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.
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.
Best garden parasol at a glance
• Best garden parasol overall: Jarder Milan 3M Parasol Set with Base + Cover - View on Amazon UK
• Best elegant garden parasol: Lexi Round Bamboo Parasol - View at East London Parasols
• Best budget garden parasol: Harbour Housewares Beach Parasol - View at Debenhams
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.
Shop our pick of the best garden parasols below
Best garden parasol overall
Description
This complete garden parasol set contains everything you need to get the most out of your time in the sun. With heavy-duty construction, this Jarder Milan 3M Parasol Set with Base + 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.
Customer review: "Easy to assemble and operate. Great quality. The cover is excellent. The folding pole is designed to be fed into the cover next to the zip. You need this to get this cover on and over the top. Works well. If using sand it has to be very dry and able to free flow otherwise you have a very long job on your hands. I dried the sand first. Note one B&Q large bag of sand per plastic weight container."
Pros
- Promises no more wobbly parasols
- Cantilever design for flexibility
- Fully adjustable with 360º rotation
Cons
- The base is a little bulky
Best garden parasol for colour
Description
Add a splash of colour to your outdoor space with this gorgeous and vibrant Kingfisher Pink Shanghai Parasol. 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.
Customer review: "The parasol is lovely. It's quite big and more than adequately does the job. The tilt is excellent. Once it's in place all you have to do is rotate the stem to move it around as the sun moves. Height is also easily adjustable. I have a full sun garden so it's really essential. I was worried when it came because it is quite heavy ( I suppose it has to be to be substantial, my last parasol used to take off and fly into the pond if I forgot to take it down before the wind came up).
This is very solid. I'm 70 and don't think I could have got it in place and up on my own. And we did have a real job with the string getting jammed in the mechanism. But once up it's excellent. I'll put it down and put a cover over it during the summer months - I think it's too big to keep taking it down and putting it away - I couldn't manage that on my own."
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
Best elegant garden parasol
eastlondonparasols.com
Description
If you're looking for beautiful, hand-crafted parasols bound to make you feel like you're on a tropical island getaway, then the East London Parasol Company is for you. Show-stopping designs, hand-carved wood, and made by artisans in the UK, Bali and Jaipur, these handmade Lexi Round Bamboo Parasols are the perfect flamboyant addition to your garden. However, the base is sold separately.
Pros
- An elegant and calming garden parasol
- Matching accessories and bases are available
- Made with sustainable bamboo spokes
Cons
- The base is sold separately
Best budget garden parasol
www.debenhams.com
Description
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. 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
- No customer reviews
Best garden parasol for versatility
www.debenhams.com
Description
This 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
- Do not leave the parasol assembled overnight or in harsh weather
Writer's pick
www.amara.com
Description
We love the natural beach vibe of this Market Striped Garden Umbrella, crafted from reclaimed timber, the laminated pole supports the water and mould-treated canvas, cloaked in nautical stripes. Encircling the trim is a bullion fringe that moves with the breeze, providing the perfect backdrop for your own summer adventure.
Pros
- Canvas has UV and water-protective treatment
- Simple and strong with bamboo ribs and alloy steel
- The canopy is trimmed with natural cotton fringe
Cons
- Store indoors, inside the carry case in a dry area when not in use
Best garden parasol for glamour
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www.wayfair.co.uk
Description
Create a stylish and comfortable spot in your garden with this beaded Collette Carrousel Parasol, thanks to Wayfair. 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, the base is not included.
Customer review: "Absolutely gorgeous parasol, due to cost I was unsure whether to bury or not, but it’s beautiful far nicer than the actual photos. The green is a shimmery colour. The beads are plastic but very pretty. I’m so pleased I bought it."
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
Best handmade garden parasol
Description
This 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. These Maisonica Bali Handmade Sun Parasols are handmade in small batches in Bali. There will be colour variations in the fabric and gold print from batch to batch. A, the base is not included.
Customer review: "This is a beautiful product, the pink is somewhat different to the photograph as it is lighter but it is very lovely, feels sturdy so far and easy to use."
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
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 - 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. There are brands like East London Parasol Company, which delivers vibrant colours and prints. Also, there is Amazon for your classic beige or black, your colour options are not limited.
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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Description
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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.