Patio umbrellas is the ideal sun shade to have in your patios to keep the sun away, to extend your enjoyment in the outdoors under the sun and to provide cool shades. Patio umbrellas compliment any type of décor theme and patio furniture you were going for in the patio. What’s the difference between patio umbrellas and normal umbrellas? Patio umbrellas are huge- they are large umbrellas that come in different shapes and sizes, designs, colors and fabrics.

These umbrellas are perfect compliments for your wicker outdoor furniture. Blue or white paneled umbrellas work great against the wicker wood and create a beautiful color balance. The wicker gives the outdoor, wooden feel whereas the blue or white umbrellas provide a touch of chic to the whole outdoor setting. White patio umbrellas are normally used as they reflect heat, making the shade cooler. Blue on the other hand creates the effect of an oasis and lighter shades of blue such as sky blue and navy blue are a great color addition.

There are different types of patio umbrellas in the market. These types are:

i)    Offset patio umbrella

ii)    Patio Umbrella gazebo

Offset patio umbrellas are designed to give bigger space under the umbrella. It comes with an upside down L-shaped pole, where at the end of the pole is where the umbrella head is attached to, instead of in the middle. The umbrella head looks like its hanging from the tip of the pole.  Offset patio umbrellas are ideal if your patio does not have any umbrella holes constructed into the floors and if you want to maximize the space in your patio.

Since offset patio umbrellas are freestanding, there is no need for having patio furniture with table complete with umbrella holes. Lounge chairs can be arranged under the umbrellas minus the table. These umbrellas are great if you patio has a pool as lounge chairs can be added for more relaxing. Little coffee tables can be included in between two lunge chairs under an offset patio umbrella to place food and drinks.  These umbrellas are lightweight and easy to fold and open up.

Another type of versatile patio umbrella is the patio umbrella gazebo. Much like the market umbrella, the patio umbrella gazebo has cotton netting that is stuck all around the diameter of the umbrella. During the day, you can open the netting but if you’re at the patio area at night, there’s obviously going to be insects. At night, bring them down to cover you and your guests as this netting is an ideal and natural way to keep insects away. The netting is machine washable and requires minimal maintenance. If you do not need the umbrella, just fold it down easily.

When buying patio umbrellas of any kind, there are a few things to consider such as the intended purpose of the umbrella, the size of your patio, the price range and the features of each type of umbrella. Online stores and land stores have a good share of great patio umbrellas. Look around at both these options if you are planning to get a patio umbrella as both online and offline stores have its advantages and disadvantages.

If you are planning on buying patio umbrellas, you might want to consider purchasing other patio items such as patio cushion and patio heaters. Buying a few items from the same store might save you quite a bit since the retailer will give you a discount on the items that you have purchased. Patio cushions are a great décor item for any patio. It adds comfort to the patio furniture as well as gives the place a splash of color.  Invest in good quality, water proof patio cushions as these last longer under rain and would not fade color under the sun.

All weather patio furniture is an important element in purchasing your patio furniture. All weather features enable your furniture to last longer in rain and sun, are stronger and durable and are much more value for your money.  Always look at the materials used for making patio furniture and accessories, its maintenance methods and price. At the end of the day, we all want items that are value for our money.