Garden Parasol Ideas for an Elegant and Comfortable Garden
If you want to be able to spend the whole day in your garden or on your patio, whatever the weather, a James Robertshaw parasol could be just the thing. From cantilever parasols like the DaCapo through to free-standing parasols such as the MEZZO, every garden parasol is made with meticulous attention to detail providing elegant shading, timeless style and reliable protection. In this guide, we explain the key features, show some of the creative ways they can be used and offer expert advice on choosing the right garden parasol for your outdoor space.
The MEZZO Parasol
James Robertshaw’s MEZZO parasol combines elegant lines with British engineering reliability. Its simple and uncluttered design complements both contemporary and traditional gardens and has been designed to withstand the British weather. Let’s look at what makes this bespoke solution so special.
✔ Superior Stability – The MEZZO features a unique fixation system that keeps the canopy securely in place even in windy British afternoons. This outdoor umbrella will stand up every day to the strong winds we see here in the UK.
✔ Premium Protection – Made from sunfast materials, the MEZZO’s canopy safeguards you, your furniture, and your patio from the damaging effects of UV radiation. It’s also water-repellent, offering you additional protection from light rain showers when the weather forecast turns unexpectedly wet. It’s the perfect parasol for spring showers or summer sunshine.
✔ Bespoke Design – Every outdoor space is unique, which is why the MEZZO is available in round, oval and even square shapes. If you have limited patio space, a compact shape will fit into smaller space, perfect for cosier areas. Larger gardens will benefit from a larger canopy, creating a stunning feature piece.
✔ Effortless Control – What’s less convenient than wrestling with a fiddly umbrella mechanism? The MEZZO’s intuitive design makes opening and closing surprisingly easy. Clever engineering means you can spend more time on your patio and less time adjusting your parasol.
The DaCapo Parasol
Want to position your shade exactly where you want it? Without having to move your furniture? The DaCapo cantilever parasol is an excellent choice. Its offset arm keeps the pole entirely out of the seating area, creating an unobstructed, welcoming space beneath.
✔ Precise Control – DaCapo’s design features a smooth crank for easy, precise positioning. As the sun moves or clouds appear, you can adjust the canopy to the ideal angle for a perfect balance of shade and fresh air throughout the day.
✔ Tailored Solutions – Like the MEZZO, the DaCapo comes in four shapes: round, rectangular, square and oval. This means you can choose the shape that best fits in with your garden, patio or outdoor furniture, whether for a cosy seating area or a large open lawn.
✔ British Weather-Resistant – There’s nothing quite like a parasol that fails to hold up to the elements ruining an outdoor sojourn. The DaCapo’s sturdy base and powder-coated frame ensures a long lifespan, even when the wind picks up around your garden’s perimeter.
✔ Enhanced Experience Parasol Accessories – LED lights can be integrated into the DaCapo canopy for evening ambiance. You can also add a heating element, so you can enjoy the outdoors even when the weather cools. These optional accessories allow you to host twilight parties or simply enjoy the sunset in comfort.
What You Need in a Quality Parasol
Not all garden umbrellas perform equally well. If protection really matters, it’s worth paying for quality engineering and materials. Here are three things to look out for:
Sturdy Parasol Base
✔ Foundation of Stability – A parasol base is the key component of any free-standing parasol. Whether you choose to have it set in concrete, filled with sand or portable, it must weigh enough to keep the parasol stable in the wind. James Robertshaw bases are designed specifically to work with the parasol and ensure perfect balance in your garden.
✘ Inadequate Support – Lightweight bases that shift or slide in the slightest of breezes.
Durable Parasol Arm
✔ Engineered Longevity – Your parasol arm must be substantial enough to support the weight of its canopy safely. James Robertshaw uses robust frames – usually powder-coated for extra durability – so you don’t have to worry about corrosion or rust when the weather turns wet or cold. A robustly-built parasol arm will keep your parasol stable and secure, so you won’t need to keep pushing it back into position.
