In 2023, 27% of Americans said they’d add shade items to their outdoor spaces, which makes sense. When you spend so much time out there, you don’t want to burn or get constant headaches from squinting against the harsh sunlight.
One of the most practical solutions is to get a patio umbrella. These can cover large spaces while looking fantastic, bringing a resort feel to the area.
But with so many colors out there, it can be difficult to determine which to buy. Read on to find out what the best color for a patio umbrella is.
The Best Color for a Patio Umbrella
If you’ve read any of our other blog posts, then you’ll know by now that when you ask for the “best” anything, there’s no single definitive answer. And this topic is no exception either.
The best color for a patio umbrella could be your favorite hue in the rainbow or whatever matches your outdoor palette. But instead, why not consider what you find important to make a better-informed choice? Here are some factors to think about and what colors are best for each.
UV Protection and Heat Absorption
In general, darker colors absorb more UV radiation than lighter shades. So think of colors like navy blue, black, or dark green if you’re wondering what color patio umbrella is best for sun protection. These have higher ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings, which means they’ll let fewer UV rays through.
If you like lighter hues, such as white, beige, or light gray, then the bad news is that these won’t absorb as much UV radiation. However, if you value heat absorption more than UV protection, then you’ll have to reconsider. Yes, darker colors will absorb UV rays, but this in turn makes the shaded area warmer (although it really isn’t that much of a difference).
If you’re usually sitting underneath with adequate UV protection (such as protective clothing and sunscreen), then it may be better to go with lighter patio umbrellas so you stay cooler underneath. These brighter hues will reflect instead of absorb UV radiation, and this will prevent you from overheating.
If you really want the best of both worlds, then opt for UV-resistant fabrics, such as acrylic, polyester, or solution-dyed fabrics (this is a good idea anyway). Not only will these fabrics block harmful UV rays, but they’ll also decrease fading, which will prolong the lifespan of your umbrella.
Glare
There’s nothing more annoying than settling down on a warm day under cool shade, only to be irritated by light pinging off the patio umbrella. Sure, you can wear sunglasses and adjust your chair, but where’s the fun in that?
The best umbrella colors for glare are darker tones. The lighter the umbrella fabric, the more glare you’ll get.
To further reduce glare, you should get textured or patterned fabrics, as they’ll break up the light and diffuse it more. Or you can choose a matte finish rather than a glossy or shiny surface.
Durability
Exposure to sunlight, rain, wind, and other outdoor elements can affect the colorfastness and overall appearance of your umbrella over time. Some colors may fade more quickly than others; typically, bright and vibrant shades, pastel colors, certain reds and oranges, and natural and earthy tones fall under this category. Lighter neutral shades of grey or beige tend to do well over time. You can also mitigate some fading by picking fabrics that have UV-resistant coatings and treatments. Heavier awning-weight canopies for commercial-grade patio umbrellas are designed to withstand the rigors of salt air, high-use and the beating rays of the sun.
Another thing that’ll help with durability is keeping up with regular maintenance. If you clean and apply fabric protectants, they’ll help prolong the life and appearance of your patio umbrella.
Cleaning/Maintenance
On that note, let’s go over which shades are better for cleaning and maintenance.
Are you lazy and want to put the bare minimum effort in? Then select darker colors, as they’re more forgiving when it comes to showing dirt, stains, or signs of wear. This can make them easier to maintain between cleanings since minor imperfections may be less noticeable.
Choosing fabrics with texture or patterns can help disguise dirt and stains more effectively as well. The texture can break up the appearance of grime, making it less noticeable between cleanings.
Other things to look for include stain-resistant treatments, and fabrics that are solution-dyed, water-repellent, and machine-washable. All of these factors will make cleaning and maintenance much easier and faster.
NOTE – Whenever you clean your canopy, check the integrity of the material and connections. Minor damage can worsen if not tended to and may require replacing broken umbrella ribs or even the canopy fabric.
Current/Future Trends
In general, neutral tones continue to be popular choices for patio umbrellas. In addition, they provide a versatile backdrop that can complement a variety of outdoor furniture and decor styles.
If you’re wondering about future trends, then keep an eye on earth tones. These are gaining popularity in outdoor spaces since they evoke a sense of warmth and connection to nature. Otherwise, for a timeless classic, pick a deep blue hue.
Decor Coordination
Consider the existing color scheme and decor of your outdoor space. Choose an umbrella color that complements or contrasts nicely with your arrangement of patio furniture, accent cushions, outdoor rugs and other decorative accessories.
Harmonizing colors can create a cohesive and visually appealing outdoor environment. On the other hand, a well-chosen contrast can add visual interest and depth to your patio decor. It’s really up to your personality as to which you should go for!
Ambiance
You can definitely set the tone with the right umbrella color (in addition to some Feng Shui’ing), so choose well. Bright, vibrant colors like yellow, orange, or red can inject energy and excitement, creating a lively atmosphere. That may sound wonderful at first glance, but if you’re planning on sunbathing and chilling out in your yard, then that’s a bad idea.
If you’re after tranquility and relaxation, get an umbrella in pastel blue, lavender, or sage green instead. These will create a calming outdoor retreat just a few steps away from your house.
Get the Best Color for an Outdoor Patio Umbrella
The best color for a patio umbrella isn’t one single shade. Instead, you must weigh up what’s important to you, your current decor, and how much cleaning/maintenance you want to do.
With all these factors in mind, you’ll be able to select a product that works for your situation. And as a result, you’ll be perfectly pleased with whatever hue you have, even if it’s different from your neighbor’s.
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