The Best Backyard Umbrella Serves A Dual Purpose (& Will Make Your Space Glow)

If you're the owner of an outdoor umbrella, you know it's a lifesaver for a sunny outdoor meal. For a shift once the sun sets, sitting around a table with a closed umbrella isn't ideal for chatting with people seated across from you. To make the best of the situation, you probably have a collection of light sources to brighten the space while keeping the umbrella up. Tabletop lanterns, candles, and even lights hung from the umbrella's underside all help make our outdoor tables useful once the stars come out. Instead, why not save the trouble of hanging lights or spreading them out over the table with an outdoor parasol?

Blow out those potentially dangerous candles, and stop stringing up awkward cords with plugs or battery packs. Outdoor parasols with built-in LEDs are a clever way to brighten up your deck. Solar-charging LED lights along the umbrella's ribs are an effortless way to transition your gathering from evening to night. Available at a surprisingly wide range of prices, a solar-lit LED umbrella can turn your backyard into an oasis, both day and night.

Once you've picked the right patio umbrella size and shape for your space, seek out the best option with incorporated lighting that works for you. We looked at products with the best reviews in a variety of price ranges to give you a feel of what's available. There are budget-friendly yet highly-rated products from Amazon, like the Sunnyglade 9-foot outdoor solar LED lighted patio umbrella for $70 that sports lighting strips along each umbrella rib, and one from Homshade with the same dimensions but with separate bulbs along the ribs for $60. These cost-saving products may be best for more sheltered yards since some reviewers mention them not holding up well in the wind, and the lighting may not be as reliable as higher-quality patio umbrellas.

If you're ready to invest in a top-of-the-line umbrella that's meant to stand the test of time, there are plenty of possibilities. However, if you want to save some search time, Midtown Umbrellas' LED Swilt has racked up glowing reviews and recommendations. Coming in at a regular price of $530 for a 9-foot model, the price may have you reaching for the smelling salts. However, the Swilt has earned an overwhelming amount of five-star reviews that praise it for great quality light and even mention its ability to withstand wind. Investing in this high-quality umbrella will likely keep you from needing to replace it after only a season or two.