Best garden parasols for creating an oasis of shade, tried and tested

The Kyoto parasol proved pretty and practical, protecting us as we dined outdoors. Its ribbed canopy, inspired by traditional bamboo and paper parasols, brings a slice of Eastern charm to the back garden. Crafted from premium all-weather material with a UV protection rating of more than 50, the large, 3m parasol features a 34mm anti-rust aluminium pole, 24 fibreglass ribs, and a convenient crank-and-tilt function, affording you directional shade. This one also comes in grey, but we think the cream colourway is the height of understated elegance.

Sometimes, the simplest designs are the most effective, and Dunelm’s wood-look parasol is a case in point. It effortlessly combines style and functionality. In the cream colourway, it brings understated elegance to the patio space, too. We loved its subtle contrast with the wood-effect pole. With its easy tilt operation and hand-crank lift, we found that adjusting it to our preferred angle was pleasingly effortless. Crafted from a sturdy, lightweight aluminium frame and durable polyester fabric, this is a fuss-free parasol that promises minimal assembly and maintenance. A win on both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

Blending bohemian chic with practical protection, this decorative garden brolly hits all the right notes. It features a golden mandala design on a cream background – and we were pleasantly surprised to find that the print is actually metallic and shimmers in the sunshine, rather than just being gold in colour. It looks really pretty when the canopy is down, too. Its fringing gives it extra boho credentials. Smaller than most, this 2m parasol is perfect for compact patio spaces and smaller outdoor dining tables. It’s made from UV-resistant (UPF 30) and water-repellent polyester canvas, while its wood-effect steel pole, with an epoxy finish, is adjustable in height.

This retro-inspired sunshade features the kind of decorative valance you’d find on a classic 1970s garden brolly, which is why we loved its presence in our back garden. It boasts a really robust pole, and a substantial crank for easy lifting. In fact, it proves pleasingly lightweight for its sizable dimensions. Another plus is its push-button tilt (which gives you optimal shade throughout the day), as well as its integrated windbreaker up top. The parasol features eight sturdy aluminium ribs and an anti-rust powder-coated frame. Our only gripe is that the canopy material isn’t as luxurious as we’d hoped – it is no match for unexpected summertime downpours, either.

If you’re keen to turn your backyard into a Victorian pleasure garden, this unapologetically pretty parasol is the one for you. Complete with playful beaded drops that catch the light and glimmer in the sunshine, this is one highly decorative garden brolly – its unique carrousel shaping, with its high domed top, makes it a stand-out in more ways than one. On the practical side, it is crafted from 180g weatherproof polyester and is supported by an anthracite-coated aluminium pole, making it as durable as it is dazzling. The crank handle and push-button tilt mechanism make adjusting it a breeze, too. This is one way to truly elevate your patio space.

It’s unusual to find a competitively priced parasol complete with a weighted base, let alone a nippy one on wheels. Barker and Stonehouse’s offering boasts an effortless crank, as well as tension springs for smooth operation, and it brags a neat, taut canopy for the perfect shade. The tilt system lets you angle away with ease, while stainless steel tubes and water drainage ensure durability and longevity. Plus, this chic, charcoal grey parasol doesn’t spin in the wind, thanks to its neat anti-slip feature. Of course, the main draw is its versatility. This one was just as happy being wheeled around the patio – giving us shade exactly where we needed it – as it was being the centrepiece of our outdoor dining table.

Providing shade from the sun, or shelter from unexpected drizzle, the cantilever-style Brompton, with its generous coverage, ensures the garden stays your favourite hangout spot. The beauty of an overhanging parasol is its versatility – and the fact you won’t have your tablescaping scheme (or your conversations) interrupted with an intruding central pole. This one boasts a high-quality aluminium pole, eight durable ribs, and a smooth crank mechanism. Its robust polyester canopy in chic dark grey is both stylish and practical. It is easily adjustable for perfect shading, and, best of all, it includes a cover and water-fillable base. We do love a product with added extras.

Simple and stylish, Bramblecrest’s offering in grey brings a slice of contemporary cool to the patio. The parasol boasts a 48mm thick rust-free brushed aluminium pole, while its chrome crank handle makes light work of opening up the canopy, plus the water-resistant polyester fabric offers a reassuring sun protection level of UV50+. While the cover and base are sold separately, this sturdy yet lightweight parasol works wonders with a dining table or as a standalone, given a suitably weighted base. Bonus points for the air vent, removable hand-washable canopy, and optional night covers.

Our luxury pick comes from the exquisite East London Parasol Co, with its range of posh garden brollies that never fails to have us swooning. The Sallie is a vibrant showstopper – with its light purple canopy adorned with gold lotus patterns and accents of orange, this parasol is a Balinese beauty. Hand-painted by local artisans and complemented by violet fringing with orange tassels, it is pure magic. The carved bamboo pole and brass fittings add to its charm. Available in 2m and 3m widths, it pairs beautifully with fresh summer hues. Ideal for garden parties or a sunny picnic.

This retro-styled parasol is as practical as it is nostalgic. The look recalls old-school camping holidays, while the rectangular shaping offers full coverage from the sun when used for outdoor dining.

The polyester canopy, with its generous flounce, boasts water-repellent and UV-resistant properties, while the elongated sun shade is held up with reliably strong powder-coated aluminium struts. The brolly is height adjustable and has a nifty tilt mechanism. It’s also ideal for keeping a rectangular balcony space cool and covered.