From modern, large parasols to gorgeous hand-made flamboyant masterpieces, whatever you're aesthetic or needs, we're sure you'll find your next new favourite garden parasols in no time with a helping hand from us! After all, there's nothing quite like soaking up the sun's rays on a gorgeous warm weekend. And, you'll need to invest in some garden furniture to make your garden feel truly comfy.
Picture yourself spending the day, from early morning to late evening, outdoors. The kids are entertained for hours by the splash pad with the smell of sizzling burgers at lunchtime. All the while you're on your sun lounger protected from the sun's harmful UV rays by a parasol. It's safe to say that we're a little obsessed with the possibilities a parasol can bring, offering you a spot to read or simply doze off.
Best garden parasol at a glance:
Sounds perfect right? The right parasol for your garden and home will fulfil all that you wish for, whether it be a shaded space for days spent dining al fresco or a cool space to escape the sun's rays when you've had enough. Similarly, an arbour or garden gazebo may offer the same shade for the garden, though may not be as stylish. For those obsessed with a Bridgerton garden party, a parasol is for you.
With much on offer from retailers, it can be hard to know what your garden needs are. We've answered burning questions on parasol bases and how to find the right parasol for you. Keep reading to see our top picks of the best garden parasols available to buy right now online. Who knows - they may blow your sail shades away and perfectly pair with your current outdoor furniture set, tableware and all.
Our pick of the best garden parasols
Best garden parasol overall
Jarder/AmazonThis complete garden parasol set contains everything you need to get the most out of your time in the sun, including a cover. With heavy-duty construction, this Jarder Milan 3M Parasol Set with Base and Cover is built to last.
Whether it's sunny, windy, or raining, the Jarder garden umbrella is good to go. With an easy open ratchet, 360 rotation and tilt, it's a fantastic, adjustable option. This parasol is available in grey, blue, and beige.
Pros
- Cantilever design for flexibility when positioning
- Fully adjustable with 360-degree rotation
- Everything you need in a great value bundle
Cons
- The base is a little bulky
| Size: | 50 x 50 x 7 cm |
| Weight: | 15.8 kg, Base is 8 kg unfilled |
| Canopy Diameter: | 3m |
| Materials: | Polyester for Canopy, Aluminium/Steel for Pole/Frame |
- The base sections are designed to fit around the Jarder range of garden parasols.
- Each of the four base sections has a handy carry handle, making the base simple to move.
- The step and twist lock at the bottom of the parasol makes it easy to rotate the parasol.
- Once filled with water or sand, the sturdy base sections will keep the parasol in place.
- With an easy open ratchet, 360 rotation and tilt, it's a fantastic option.
Best garden parasol for colour
Outsunny/AmazonAdd a splash of colour to your outdoor space with this gorgeous and vibrant Outsunny Red Shanghai Parasol. If red isn't your thing, this parasol also comes in vibrant blue, verdant green, and more subdued cream and grey.
Easy to operate and manufactured to the highest quality, this oriental-inspired parasol is reliable to survive the sunniest of days and the biggest raindrops of the year. Protected against the elements, this parasol is perfect for shade coverage and shelter from even the most unexpected showers.
Pros
- Material is both lightweight and strong
- Weather-proof with an extra large shade
- Adjustable with a hand crank for easy tilt
Cons
- Base not included but is required
| Size: | N/A |
| Weight: | N/A |
| Canopy Diameter: | 2.5 m |
| Material: | Powder-coated aluminium for Pole |
- Includes a hand crank and tilt mechanism for ease of use.
- Made from powder-coated aluminium which is both lightweight and strong.
- Base not included but is required and fits most garden tables and bases.
- High-quality, heavy-duty and weather-resistant - easily assembled.
Best budget garden parasol
Harbour Housewares www.wayfair.co.uk
Whether you’re heading to the beach or soaking up some rays in the garden, the UV-friendly Harbour Housewares Beach Parasol is perfect for a little shade. This is available with red, green, and yellow stripes.
Complete with a sturdy aluminium pole and durable polyester umbrella, this handy summer accessory is perfect for helping keep you cool as the temperatures start to soar. Pair it with an adjustable base to keep it firmly in place.
Pros
- Lightweight parasol is made from UV-friendly polyester
- An easy operation means no getting hot and bothered in summer
- Great for your garden or take it to the beach
Cons
- Might be too lightweight for some
| Size: | 174 x 193 x 174 cm |
| Weight: | Unspecified |
| Canopy Diameter: | 1.93 m |
| Material: | Polyester canvas, steel powder-coated frame and pole |
- Make the most of your outdoor area by ensuring you can safely sit out for longer.
