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Outdoor Umbrella Features – Canopy Tilt & Lights

by Bill Ferris Leave a Comment

Center pole outdoor umbrella with black canopy and LED lights at dusk in a tropical setting

Table of Contents

  • Refining and enhancing your shade choices
  • Additional Features
    • Multi-Canopy
    • Tilt
    • Swivel
    • Vents
    • Valances
  • Accessories
    • Umbrella Lights
    • Heaters
    • Speakers
    • Protective Cover
  • Completing a holistic assessment

Refining and enhancing your shade choices

You figured out what you’re generally looking for in an outdoor umbrella. Now it’s time to refine your decision by looking closer at the variations available. If something is not integrated into the models you’re considering, you may be able to find attachments to provide that capability.

Additional Features

Standard market umbrellas are relatively static, which can be challenging as the sun travels across the sky or you move furniture. Some umbrellas, however, offer additional dynamic features that can resolve these shade problems.

Multi-canopy cantilever umbrella with off-white fabric and bronze powder-coated frame and base shading two chaises poolside

Multi-Canopy

Some contemporary offset umbrellas have modular designs that allow you to add more than one canopy. Typically, two or four canopies shade multiple areas when floor space is at a premium. These adaptable deck umbrellas are great for outdoor restaurants and cafes where dining tables are closely situated.

SHOP MULTI-CANOPY UMBRELLAS

Umbrosa Paraflex Duo Offset Umbrella
Umbrosa Paraflex Duo Offset Umbrella
Shadowspec Unity Cantilever Umbrella
Shadowspec Unity Cantilever Umbrella

Tilt

Certain center post parasols include a crank auto tilt function that enables you to angle the canopy shade. This allows you to effectively block the sun throughout the day, without repositioning the umbrella. There are also manual tilting umbrellas with push button release. See “What are the parts of a patio umbrella?” in the first section of this buying guide to learn about different tilt mechanisms. Tilting outdoor umbrellas are less stable than static ones, and are not recommended for high use or commercial installations.

Patio Umbrella Features - Tilt

Swivel

Most cantilever umbrellas have 360 degree rotation capability. This allows you to cover a much larger area, without ever moving the base (not even a choice if you have a mounted base). This is handy if you continually move about during the day and want to remain in the shade.

Vents

Most large outdoor umbrellas have vented canopies that allow air to flow between the layers of fabric. They help stabilize shades in windy or gusty conditions. A canopy may have one or more vents or none at all.

Wooden market umbrella with a cream-colored canopy with valances through garden table

Valances

Some garden umbrellas have canopies with decorative valances around the edge. These flaps may be straight, scalloped or a special design. They serve no functional purpose and are simply aesthetic.

Quiz to find the right patio umbrella and base

Accessories

There are other items that you should consider when ordering a patio umbrella.

Umbrella Lights

Consider adding patio umbrella lights, if your outdoor entertaining continues into the evening. LED lights generate far less heat than traditional bulbs and can be built into the ribs or hubs of modern umbrellas. Or, purchase them separately and mount them on the underside or perimeter of the canopy. Some clamps around the pole of market umbrellas or an extension rod in the hub of offset shades. Many sizes, configurations and colors of umbrella lights are available, so you can customize the ambiance you want to create.

Patio Umbrella Accessories - Lights

Heaters

Some commercial and high-end residential deck umbrellas have heaters integrated into their design to optimize space and comfort. These pivoting infrared devices typically attach to support struts and emit directional heat to warm the area immediately below the canopy. The heaters’ electrical lines are concealed within the pole or mast and often share their power supply with a lighting system.

Accessories - Heaters

Speakers

A few luxury umbrellas even have Bluetoothâ„¢ speakers that can connect to your mobile device and play your favorite songs. They may also include Wi-Fi and USB charging so you don’t have to be disconnected just because you’re outdoors.

Accessories - Speakers

Protective Cover

A weather-proof cover is a “must-have” accessory for any outdoor umbrella. Your shade takes a beating during the heat of the day and in the summer months, so it deserves the protection of a cover during its downtime. Most covers are made from heavy-duty canvas fabrics but there are hard-shell versions too. See the maintenance and storage section of this guide to learn why a cover is critical to extending the life of your umbrella.

Completing a holistic assessment

At this point, you’ve done most of the heavy lifting in evaluating your patio umbrella needs. The next two sections of our comprehensive guide provide a few last heads-up things to be aware of so there are no surprises and tips to ensure your shade investment endures.

Guide Sections

Ultimate Patio Umbrella Buying Guide

Patio Umbrella Buying Guide

Cantilever outdoor umbrella with beige octagonal canopy providing shade for a lounge set on a terrace overlooking green fields

Types of Patio Umbrellas – Designs, Sizes & Shapes

Close-up of grey powder-coated aluminum patio umbrella frame and struts with teal fabric canopy

Patio Umbrella Fabrics & Materials

Close-up of charcoal grey cantilever umbrella base with wheels on a hardwood deck

Outdoor Umbrella Bases & Mounts

Young man in black hoodie raising the canopy of a large cantilever patio umbrella with an aluminum frame

Patio Umbrella Wind Rating & Ease of Use

Five closed beach umbrellas with blue canopies between light brown wicker dining sets on an overcast day

Cleaning & Caring for your Patio Umbrella

Filed Under: Guide - Patio Umbrellas, Outdoor Patio Umbrellas & Shades

Avatar for Bill Ferris

About Bill Ferris

Bill Ferris is the president of Decor Outdoor and founded the company in 2007. He's been quoted on patio furniture by Living Cozy and on home improvement by Realtor.com. When not writing posts for the website, he's a frequent guest contributor on the subject of online marketing and an interior design enthusiast.

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Patio Umbrella Quiz – What’s right for your space?

Outdoor umbrella with white canopy next to a swimming pool and palm trees

Guide Sections

  • Patio Umbrella Buying Guide
  • Types of Patio Umbrellas – Designs, Sizes & Shapes
  • Patio Umbrella Fabrics & Materials
  • Outdoor Umbrella Bases & Mounts
  • Patio Umbrella Wind Rating & Ease of Use
  • Cleaning & Caring for your Patio Umbrella

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