Garden Parasol Design Ideas

Garden furniture, supplied in a variety of styles, offers a great way to relax and enjoy your outside space. Alfresco dining is a popular past time during the UK summer time. However, the enjoyment can occasionally be hampered by the strength and glare of the sun's rays. If you find your enjoyment is hampered like this it may be worth buying a garden parasol.

Garden parasols have improved in both design and quality in recent years. Previously they were commonly domed in shape, with little attention paid to the fabric design or quality. Today, such parasols should be confined solely on the beach. Garden parasols are now much more attractive and if you buy wisely your parasol will be easy to use and will be of a quality that will last for years and will actually enhance the appearance of your existing garden furniture.

So, what should you consider when looking to buy a garden parasol?

Well, one important factor you should consider first is your furniture, rather than the parasol itself. For instance, if you require a parasol to be used with a dining table you should check that your table actually has a parasol hole in the centre. Many large tables are supplied with a parasol hole, but quite often the smaller bistro style tables with space to seat 2-4 people do not have a parasol hole. Tables with glass tops are also at greater risk of not having a parasol hole. If your table does not have a parasol hole don't worry. You simply need to change your search from a traditional straight pole umbrella style, to a cantilever style.

Cantilever parasols have a curved pole rather than a straight pole. They can therefore sit at the side of your furniture and arch over it. Cantilever parasols are also ideal for covering other pieces of garden furniture such as benches, steamers and sun loungers. Their unusual shape makes them extremely attractive and the better models will have a quality fabric in a shade to match the pole and umbrella ribs.

Once you have determined the style of parasol you require you should then think about the size and shape. The most popular parasols are round in shape; however, you can find rectangular shaped parasols which look great when used with a rectangular or oval shaped table. Parasols are typically available from around 2 metres in diameter upwards to as large as 4 meters in diameter. Think about the space you want to cover - you want the parasol to compliment the furniture rather than dominate it so don't choose a parasol that is significantly larger than your table.

The next consideration is ease of use. Traditional umbrella style parasols often used the same opening mechanism as a rain umbrella and they were often very difficult to push into the locking position. If you want a parasol which is easy to open and close then you really should buy one with a crank handle. Crank handles are incredibly easy to operate - the user simply turns the handle and the parasol slowly opens and closes.

If you want to buy a garden parasol and make it match with your garden furniture, these few tips can help you to find your best parasol. Buy the garden parasol and the furniture at the same time, choose the best combination between it and the furniture in the same store. Probably it is the easiest thing to do.

If you have already purchased the garden furniture and you can not find a matching parasol, you can look for a parasol that is made from the same material. That same material can make it still in one harmony between a parasol and the furniture.

Air vents in the top of parasol will allow sudden gust of wind to escape without taking rest of the parasol with it, so check it when you buy a parasol. Air vents which covered with a piece of fabric around of the parasol are the best one to choose. Rain and air which come from above will act by the fabric like a valve.