- This lightweight Parasol consists of a polyester canvas, with a UV coating and a steel powder-coated frame and pole, producing an incredibly robust and durable product.
- The easy operation means no getting hot and bothered in the height of summer - simply push the red button, extend the pole, then click into place and you have a parasol ready.
- Great for your garden or take it to the beach.
- Pair your parasol with one of Harbour Housewares refillable Parasol Bases.
Best garden parasol for versatility
Charles BentleyThis Charles Bentley XL Hanging Banana Parasol provides cool, shady areas even in the hottest hours of the day. The off-centre base helps save space around your garden furniture.
Designed with an extra-large canopy, this stylish and freestanding umbrella can be used anywhere in the garden. Constructed with a lightweight, aluminium frame which is rust-proof, this premium pick will provide long-lasting use.
Pros
- Designed with an extra-large canopy for protection
- This parasol can be used anywhere in the garden
- Highly versatile and made from long-lasting materials
Cons
- Requires a weight on the bottom of the parasol to keep it secure
| Size: | H263 x L360 x W360cm |
| Weight: | 13 kg |
| Canopy Diameter: | 3.5 m |
| Material: | Frame is aluminium, canopy is polyester |
- With a Crank winding system, this parasol is easy to open and close.
- Make use of the tilt function for an adjustable angle.
- Made from a lightweight aluminium frame for durability.
- Designed with an XL canopy, this freestanding umbrella can be used anywhere.
- Available in a choice of shades, this umbrella will complement any outdoor living space.
Best garden parasol for glamour
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Wayfairwww.wayfair.co.uk
Create a stylish and comfortable spot in your garden with this beaded Collette Carrousel Parasol, thanks to Wayfair. We love this parasol's beaded trim which adds a decorative touch.
High quality, with a crank lift and tilt mechanism, this garden umbrella is an easy way to add a touch of glam to your outdoor space. However, as with many other options we're featuring, the base is not included.
Pros
- Easy-to-use crank and tilt operation
- Glamourous beaded addition to trim
- A comfortable, shady, and stylish spot
Cons
- The base is not included
| Size: | 270 x 250 cm |
| Weight: | 8.5 kg |
| Canopy Diameter: | 2.5 cm |
| Materials: | Aluminium Pole and Frame, Polyester Canvas |
- Useful carry-bag included for storing away.
- Easy-to-use crank and tilt operation for versatility.
- Large round, high-quality polyester canopy with beaded detail around the rim.
- There are no instructions available for this parasol - there's no need.
Best handmade garden parasol
Maisonica/AmazonThis is a stunning pink parasol that will add the wow factor to your garden. Handmade, handprinted and imported from Bali, it is a unique garden accessory that will be the envy of friends and neighbours. This comes with a cotton carry bag for transportation.
These Maisonica Bali Handmade Sun Parasols are handmade in small batches in Bali and have boho-style decorative touches like hanging gold hearts. There will be colour variations in the fabric and gold print from batch to batch.
Pros
- Handmade and handprinted in Bali
- Stunning - will add a wow to your garden
- Unique parasol for a shady spot
Cons
- The base is not included
| Size: | H) 260 x (W) 200 x (D) 200 cm |
| Weight: | Unspecified |
| Canopy Diameter: | 2 m |
| Materials: | Wood, Polyester |
- Hand-printed in pink and gold with handcrafted wooden beads and gold metal hearts.
- The wooden pole is hand-carved from treated Durian wood.
- Plus, it is finished with traditional Bali gold foil hanging decoration.
- Arrives in a cotton carry bag.
Best garden parasol with built-in lighting
Outsunny/AmazonThis high-tech option brings the garden parasol bang up-to-date with integrated LED lighting. This illumination makes this a strong choice for anyone who likes to entertain outdoors of an evening by extending the time you can spend in your outside space.
The lights are solar-powered but can be given a power boost via USB. There are four settings you can select; soft, warm, natural, and daylight white. This has a strong aluminium frame with eight ribs on the 2.93-metre canopy. Elsewhere, there's a wind vent and a user-friendly crank mechanism.
