Patio Umbrella Guide: Umbrella Sizes
A patio umbrella can be a great addition to nearly any outdoor space. With so many different options to choose from, finding the right size patio umbrella for your space can be a challenge. Enjoy our simple infographic to help illustrate the differences between common umbrella sizes to help you choose the right kind.
Umbrellas for Small Patio Tables
For a small patio or balcony with just enough space for a 2-person bistro set or a couple of chairs, a 7.2' half-round umbrella is the perfect choice. This type of patio umbrella looks like a full size umbrella cut in half, and is specially designed to sit up against a wall in order to provide the maximum amount of shade while taking up the smallest amount of space.
Umbrellas for 4-to-6 Person Patio Tables
Finding an outdoor umbrella to cover a patio dining set that seats 4 to 6 people can be relatively easy since this is one of the most common sizes. In fact, there are several options in this category. For a more traditional approach, look for 7.5' to 9' market or cafe umbrellas. Market and cafe umbrellas have a round shape that casts an even shadow, and they are great for larger patios where the table is in the center.
For spaces that can't accommodate an umbrella placed right in the middle, your best option is a 10' offset umbrella, otherwise known as a cantilever umbrella. With a cantilever umbrella, the base can be set off to the side while the umbrella extends over to cover the desired area. This allows you to have a more open outdoor space without the umbrella stand obscuring the center.
Large Umbrellas for 8-Person Patio Sets
For large outdoor seating sets or 8+ person patio dining sets there are a couple of great umbrella options. An 11' x 8' market umbrella can provide about 95 square feet of shade and easily cover a large 8-10 person patio set. Similarly, you can find triple vent umbrellas that are great for wide spaces or multiple seating areas. These types of patio umbrellas can be found in sizes up to 15' or larger and provide nearly 132 square feet of shade!