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17 parasols that will keep you cool all summer
Decorative to architectural, these al fresco design essentials provide shade in style
Unlike the notoriously wayward beach umbrella, a good parasol should be sturdy, durable and able to provide protection come rain or shine – it is British summertime, after all. Whether you opt for flamboyant and frilly or clean and bright, investing in a garden parasol that allows you to enjoy warmer weather safely while looking stylish is this summer’s essential. Many come with water-resistant or UV-resistant canopy fabric, as well as the option to tilt the umbrella, helping to shield you from the sun throughout the day. Note: for many of these designs it’s necessary to purchase the base separately (something to keep in mind before you buy).
‘Messina’ outdoor umbrella, Fritz Hansen
The Skagerak outdoor fabric that forms this design’s shade has the highest possible UV rating for a textile, meaning you can feel properly safe under its shade. Its structure is crafted from FSC-certified Indonesian wood and the nautical stripe is timeless. £789, heals.com
Purple parasol, Mirlo
This Swedish brand’s vibrant parasols are made in Italy and, thanks to the colour-fast acrylic fabric they are crafted from, are perfectly capable of surviving the unpredictable British summer outdoors unscathed. £887, finnishdesignshop.com
‘Lull’ umbrella, Ferm Living
It may have the classic pagoda-style shape, but this parasol from the Danish lifestyle brand also sports its neutral palette. Choose from this khaki green and an off-white, for sun-cover inspired by nature’s calmer colours. £395, fermliving.co.uk
‘Pensol’ parasol, Fatboy
Like a beautiful Big Top for your garden, this design is actually inspired by the tip of a pencil. It comes complete with a dedicated aluminium base. Plus, the flag on the top (a Fatboy signature) will show you which way the wind is blowing. £499, fatboy.com
‘Spinnaker’ parasol, Neptune
Sitting comfortably and cooly on the borderline between classic and contemporary, this design features a traditional rope pulley system, but also a high-shine chrome pole. This is an investment in summer 2026 (future you will be grateful) as orders made now will be delivered in February. £570, neptune.com
‘Paloma’ parasol, Sunbeam Jackie
Every element of the brilliantly eccentric Sunbeam Jackie parasols are made in the UK, with the frame and limited-edition patchwork shade all combined in this brand’s Cornwall warehouse. If you want a design that will be a talking point at garden parties, the limited-edition ‘Paloma’ is a great option. £2,875, sunbeamjackie.com
‘Cool Cantilever’ parasol, Indian Ocean
For optimum protection from harmful rays, you need a parasol that can be easily adjusted as the sun moves. This contemporary option from outdoor furniture experts Indian Ocean is an engineered approach to creating shade, with aluminium fixtures and a canopy that comes in a restrained palette: ‘Cappuccino’ or ‘White’. £4,615, indian-ocean.co.uk
‘The Patio Umbrella’, Business & Pleasure
At more than two metres wide, this parasol is for larger gardens. Not only is it big, but it’s also smart, with its design informed by the practicalities of sailing – its frame is made from stainless steel, while the ribs are made of fibreglass that springs back into shape if the wind catches it. £999, businessandpleasureco.com
‘Free’ parasol, Ethimo
This parasol by Italian experts in al fresco living, Ethimo, will give your back garden the aesthetic of a high-end hotel pool. With a solid aluminium frame and a choice of weighted bases that will ensure your shade remains in place even on breezy days, this is a smart choice. £984, ethimo.com
‘Outdoor Octagonal’ parasol, Soho Home
The famous members’ club collaborates with outdoor lifestyle brand Tuuci to create the parasols for all of its Houses. This one is modelled after the burnt orange colour palette of its outpost in Copenhagen (despite being photographed somewhere decidedly more sunny). £5,995, sohohome.com
Raffia parasol, HK Living
Wishing you were holidaying in tropical climes rather than soaking up the vitamin D available beneath British skies? Then this raffia parasol may the one for you. Its canopy makes us crave a piña colada, but be warned: this one is not water resistant, so will need to be stored indoors if the weather turns. £575, folkinteriors.co.uk
‘Meteo’ parasol, Kettal
Designed by Konstantin Grcic, this most streamlined of parasols was actually created for the hospitality market. There’s no good reason you can’t treat your garden to the same quality as the best hotels, though. There are many base options (sold separately) too: a planter, a purpose-built daybed, table and concrete slab on wheels. Price on application, kettal.com
‘Gili’ fringed parasol, Cox & Cox
Why opt for just one layer of fringing when you can choose a parasol with a decadent three layers of fringe? The cream colourway keeps this design from Cox & Cox looking contemporary, and also allows it to slot in with any existing alfresco styling. £175, coxandcox.co.uk
‘Shaddo’ parasol, Fermob
Playful outdoor expert Fermob can be relied on to bring colour to the garden – in this case its ‘Ice Mint’ shade. The fabric is water, stain and mould-repellant, as well as protecting from UV rays, while the aluminium pole is lightweight enough to adjust without a struggle. Price on application, fermob.com
‘Natural Instinct’ parasol, Sunday Supply
In a simple Breton stripe, this parasol is the epitome of elegant outdoor styling. With a two-metre canopy and an extendable pole made from beech, this is one capable of shading a family, but can also be transported in its own cotton carry case. £199, uk.sundaysupply.co
‘Om Wood’ parasol, Calma
The unique mechanism of this folding shade by designer Andreu Carulla makes us think of sail boats with their masts raised. Not only does its look evoke the seaside, but it’s an innovation that allows for extra control over your degree of shading from the sun. £2,545, calmaoutdoor.com
‘Lexham’ parasol, East London Parasol Company
Screenprinted onto a three-metre canvas canopy, the design of this parasol was inspired by the decoration on a William de Morgan painted tile, lending this tasseled design an authentic Arts & Crafts quality. The frame is handmade by carpenters in Hampshire using FSC-certified ash. £1,200, eastlondonparasols.com
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