The prettiest garden parasols and umbrellas for all budgets
A garden parasol is both a decorative and incredibly practical addition to your garden. There are endless options available in all shapes and sizes: adjustable, portable, patterned, fringed, brightly coloured or neutral. As we all know how important staying protected from the sun is too, a garden umbrella is another line of defence, alongside the factor 50. As the joys of long summer evenings, warm nights and outdoor dining lie just around the corner, you may be starting to think about readying your garden for you and your guests. Garden furniture, from the top garden furniture shops, such as tables and chairs, will naturally be at the top of your list, but it is the details, like a garden parasol, that make for a truly special experience; anyone who has attended a outdoor event in the scorching sun with little shade will know that. Parasols are versatile too; opt for one that can be dismantled and transported in its carry bag, and take it along to the beach - when the British weather allows, of course.
The best garden parasols to buy, at a glance:
Don't have time to read our full guide to the best parasols? No problem. We've rounded up the very best below.
- Best garden parasol overall: Tuuci Octagonal Parasol, Copenhagen House, £5,995 from Soho Home
- Best portable garden parasol: Business & Pleasure Co. Amalfi scalloped-trim cotton and wood umbrella, £170 from Selfridges
- Best decorative garden parasol: Alata Fringed Garden Parasol Umbrella, £139.99 from La Redoute
- Best adjustable garden parasol: Kyoto Parasol, £180 from Cox and Cox
- Best affordable garden parasol: Striped Beach Umbrella with Fringing, £79.99 from Zara Home
What is the best garden parasol to buy?
Before purchasing your garden parasol, try to consider what its primary purpose will be. Perhaps you wish to take your parasol out and about with you on a picnic or a trip to the beach? A lighter number that folds down neatly will do the trick. A cantilevered, overhanging parasol will allow you to move it around until you’re aptly protected from the elements, or until your dining table is well covered. However, they’re often more cumbersome with a larger base. If you want thorough sun protection, look for one with a UV resistant canopy to block harmful rays.
Scroll on for our edit of the best garden parasols for all budgets, from the decorative to the practical.
What are the benefits of a garden parasol?
A garden parasol is one of those items that can elevate an outdoor space wonderfully. On sunny days, a parasol umbrella can offer UV protection and enable you to lunch outside without worry of getting burnt. On windy days, you can use a cantilever garden parasol to offer some protection from the elements.
The best garden parasols for summer 2025
Why we love it: For an exceptionally high-quality, well-designed parasol in a lovely colour, look no further than Soho Home. Tuuci is the outdoor lifestyle brand that provides all the House with their parasols; this particular one is inspired by Copenhagen's Soho House. It's incredibly durable, being made from marine-grade materials, but it also has a price tag to match. The base is also included, unlike with some of the cheaper options. A stellar investment piece.
Why we love it: A classic design at an accessible price point, this scalloped-edge parasol by specialists in the field, Business & Pleasure Co., will add a touch of French Riviera elegance to your outdoor space. It's also very portable; the umbrella can be dismantled and taken straight to the beach in its smart carry bag.
Why we love it: The pointed canopy of this parasol, courtesy of Ferm Living, is very striking and elegant. It is also available in a beige colour, but we love the ‘military olive’ version shown here, for something earthy and a bit different. The stem is made from FSC™ certified French beech wood, and its polyester fabric has a UV30+ protection factor. A carry bag is included.
Why we love it: This quintessential parasol from Sumner is a great piece to have on hand for beach days and picnics alike. At £29.99, it's on the more affordable end of the scale, so it's a great one to have in the garden shed in case of rainy days.
Why we love it: Made by a creative community of women in Jodhpur, these parasols are testament to their skill. A fairly new company, Jaipur Garden Parasols have a really lovely offering of handmade pieces- even the bases of the parasols are hand carved by craftsman in the Alwar district.
Why we love it: This highly affordable, adjustable parasol has 18 built-in LED lights that are solar-powered by a panel on the umbrella, creating an atmospheric glow during summer evenings. The crank-mechanism allows for easy opening and closing of the umbrella, and a button can be used to adjust the angle as the sun moves during the day.
Why we love it: The Margot is another wonderful piece from the East London Parasol company. Artisanally crafted in Bali and available with either a 2 or 3 metre canopy, it is perfect for providing shade over a leisurely lunch outdoors while adding a touch of tropical style to your garden.
Why we love it: This stylish parasol has a water resistant canopy that offers UV50+ protection, so it can shelter you no matter what the British weather is doing! It is available with or without a base depending on your requirements.
Why we love it: The East London parasol company mainly sell garden umbrellas (the clue is in the name) so their pieces are really special and well made. Handcrafted in the UK, the waterproof canvas is printed using 24 screens and can be easily removed using the velcro attachments.
Why we love it: For use in the centre of a garden table or standing alone, this beautiful garden parasol for outdoor living has been handmade in south west Burma.
Why we love it: Faro Home's parasols are double layered with contrasting prints on either side. This style comes with a stainless steel pole and an adjustable mechanism which allows you to tilt and angle the canopy for maximum shade coverage. They aren’t waterproof so should be used only for sun shade.
