Shelta Outdoor Umbrellas

Outdoor Umbrellas That Are Cool by Design

What are the different types of outdoor umbrellas?

From compact balconies to spacious entertaining areas, there's an outdoor umbrella to suit every space.

Let's give each style its moment in the sun:

• Patio Umbrellas – Versatile and practical, they often double as table umbrellas fitting through a compatible table to shade diners without taking up extra floor space.
• Cantilever Umbrellas – Popular as pool umbrellas, their offset pole keeps the area below clear for outdoor lounges, dining settings or poolside seating.
• Market Umbrellas – With a classic centre pole and broad canopy, they offer freestanding cover for balconies, patios and lawns – and make popular garden umbrellas.

No matter which style you choose, the right outdoor umbrella helps you make the most of sunny days in comfort. Looking for a more permanent way to create shade? Explore Harvey Norman's range of pergolas to enjoy outdoor living all year round.

What should I look for when buying an outdoor umbrella?

The best outdoor umbrella suits your space, furniture and how you enjoy the outdoors. From canopy size to base design, every choice plays a part in how your sun umbrella looks, works and fits your lifestyle.

Open up a world of possibilities with these key considerations:

• Style & Size – Start by measuring your space and checking the available clearance. Large outdoor umbrellas offer broader coverage but need plenty of room to open fully.
• Canopy Material – Look for a UPF rating and durable, fade-resistant fabric, like those from Aussie brand Shelta.
• Umbrella Base – Consider whether your umbrella will stay put or move with the sun. Wheeled and fillable bases make repositioning a breeze; heavier options suit a more permanent setup.
• Opening Mechanism – Crank and pulley mechanisms are easy to operate, while tilt and rotation functions help redirect coverage as the sun moves.
• Colour – Coordinate with your outdoor furniture. Lighter colours brighten the space, while darker shades create a bold, contemporary look.

What's the best colour for an outdoor umbrella?

Colour brings the personality; the fabric brings the credentials: quality, colourfastness and UPF rating matter more to sun protection than colour alone.

Let's shed some light on each colour to help you choose a shade umbrella in a hue that suits your style and outdoor space:

• Light hues create a bright, airy look and reflect more sunlight, helping keep the area beneath cooler.
• Dark tones make a bold statement and are better at disguising everyday marks, although they may absorb more heat.
• Neutral palettes offer timeless appeal and pair easily with most outdoor furniture and décor.

What is the sturdiest patio umbrella?

The most durable patio umbrella isn't necessarily the heaviest. If you're looking for an outdoor umbrella that's heavy duty, compare the frame and rib construction, canopy size, wind vents, recommended base weight and any stated wind rating.

But even the toughest backyard umbrella isn't built to weather every storm, so be sure to close it during strong winds, heavy rain and storms to reduce the risk of tipping, lifting or damage.

How do I secure a large patio umbrella?

It all starts from the ground up. First, check the product information to see whether a base is included. If it's sold separately, choose an umbrella base that's compatible with your umbrella and meets the manufacturer's recommended weight.

Cantilever umbrellas may require a specific base and weights, while table umbrellas can still require a weighted base beneath the tabletop. Position everything on a firm, level surface and follow the setup instructions to help your umbrella hold its ground.