10 Patio Umbrellas That Will Keep You Cool On Summer's Hottest Days

Sunny days are some of the best parts of the summer season. However, on the hottest days, a little shade is needed to make hanging outdoors cooler and more comfortable. One of the most popular ways to get a break from the heat is by investing in a patio umbrella. These give you shelter to sit, dine, and escape the UV rays. It may even allow you to use your patio more often and can add to the vibe of your outdoor decor.

But, with the huge number of choices out there, how do you find the right one for your needs? Everything from the layout of your outdoor space to the direction your house faces can dictate the best choice. And, once you've narrowed down your must-have patio umbrella features, there's the decision of what color to purchase. These 10 options each have their own unique characteristics that make them ideal candidates for certain situations. Once you've found the perfect one for your space, don't forget to read up on how to take care of your new patio umbrella.

Sometimes your outdoor table simply isn't designed with a hole for an umbrella pole. Or, maybe you want to create a shaded garden nook with lounge furniture. An offset umbrella tucks a sturdy base out of the way while still providing you with a flexible shading option. The 11-foot Furio option from Wayfair provides lots of cover with an adjustable height and tilt. That way, you can move it to block the sun at various times of the day.

When it comes to maximizing the use of your patio, lighting is key. With an illuminated umbrella, like this one from Lowe's, the lighting is integrated right into the shade structure. It's also solar powered, making it low maintenance, easy to set up, and eco-friendly. At 15 feet, it can shade a long dining table or cluster of lounge furniture, before lighting up the area for the evening hours. The retailer carries the umbrella in six hues, from neutral to vivid, so you can select the perfect one for your patio's color scheme.

If you're looking to shade a small patio, balcony, or cozy courtyard, your standard outdoor umbrella likely won't be the right size or shape. This half round umbrella from Target has a compact shade structure, making it perfect to pop up in these tight spots. You can also purchase a half circle-shaped base so it can slide right up against your home's exterior and out of the way. The petite umbrella comes in deep hues of brown, red, and green for a subtle, sophisticated look.

This patterned umbrella from World Market is both functional and stylish. It provides 6 ½ feet of shade and tilts so you can adjust it throughout the day. However, it also has a unique style that will inject a fun vibe to your patio. The lively polka dot pattern is available in black and two shades of blue, so you can choose the best to play off your other outdoor textiles. And, it has a fringe border that ups the whimsy and creates a bit of texture and movement.

Maybe you have a large yard, and you need mobile shade options. Or, perhaps you just prefer to be able to pop up some shade wherever you go. The portable umbrella from Amazon is freestanding, so it can travel nearly anywhere. The height can be adjusted up to 8 feet tall and the tripod base is simple to set up, so you can easily move it around your outdoor space. It also has integrated cup holders and hooks meaning it can serve multiple uses from holding drinks to hanging towels to dry.

For those that live in consistently windy areas, putting up an umbrella can seem like a no-go. However, a pagoda umbrella, like this one from Wayfair, can let the wind pass through and encourage air flow while still providing ample shade. The layered structure is both functional and stylish, giving your outdoor space a unique look. You can go neutral with the tan hue or add a bit of color with red or a bright green options.

If you're looking to create a poolside oasis or simply want to feel like you're on vacation while sitting on the patio, add a thatched umbrella to your outdoor space. This option from Target is layered with fabric and lush thatch to provide ample shade. The steel frame is integrated to keep with the natural look while giving it a sturdy, tiltable structure. While it may not be the most durable option, it's a great way to create an atmosphere for parties or provide you with beach-inspired days on the patio.

If you have an expansive outdoor seating or dining area, you can still reap the benefits of a patio umbrella. You don't even have to buy multiple ones to cover your space. The double-sided patio umbrella from Bed, Bath, & Beyond offers 15 by 9 feet of coverage. This allows you to shade a large sectional sofa, row of poolside loungers, or long dining table. If you want a version that goes from day-to-night, the retailer also offers another 15-foot umbrella with integrated LED lightning.

Anyone with an outdoor space that faces westward knows just how intense the setting sun can be. When trying to shade these areas, adjustability is key. This cantilever umbrella from Purple Leaf features a 10-foot-wide square surface that can be adjusted to five different angles to block the sun as it moves across the sky. It's also designed to rotate a full 360 degrees, so you can move it to shade the area of your patio that needs it most. As an added bonus, multiple reviewers praise the company's great customer service.

If you want to block the sun with the touch of a button, a smart patio umbrella can be a convenient option. This high-tech option from Target features a remote so you can easily put the umbrella up and down as well as turn on the light. There's even a wind sensor on top so the shade can automatically close if it detects strong gusts that could damage it. It's also solar powered, but if there aren't enough rays to recharge it, you can do so via the built-in USB port.