A patio umbrella is important in defining your outdoor space’s comfort, ambiance, and usability. It provides shelter from the UV rays, light rain, and wind. However, the wrong size will weaken these benefits. A small patio umbrella may leave you unprotected from the elements, while a large one may curate a cramped and inconvenient space.
So, choosing the right patio umbrella size becomes very important. To avoid potential bad effects, we offer a quick guide to select the patio umbrella sizes you need, making your umbrella functional and attractive.
Factors to consider when choosing suitable patio umbrella sizes
1. Shade coverage
Choosing a suitable patio umbrella size starts with the shade coverage selection. The right shade coverage will let you enjoy your leisure time without distractions, and you won’t be affected by the outside weather at all. At this point, you might have a question: How do I measure suitable shade coverage?
Actually, the measurement is very easy. Whether a table, seating arrangement or other open space, the patio umbrella’s diameter should extend 2 to 3 feet beyond the edge of the area you’re trying to shade. After all, you can’t stay still under a patio umbrella. The extra width enables ample protection to move around randomly and accommodates multiple people comfortably.
Tip: Consider its pole diameters as a factor if your umbrella will be inserted into a patio table with an umbrella hole. Because the wrong diameter means that the umbrella pole cannot fit into the hole. But if you want to buy a freestanding patio umbrella, add one of our sturdy patio umbrella bases to your cart. These bases provide excellent stability, ensuring your umbrella stays securely in place.
2. Patio space
The size of your patio umbrella depends on the size of your patio space. The umbrella must fit well without overcrowding the area or limiting movement around the space.
For balconies or patios under 4 square meters, a small patio umbrella works best. It provides coverage without taking up much area. Also, many modern patio umbrellas have tilting mechanisms, allowing for better control of shade in small areas. In larger decks or open outdoor areas, patio umbrella sizes should be proportionate to the surrounding space. A larger patio may require a 10-foot patio umbrella or a larger canopy. This selection maximizes function and creates a visual highlight in the outdoor design.
3. Umbrella pole height
A suitable pole height can enlarge the effect of size selection. If the umbrella is going to be placed under a low area, opting for a lower pole height with a small patio size is advisable. Conversely, in more open areas, a taller patio umbrella can help create a more expansive and vented environment. In that case, a larger size can be useful. Westshade patio umbrellas offer ample height for use in the scenes mentioned above.
A Kapri umbrella with an adjustable knob has a clearance height ranging from 5’11” to 7’2″ and an overall height from 6’11” to 8’11”. This umbrella can accommodate tall people because they don’t have to stoop down under an umbrella’s edge. With the crank set up in an attachable place, short people can also use it easily. Our Marco umbrella’s height matches the size. It is available in 4 sizes: 6.5ft, 7.5ft, 9ft, and 10ft sizes. The clear head heights of each size are 77.95″, 76.77″,77.95″,78.74″. Its push-up system allows you to open it up within several seconds.
The umbrella pole’s height affects the umbrella’s look and use. This, in turn, influences the choice of its size. If the pole is too high, the umbrella may not provide adequate shade, while a pole that is too short can limit users’ vision and movement. So, when choosing an umbrella, consider the height of nearby structures and furniture.
Common patio umbrella sizes and their applications
When selecting a patio umbrella, the size should reflect the specific needs of your space. Here, we provide five common patio umbrella sizes. They are categorized into small, standard, and large types according to their size.
1. Small: 6-feet to 8-feet patio umbrellas
In this category, the 6.5-foot patio umbrella is our smallest size. It can be useful in compact places that need extra shade.
- Area coverage: 33-36 square feet.
- Ideal for: Bistro and café sets, small balconies, poolside seating areas with 1 or 2 people.
- Patio table size: 24 to 30 inches in diameter for round tables and up to 9 square feet for square or rectangular tables.
The 7.5-foot umbrella offers slightly more coverage and is better suited for small dining or seating areas for multiple people.
- Area coverage: 38 to 44 square feet
- Ideal for: small patios and decks, seating areas for 2 to 4 people, modest outdoor dining and lounging setups.
- Patio table size: round patio tables with a diameter of 30 to 36 inches; square or rectangular tables with 9 to 12 square feet.
2. Standard: 9 feet patio umbrellas
This versatile size works well with standard patio tables or seating arrangements. It’s perfect for medium-sized areas, providing ample coverage without taking up too much space.
- Area coverage: 65 square feet.
- Ideal for: pool areas, decks, patios and dining sets with 4 to 6 people.
- Patio table size: round patio tables with a diameter up to 54 inches; square or rectangular tables with 45-50 square feet.
These three sizes are available in our Kapri umbrella, Marco umbrella, and Santorini umbrella. With high-quality materials and modern appearances, you will experience the best feelings.
3. Large: 10 feet and above
10 feet or larger patio umbrellas are designed for big patios, large dining areas, or poolside settings. Large patio umbrellas create a commanding presence and ensure comprehensive coverage across broad areas.
- Area coverage: 80 to 100+ square feet.
- Ideal for: large outdoor patio tables with at least six people, large decks, outdoor gatherings or entertainment spaces.
- Patio table size: square or rectangular tables ranging from 6 to 8 feet long; round patio tables with a diameter of up to 62 inches.
We are proud that all our patio umbrellas are available in 10 feet size. The heavy-duty Catalina umbrella also offers sizes 11.5′, 13′, and 16.4′. No matter how big the place is, Westshade always has suitable sizes to meet your needs. You won’t have to worry about larger umbrellas that can be unstable because all our frames are crafted from durable aluminum and fiberglass. These two materials provide strong, reliable support in any setting.
Conclusion
An incorrectly sized patio umbrella may impact shade coverage, ease of use, and visual harmony and may even lead to safety problems. As a result, selecting the right-sized patio umbrella is essential. This quick guide provides three factors to help you make a better decision. They are shade coverage, available patio space, and the pole’s height. In some cases, pole thickness also makes sense.
You can check Westshade patio umbrellas in whatever size you need. From 6.5-foot size to 16.4-foot size, you’ll always find the perfect fit with us. Our patio umbrellas use cutting-edge materials against rust. And the special roof coating makes them rainproof and fire retardant.
- Kapri umbrella: Tilting patio umbrellas/Affordable price/Crank lifting system
- Marco umbrella: Push-up lifting system/Easy to use
- Santorini umbrella: Market umbrella/Pulley lifting system/Selective frames
- Catalina umbrella: Crank lifting system/Heavy-duty commercial umbrella/Large size
We recently had a sale on these umbrellas, so don’t hesitate to buy one now！