✘ Cheap Materials – Arms that bend, warp or rust after just a few months of British weather.
High-Performance Fabric
✔ Robust Protection – The fabric of your canopy is the first line of defence against the weather. James Robertshaw’s premium fabrics are designed to resist fading & wear, providing excellent UV protection and light rain resistance. All our fabric is available in a wide range of colours, enabling you to match your outdoor furniture and other garden features – or create a beautiful contrast.
✘ Budget Coverings – Thin fabrics that quickly fade, tear or allow UV penetration.
Benefits of Owning a James Robertshaw Parasol
A quality garden parasol delivers far more than simple shade. It transforms how you experience your outdoor living spaces, offering comprehensive weather protection, aesthetic enhancement and practical advantages.
✔ Year-Round Enjoyment – A James Robertshaw parasol is engineered specifically for the UK’s unique weather patterns. When the sun is shining, the canopy keeps UV rays off your skin. If clouds move in, the waterproof fabric keeps you and your patio furniture dry. This means fewer trips in and out of the house when the weather changes.
✔ Design Statement – A premium parasol makes a stylish focal point that enhances your entire patio design. You can choose from a range of shapes and colours to create a subtle complement or bold statement – either option offers a seamless fit in your outdoor design scheme.
✔ Ease of Use – With cantilever parasols like DaCapo, you don’t need to position a pole through the middle of your table. Simply move the canopy above an L-shaped sofa, bistro set, or poolside loungers. With flexible coverage, you can easily rearrange your seating for different occasions without losing sun protection.
✔ Preserve Your Investment – You enjoy your garden furniture! A good parasol will protect cushions, frames and covers from the sun and unnecessary wear and tear. Even on the hottest day, the shade will keep the seating cooler and everyone can relax in comfort.
✔ Low Maintenance – James Robertshaw parasols are built to last, with little maintenance needed. A quick wash with mild soap and water is usually all that will keep the canopy looking new. In windy or rainy conditions, closing your parasol will protect its structure and you’ll be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Unconventional Uses for Your Parasol
A garden parasol is more than just a weather shield. It can elevate your outdoor lifestyle. Here are some ideas.
Dining Al Fresco
Set up an elegant dining area in your garden by placing your parasol over a patio table. With a reliable overhead canopy, you can sip your morning coffee in the sun without worrying about a light drizzle coming in. And with the right lighting or heating, you’ll be able to enjoy long, leisurely dinners on chilly evenings, no matter the season.
Cozy Lounge
To create a peaceful retreat, position comfortable seating under your parasol. The balance of shade and fresh air turns your patio into a serene space—perfect for reading, relaxing, or taking in the views of your garden.
Kid-Friendly Play Zone
A smaller parasol can be positioned near children's play areas, such as sandpits or paddling pools, to provide vital UV protection while they play. It will also protect play equipment from unexpected rain showers, allowing them to continue playing outside even if the weather changes.
Poolside Comfort
If you’re lucky enough to have a hot tub or swimming pool, a parasol can make the poolside experience more enjoyable. You can relax, read, or socialise in comfort, while protected from direct sunlight or light rain.
A Peaceful Reading Spot
Just add one chair under your parasol, and perhaps some comfortable cushions, and you'll be able to sit and read in peace. The shade removes the glare from your reading material (or tablet), and the canopy above you makes you feel sheltered from the rest of the activity in your garden.
FAQs
Are James Robertshaw Parasols Waterproof Enough for UK Rain?
James Robertshaw utilises premium-quality, water-repellent fabrics that handle typical British showers with remarkable efficiency. While they may not be a permanent shelter structure, they are more than able to keep you and your furniture dry in light to moderate rain, giving you so much more time to enjoy the outdoors.
Which Parasol Size Is Right for My Patio?
