Shade is an essential part of any comfortable outdoor space. Shade protects you from UV exposure. It helps you enjoy hot summer days by cooling the air around you, and it shields your eyes from the glare of the sun.

So, if you don’t have natural shade over your patio seating or outdoor dining set, you need to build some with a patio table umbrella, a freestanding deck umbrella or, for large spaces, a pergola or gazebo. While permanent structures, like a wood pergola, can work well, outdoor patio umbrellas give you more flexibility about where and when to enjoy some shade. A patio umbrella is relatively mobile. It can also be angled in various directions. You can even close it if you want to soak up some rays.

With the right patio umbrella, you’ll be on your way to creating the outdoor oasis of your dreams. You can host backyard parties or choose to enjoy your lunch in the great outdoors. If you have time to relax on your own, you might even bring your favorite book out to a backyard hammock and spend a little time relaxing with nature.

Because of their design, patio umbrellas catch the wind, so you will want to ensure you choose a solid outdoor umbrella stand. If you live in a particularly windy area, choose heavy patio umbrella stand bases and be cautious about choosing particularly large patio table umbrellas.

When it comes to the size and shape of your umbrella, there are many options. Assess the configuration of your space when contemplating the choices. If your space has hard corners, a rectangular patio umbrella or a square patio umbrella might work better than the classic circular patio umbrella design. You can also choose an offset umbrella (or cantilever umbrella) if you don’t want the umbrella stand to fall in the middle of your outdoor seating.

Did you know that an outdoor patio umbrella can even come in handy at night? You will find lighted deck umbrella designs that are useful after dark. Outdoor lighting is crucial if you want to throw an outdoor dinner party or have cocktails on the deck. For flexibility, look for an outdoor table umbrella with lights.