When thinking of our yards and gardens, our patios or decks, we think of umbrellas for shade that can withstand the elements while adding visual pleasure and personal comfort.
There was a time when umbrellas for outside use were purchased solely for the small amount of shade they could provide or because the lawn furniture came with a hole (for an umbrella) in its center. Today that has changed. Today umbrellas have multiple exterior uses, not the least of which is to provide a focal point in the garden
or on the patio. Whether used as a shade umbrella around the pool or to offer a cool spot in a summer garden, umbrellas for outdoor use are as much a necessity for the exterior decor as a sofa is for the living room.
The styles and varieties of patio and garden umbrellas seems almost endless. There is a style for every need and every yard.
Of course, there is the umbrella that most of us recognize from our childhoods — the straight pole umbrella that is placed in the center of the table. Today we find offset umbrellas that allow free movement beneath the umbrella with a cantilever or tilt control to the side.
Some umbrellas now are hanging umbrellas, suspended from the pole giving more freedom of movement beneath.
The outdoor umbrella is not confined to our backyards. We find them shading those who enjoy the beach and in some cases protecting those who work on the beach from the glaring rays of the sun.
While beach umbrellas have come a long way in style and color offering a very modern look on the beach, some prefer the more rustic appearance of the island style umbrella. These “Tiki” umbrellas offer a very natural look but today come in a variety of colors. For those who long to visit the islands and sit beneath the grass thatched umbrellas sipping Mai Tais, this style could be the answer.