When the sun burns bright and sweet summer shade is in short supply, a jaunty garden umbrella can be the perfect way to beat the heat and make a playful design statement. Read on for eight of HC&G’s favorite shade makers.
With its bold, mid-century silhouette and striking keyhole valance, Santa Barbara Designs’ Double Decker umbrella exudes summery Slim Aarons vibes wherever it’s planted. And the world is your oyster, when it comes to customization, with more than 125 gorgeous fabrics, including dozens of options from Thibaut and Trina Turk for Schumacher from which to choose.
Spanning nine feet, the Safari Umbrella from Thayer’s Hardware in Bridgehampton is just the right size to place between two chaises. The rugged parasol has a laminated, kiln-dried eucalyptus frame, marine-grade stainless-steel fittings, and comes in a handful of Sunbrella fabrics.
Leopard spots, oversize daisies, and breezy cotton fringe add a playful touch to Sunday Supply’s tiltable Animal Kingdom umbrella. Nestle it wherever you (or the kids) need a patch of shade, then rest easy knowing the UPF 50+ canopy blocks more than 98% of harmful UV rays.
Function meets fabulous in Tuuci’s sophisticated Ocean Master M1 Voilare Parasol. The whimsical beauty combines premium marine-grade materials and a smooth auto-lock pulley system with elegant design flourishes, namely a contrasting top cap, tidy welting, gently curved ribs, and a glamorous scalloped valance.
Built to withstand the dog days of summer, Neighbor’s goodlooking, 10-foot-round Cast Umbrella (shown here in a crisp cabana stripe) includes Sunbrella fabric, an anodized aluminum frame, and the company’s proprietary Flick Lift System, which ensures an effortless canopy reveal with a single upward motion—no crank, pulley, or rope required.
Engineered to withstand winds up to 36 mph, Jardinico’s sleek, modern JCP.4 Series umbrella from The Laurel Group boasts a hefty yet easy-to-maneuver cantilevered base with locking wheels and a generous, 13-foot octagonal Sunbrella canopy, which can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees for all-day sun protection.
Bring instant joy and much needed shade to any outdoor setting with Hay’s Terraza Parasol. In addition to its simple design and diminutive 6.5-foot-wide canopy, the tiltable, Italian-made umbrella comes in three unexpected UV-safe colorways, including off-white with ochre, gray, and burgundy (shown here). Available at Design Within Reach.
Ideal for tiny patios and small gardens, Brown Jordan’s minimalist, five-foot-wide Sunshade stands 6.5-feet tall and features an adjustable floating canopy with handsome laced detailing. Easily mistaken for outdoor sculpture, the customizable shade is available in 24 finishes and 100-plus fabrics.
