How to Choose the Right Umbrella for Your Outdoor Space

27 Mar 2025

If you’ve ever spent an afternoon outside, shifting your chair to chase the shade, you know how important a good umbrella is. But with so many options out there, how do you choose an outdoor umbrella that actually suits your space and lifestyle?

Here at Outdoor Elegance, we partner with Australia’s most reputable brands—like Shelta, Umbrosa, and Instant Shade—to offer a curated range of high-quality umbrellas for every kind of setting.

I’ve helped countless people navigate the decision, and I get it—it can feel overwhelming. How to choose an outdoor umbrella isn’t always straightforward, especially when things like wind ratings, mounting options, and shapes come into play. So, let’s break it down and walk through what you need to know before you buy.

1. What size is your outdoor space?

Let’s start by measuring the area you want to shade. Think about what you’re trying to cover—are you looking to protect a dining table, a lounge area, or maybe the poolside?

Here are some common areas to help guide you:

Small Areas (2-3m): Do you have a compact space, like a balcony or small patio?
Medium – Large Areas (3-4m): Are you working with a larger area that needs more coverage?
Extra Large Areas (Over 4m): Do you have a big backyard or commercial space where you need a larger umbrella or potentially multiple?

A couple of tips:

Be sure to measure from where the umbrella will stand, not just the shaded area—this way, you won’t end up with an umbrella that’s too small.
Check the height clearance too! Most umbrellas need a minimum of 2.5m in height to open and close properly.

2. What is the wind exposure like in your area?

Now let’s think about the wind! Different umbrellas are built to handle different levels of wind, so it’s important to know what you're dealing with in your space.

Here’s a quick guide to help you:

Mild Winds (0-20 km/h): Is your area sheltered, with only the occasional light breeze?
Moderate Winds (20-40 km/h): Do you get a bit of a breeze, especially on certain days?
Strong Winds (Above 40 km/h): Is your area exposed to stronger winds, like on coastal or open areas?

Knowing the typical wind conditions will help us choose the best umbrella for you. We’ve got options designed to withstand anything from a light breeze to more intense gusts.

3. Do You Need the Umbrella to Tilt or Rotate?

Here’s where we look at how you want your umbrella to adjust as the sun moves. There are two functions to consider:

Tilt: Tilting allows you to adjust the angle of the shade throughout the day, perfect for simple sun tracking without rotating the entire umbrella.
Rotate: Rotating lets you change the shade’s position without moving the base or mast, ideal for flexible coverage.
Tilt and Rotate: The best of both worlds—maximum adjustability for optimal shade.

4. Do You Prefer a Portable or Permanent Umbrella?

Now, let’s decide if you need something mobile or a fixed installation:

Portable Umbrellas: Easy to move, these typically come with weighted bases (some with wheels) for flexibility in shading different areas.
Permanent Umbrellas: Installed into decks, patios, or pool surrounds, these are bolted down for stability and can withstand strong winds.

Note: Some heavy-duty umbrellas must be bolted into the ground.

5. What Fabric & Material Are You Considering?

The fabric and materials impact the durability and weather resistance of your umbrella:

Standard Fabrics: Budget-friendly options like polyester or olefin, though they may fade with prolonged sun exposure.
Premium Fabrics: If you’re looking for something more durable, consider premium fabrics like Sunbrella or solution-dyed acrylics. These materials offer UV resistance, better color retention, and some even come with a 10-year fade warranty.

Which one sounds like the best fit for your needs?