If you have a table or seating arrangement, position your parasol with the canopy at least half a metre beyond the edges. For wider spaces, we suggest at least an extra metre of canopy to ensure you get the most out of your shade. If you have an unusual shape or space, James Robertshaw can create a bespoke parasol that’s tailored to your unique outdoor space.
What's the Difference Between a Cantilever Parasol and a Center-Pole Umbrella?
A cantilever parasol, such as DaCapo, has an offset pole that leaves clear space under the seating area. A center-pole parasol positions the pole in the middle. Both will provide shade, but cantilever parasols offer more flexibility for furniture and open-space layouts.
Do Parasols Really Protect Outdoor Furniture from Fading?
They do. The parasol canopy protects against the UV radiation that would otherwise cause bleaching to fabrics and degradation of wood or plastic components. By placing your sofas, cushions or dining sets under the parasol canopy, you will notice a reduction in colour fade and general ageing, extending the life and appearance of your investment.
Do I Need to Take My Parasol Down During Bad Weather?
You should close your parasol when bad weather is forecast. Even the strongest parasol can be damaged by high winds or heavy rain. It is best to close or store your parasol when bad weather is forecast, to ensure it has the longest possible lifespan and operates efficiently for many years to come.
How Do I Keep My Parasol Clean and Looking New?
Regularly wash the canopy with mild soap and water to remove any surface dirt or stains. Make sure it is completely dry before folding it away to prevent mildew from forming. Apply a light lubricant to moving parts to keep them running smoothly, and use a protective cover to keep your parasol looking its best when it is not in use.
Top Tips for Using Your Parasol All Year Round
- Consider the Wind Rating: If you live in an area that gets a lot of wind, it’s worth choosing parasols with a good wind rating.
- Select the right base: If your parasol is exposed to a lot of wind, a heavy base is a good idea. Alternatively, if you like to change the layout of your garden frequently, a portable base can be a convenient option.
- Add some soft lighting: Integrated LED lighting can be a great way to create a warm ambiance in the evenings. This means you can enjoy your parasol long after the sun has gone down.
- Play Around with Placement: Place your parasol against a wall or as a feature piece to create a focal point for different seating arrangements.
- Add Thoughtful Accessories: Add extra cushions, throws, or a compact heater to make your standard patio a comfortable retreat during the chillier months.
- Store Correctly: Cover your parasol or move it into storage during the winter or during harsh weather conditions to extend the product’s lifespan and maintain its appearance.
Invest in Lasting Comfort and Style
A garden parasol is more than just a piece of fabric and a stick. It’s an investment in the way you enjoy your outdoor space. When you choose a James Robertshaw parasol, such as the MEZZO or DaCapo, you can rest assured that you’re getting competent sun protection, effective rain shelter and a stylish structure that looks great on your patio or garden. Strong bases and high performing fabrics can withstand the British weather, allowing you to spend more time outside and enjoy your garden in comfort.
A premium-quality parasol will extend the life of your garden furniture, enhance your outdoor space, and make entertaining or relaxing in the fresh air easier than ever. With the addition of built-in lights or heaters, you won’t need to leave the garden when the sun goes down or the first raindrops start to fall. Instead, you’ll have a comfortable outdoor space - ideal for a sunny brunch, a cooling afternoon chat, or a relaxing evening under the stars.
Not exactly what you're looking for? Check out these other products for your garden:
- Install a large garden canopy for even more coverage. You can create a beautiful outdoor room around fixed features, such as a seating area or a hot tub.
- Upgrade to an even more elegant and permanent structure with a garden pergola. Whether you want an outdoor room or an upgraded spa area, a new pergola can transform your garden space.
- Run a pub or restaurant? We have great pub umbrellas and dining parasols. These can add over 10m2 of outdoor space for even more business. We offer full design and branding services to really make your venue stand out.
All of our products are bespoke. If you've got an idea, dream, or just the first glimmer of inspiration, talk to our team of experts. We can help you bring it to life.
