Stylish Backyard Umbrellas and Outdoor Shelters for Bespoke Summer Shade and Cover

Beat the summer heat with this stylish and practical selection of patio umbrellas, parasols, and more, all from the best home decor and outdoor furniture brands.

parasols, patio umbrellas, and cabanas on a colorful background
(Image credit: Walmart, Business & Pleasure, Ballard Designs, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn)

From the boho and playful to the structural and contemporary, outdoor umbrellas and backyard shelters are a surefire way to make the most of your open-air space. No matter the size of your patio or lawn, such structures provide a dedicated space for shade and an organic way to divvy up the different areas of your backyard.

They're staples at all of the best outdoor furniture brands, and today, after a bit of shopping and research, we'll go through a few of our favorites on the market right now — focusing primarily, of course, on aesthetics and style (with a hefty dose of customer reviews).

"Backyard tents and shelters are a nice addition to a relaxing space," says Kat Aul Cervoni, landscape designer and founder of Staghorn NYC and The Cultivation by Kat. "They can provide coverage from Sun and sometimes rain, give privacy, help define a special destination, and can help define a style or set a mood."

Find our curated list below — if privacy and shade are what you're after this summer, look no further than this 12-item edit.

Stately Patio Umbrellas

Arched patio umbrellas over outdoor lounge chairs

(Image credit: Getty Images / Tom Windeknecht)

The arched patio umbrella is all about convenience. Its cantilever base prevents it from interrupting furniture groupings, while its freestanding shade keeps everything and everyone below shaded from the sun's rays.

Playful Cabanas

A backyard cabana in white

(Image credit: Business & Pleasure)

Umbrellas aren't your only option for shade — a cabana is a fabulous option for anyone looking for something substantial but inexpensive, and easy to set up. Depending on the look you choose, they can make quite the style statement, as well.

Fabulous Parasols

A backyard parasol

(Image credit: Article)

Though parasols are most closely associated with poolside furniture or a trip to the beach, they're also great for building a shaded seating area in the grass. Use them to transform an unloved corner of your backyard — add a gas grill or outdoor bar set-up and you're good to go.

Functional Pergolas

An aluminium framed pergola

(Image credit: Walmart)

A pergola is more of a permanent structure for your backyard and a perfect solution for entertaining during the summer months. But rather than shelling out thousands for a custom build, a DIY pergola kit is a great affordable option for anyone willing to get their hands a bit dirty on the assembly.


Looking for more al fresco furniture? We've got you covered. Try our edit of stylish outdoor side tables next.

Style Editor

Brigid Kennedy is a Style Editor at Livingetc.com, where she is responsible for obsessively combing the internet for the best and most stylish deals on home decor and more. She was previously a story editor at TheWeek.com, where she covered both U.S. politics and culture. She describes her design style as colorful and clean, and in her free time enjoys reading, watching movies, and curating impossibly niche playlists on Spotify. She lives in New York.

With contributions from