Pros
- Solar-powered lights for evening illumination
- Can also be charged up via USB
- Wind-resistant vented canopy ensures stability in breezy condition
Cons
- Needs a base that weighs in at at least 25 kilograms
| Size: | 2.93 x 2.43Hm |
| Weight: | N/A |
| Canopy diameter: | 2.93m |
| Materials: | 180GSM polyester, aluminium |
- Solar-powered integrated LED lights
- Wind vent to offer protection from breezes
- Water-resistant 180GSM polyester fabric
- User-friendly crank handle to open and close the canopy
Best rectangular garden parasol
SekeyDepending on the size and shape of your outdoor seating or dining area, a rectangular parasol may suit your needs better than a traditional round version. This Sekey parasol is just that, with generous dimensions of 200cm long and 125cm wide.
This parasol's canopy is made of robust, water-resistant material and comes in earthy brown, sophisticated grey, or an elegant cream. There's a powder-coated finish on the metal pole and frame for longevity. This has a useful crank handle to adjust the angle of the canopy.
Pros
- You get a lot of parasol for the price from a quality brand
- An integrated tie to keep the canopy secure when closed
- Hand crank mechanism for easy operation
Cons
- Only available in three muted colours
| Size: | 255cm x 300cm x 195cm |
| Weight: | N/A |
| Materials: | Metal, polyester |
- Available in two subtle colours; sage and grey
- Hand crank for simple operation
- Powder-coated metal pole and ribs
- Generous three-metre length for ultimate shade
How we chose the best garden parasols
All of these garden parasols have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the design, functionality, and canopy size in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching garden parasols to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
FAQs
What are the types of garden parasols?
When finding the perfect parasol for you and your home, you should consider the type of parasol you are after. Choosing the right type of parasol will be dependent on the size of your outdoor space, features, price and durability. Here are a few of the most common types of garden parasols:
Freestanding parasols
Freestanding parasols are designed to be used in outdoor gardens. With detachable bases, they allow you to move the parasol around your outdoor space, to block the sun wherever it may be. Freestanding parasols are available in a multitude of sizes from 1.6 to 3m, so perfect for any outdoor space, no matter the size.
Cantilever parasols
Cantilever parasols benefit from having the pole stand at the side and not in the middle. This construction saves a lot of space, especially if you’re aiming to shade a larger area. Plus, they offer the most adjustable sun protection and stability for all weather conditions.
Garden table parasols
Garden table parasols fit perfectly with your outdoor dining set-up. All parasol pole diameters vary between 30 mm and 48 mm and will fit most outdoor tables - ideal for your outdoor dining set.
Is there a difference between a parasol and an umbrella?
While they may look alike and share similar functions, here are a few differences:
Function - parasols are designed to shade people from the sun, whereas umbrellas are to protect against rain and wet weather.
Size - parasols are usually not made to be portable. Most commonly, they come with a fixed placement and are not easy for on the go. Umbrellas, however, are portable and easy to carry.
Design - parasols have a classic and standardised design compared to umbrellas, which are modern and innovative.
Material - parasols are made with thick and UV-protective fabrics, whereas umbrellas are made from plastics such as nylon.
Will any garden parasol fit any base?
Most garden parasols will fit any parasol base. However, depending on the size of the parasol, the base will need to be large enough to keep the parasol secure. The size of the base is dependent on the size and type of parasol. This ensures that the correct weight is used for optimum stability.
So, while any base may fit, it cannot guarantee the most stable hold.
How do I choose a garden parasol?
To pick the perfect parasol for your garden, here are a few tips we think you should consider:
Location - deciding where you want your parasol to stand is the first and most important step. So, finding a parasol that suits your alfresco dining is best, whether freestanding or supported by an outdoor table.
Purpose - are you solely after sun protection or a cool place to relax and eat? Identify the purpose and this will help when deciding on size, base and colour.
Size - size is mostly dependent on the space you have outdoors. If you’re looking for something smaller for shade on your balcony.
Colours - whether you want your garden parasol to stand out or blend in with the rest of your garden furniture, there is a colour or print out there for you.
If you want to keep your parasol protected come winter, buying a furniture cover will keep it safe from the unpredictable British elements without having to move it indoors.
How heavy should a garden parasol base be?
The larger the parasol, the heavier the base must be. Freestanding parasols will also require a heavier base compared to garden table parasols.
Small garden table parasols (1.5-2m) can be held securely with a 15kg base. Whereas, larger parasols (2.5-3.5m) require a minimum of 30kg for a base, with the support of the table.
Larger freestanding parasols will require a minimum of 50-60kg for a secure hold. A general rule is that 10-20kg should be added on top of a table base weight to a freestanding parasol.
What to read next:
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Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace, tending to her houseplants and chilling in her jungle garden with her sausage dog Waffle.