The Ultimate Guide to Instant Shade Cantilever Umbrellas: Quality, Customisation & Choosing the Right One

 

We’ve been supplying Instant Shade as our premium shade solution for both residential and commercial applications for over ten years. Their engineering brilliance, ease of operation, and striking designs—highlighted by the Eclipse’s unmistakable anodised aluminium mast—had us on board from day one. And their products have only gotten better since.

Instant Shade umbrellas are built to last, with a range of customisation options that allow you to curate the perfect solution for your space. Whether you're looking for a sleek, modern look for your backyard or a heavy-duty option to withstand strong winds, Instant Shade has you covered.

Let’s explore the umbrellas in their range, their unique benefits, and the spaces where they excel.

 

Residential Umbrellas: Perfect for Home Use

Let’s talk about umbrellas that are most commonly used in residential spaces. It’s important to note that all Instant Shade umbrellas are actually commercial-grade, which is amazing because it means you're getting that extra durability and longevity. However, these specific ones are what people tend to use in their homes.

Aurora: The Ideal Cantilever Umbrella for Larger Spaces

Moving up in size, we have the Aurora, which is a fantastic cantilever umbrella, perfect for yards, poolside areas, and spaces where you need a little more shade.

• Available in 2.8m square, 3.5m octagonal, and 3.8m octagonal (exclusive to Outdoor Elegance!).

• The cantilever design allows for tilting and full 360° rotation, making it perfect for different sun angles.

• Made from high-quality canvas with a two-year fade warranty.

• Sturdy three-year frame warranty and a 50km/h wind rating when bolted into the ground.

• Can be mounted on an 880 base with wheel add-ons or the new 900 base with wheels, allowing for mobility.

• If using a base instead of bolting it down, the wind rating drops to 30km/h, which is still solid but worth considering if you live in a high-wind area.

Eclipse V4: The Gold Standard in Outdoor Umbrellas

Let’s talk about the standout umbrella in the range—the Eclipse V4. It’s our most popular option, and once you see it in action, you’ll understand why. The Eclipse is the epitome of strength, style, and durability, making it the ideal choice for any outdoor space.

• Marine-grade anodised aluminium frame, offering superior resistance to corrosion and the elements.

• Multi-directional crank system, allowing you to wind the umbrella in either direction with ease (a feature that the Aurora also offers).

• Available in 3m square, 3.5m square, 3x4m rectangle, and 4m octagonal.

• The 4m octagonal is the most popular due to its generous shade coverage.

• Comes with a 10-year fade warranty on the canvas and a 5-year frame warranty.

• Wind-rated for up to 65km/h when properly bolted down.

• 360° rotation and tilt functionality for optimal shade placement.

• Constructed with stainless steel spigots and all-alloy metal fittings for added durability.

• The reinforced ribs in the V4 version create a triangular structure for extra strength, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Pro tip: When installing over a dining table or lounge area, be mindful of clearance, especially if you opt for the 3x4m rectangular version, as the ribs extend lower. This consideration will ensure you have the right amount of overhead space.

Customisation: Make It Your Own

One of the standout features of Instant Shade umbrellas is the ability to customise them to match your personal style and fit your space requirements. They offer three standard colours:

• Natural – A timeless, neutral tone.

• Slate – A slightly warmer shade.

• Smoked Tweed – The most popular option for a sophisticated look.

For those who want something truly unique, there’s also a premium solution-dyed acrylic fabric range with an extensive colour palette. You can even mix and match alternating colours across the panels for a fully custom design.

Customisation Options:

• Aurora customisation: Available for the 2.8m square and 3.5m square models.

• Eclipse customisation: Available for all sizes.

• Mast colour changes: Options like switching to black are available, but note that customisation may extend the lead time to 12-16 weeks.

Upgrade Costs:

• Aurora: $550 canvas upgrade.

• Eclipse: $350 canvas upgrade.

• Frames: Contact us for pricing.

We understand how important it is to get every detail just right, and we’re here to help you with your customisation choices. While we recommend checking out our available stock first, we’re happy to assist with any customisation options. If you’re ready to explore these choices or need guidance, simply contact your nearest store.

 

How to Choose the Right Umbrella for Your Space

1. Consider the size of your space: Are you shading a small patio, a medium-sized backyard, or a large entertaining area? You may even need multiple umbrellas to cover a larger space.

2. Wind exposure: If you’re in a high-wind area, bolting the umbrella down is highly recommended, especially for models like the Eclipse, which has the highest wind rating.

3. Fixed vs. mobile: Do you need an umbrella that can be moved around? If so, opt for a weighted base rather than a bolted installation. However, keep in mind that wind ratings will be lower on mobile bases.

4. Colour & aesthetics: Do you want a neutral shade that blends into your space, or are you looking for a custom pop of colour?

Final Tip: No matter which umbrella you choose, remember that it’s always best to close it in high winds. The wind ratings are designed for unexpected gusts, but leaving an umbrella open is never advised.

Check out the Instant Shade range here: