out of fashion - and that includes garden furniture too. Pop this Fatboy parasol up for instant shade from the hot sun; measuring 350cm across there’s plenty of space for all the family to gather. It comes with a base and is available in a choice of sunny shades. When it needs a clean, sling the canopy into the washing machine - easy!
Buy now £400.00, Made In Design
Argos Home 2.5m overhanging garden parasol
Size: 2.5mâ Best for: Bang for your buck
On a budget but need a large parasol? Argos has you covered - literally. This sleek black option is ideal for popping over outdoor dining tables without parasol holes, sofa set-ups or sun loungers. You’ll need to buy the base separately but, at £72 (£18 each for a quarter parasol base), it’s still a fantastic total price of £137. Easy to wind up and height-adjustable, it’s a versatile piece and a savvy investment.
Buy now £95.00, Argos
IKEA Hogon parasol with base
Size: 2.7m Best for: Miami vibes
Mover over Miami Vice, this is Miami nice thanks to the fresh, crisp white canopy on this garden parasol. A good size and offering a UV25 protection, this is a great option to have over your garden sofa as you enjoy a relaxing read. And if you were wondering how you can keep it so light, bright and white, don’t worry - you can take the canopy off and throw it in the washing machine. Genius.
Buy now £79.00, IKEA
Cox & Cox Compact Fringed Parasol - Blue Stripe
Size: 165cm Best for: faking beach resort chic
Feel like you’re at a bouji beachside resort thanks to Cox & Cox’s statement striped parasol. Ideal for tables as well as shade when the sun triggers a sweat, it’s finished with cotton fringing that gives it an appealing boho look. Get the matching fringed deck chair and be the envy of all your neighbours.
Buy now £360.00, Cox & Cox
La Redoute Afer patio parasol
Size: Covers a total of 3.75m Best for: Patios and balconies
Narrow patio? Long balcony? You can still get the shade you need with this garden parasol specifically designed for your living space. Created to sit flush against the wall, the space-saving design effectively offers half the canopy so you can enjoy your outdoor area without overwhelming it. It’s a bit of a clever clogs… And we also love the stylish charcoal grey colour, too.
Buy now £140.00, La Redoute
M&S Shanghai Parasol
Size: 245cm Best for: pared back elegance
The simple styling of this Shanghai parasol means its versartile enough to work in all sorts of gardens. As the name would suggest, it’s been inspired by Eastern design with a stand made from durable metal with a weather-resistant finish for good measure. Available in range of other colours, including a statement red.
Buy now £99.00, M&S
Maisons du Monde Puebla Beige Macramé Parasol
Size: 2m Best for: California Dreamin’
Channel a little Palm Springs laidback luxe with this cool 70s-chic macrame garden parasol. Set to perk up any outdoor space with a romantic quality, it’s perfect for popping up next to a hammock or rattan chair for some statement shade.
Buy now £313.00, Maisons du Monde
Bramblecrest Chichester 3.0 x 3.0m square side post parasol
Size: 3m Best for: Sofa sets (and parties)
While we may not be hosting parties right now, this large garden parasol will be a fantastic investment for when we do. And, in the meantime, pop it over the garden sofa set and enjoy protection that will take you from long lunches right through to family-fun dinner times.
Buy now £679.15, Bents
Ella James Palm leaf parasol
Size: 1.8m Best for: A taste of the tropics
We might not be able to travel right now, but we can bring a dash of Hawaiian Tropic to our own garden thanks to this palm leaf-style parasol adding all the exotic vibes to any outdoor space. Not only is it on-point (soft tropics are a big trend for 2020), it’s also practical thanks to its tilting powers and height adjustability. All you need to do? Pop it over your sun lounger or deckchair, lie back, make a flower garland, and grab a cocktail… Club Tropicana, drinks are free (sort of).
Buy now £160.00, NOTHS
Connie Outdoor 2 Tier Tilt Umbrella
Size: 1.6m Best for: Garden party shelter
Thought Ryan was just for office stationery? Think again! The store offers a surprising number of homewares online, including this pretty two-tiered parasol that comes with a scallop trim. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, garden parties or shade for the little ones as they play outside in the heat, the device offers a two direction tilt mechanism and a crank handle for quick set-up. Weighs 6kg.
Buy now £169.99, Ryman
Verdict
For all the bells and whistles, Groundlevel’s music and light playing parasol is a steal at just over £100. If we had the cash, Business & Pleasure’s umbrella would be in the bag for year-round resort-style chic.
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