What Shape Outdoor Umbrella Should I Choose?

Heavy-duty outdoor umbrellas shield your guests from the harsh sun or surprise rain showers and also give you a chance to add a pop of colour to your outdoor space. You can use them to spend your day in the sun under the umbrella and tilt and rotate them as the hot sun moves across the sky. To get the best out of your outdoor umbrellas choosing the right canopy size and shape are two important considerations. 

This article will share insights and tips on selecting your umbrella shape according to your outdoor seating arrangement and explore the pros and cons of popular umbrella shapes.

Things to consider when choosing the shape of an outdoor umbrella

The shape of your patio table or area you want to cover will help determine the outdoor umbrella shape that would work best for you. Your umbrella's canopy shape should match the shape of your table for a cohesive look. For example, use round (or octagonal) patio umbrellas for round tables and square umbrellas for square tables.

Outdoor design experts in Australia also recommend allowing approx. 2ft. (60cm) clearance on all sides for a perfect shading solution. This means a 3m octagonal café umbrella would work best for a 1.8m to 2m (diameter) round table. Other aspects that you should take into consideration when choosing the shape of your outdoor umbrellas include the physical constraints of your outdoor area and, of course, your style preference.

Note: Based on the shape of the umbrella, outdoor umbrellas are measured differently. For example, an octagonal umbrella is measured across its diameter, while a square umbrella is measured across its width.

Octagonal vs. Square: which patio umbrella shape is better?

“Is an octagonal umbrella better than a square umbrella?” is a common question. These are the two most common shapes for outdoor umbrellas in Australia. Let’s try to answer it and understand which umbrella shape to choose according to your outdoor seating.

Octagonal (or often Round)

Setting up shade for a round dining table or pair of matching chaise lounges by the pool? An outdoor octagonal umbrella is what you need. It is the most common, and the most popular, umbrella shape. An octagonal canopy, with its eight symmetrical ribs, is essentially round.

The classic octagonal shape of patio umbrellas is ideal for covering symmetrical conversation areas or providing shade on a pool deck. The rounded canopies complement traditional design styles to create a welcoming feel around your outdoor seating area. If your outdoor décor consists of bar tables, hot tubs, fire pits, circular sofas or groupings of chaise lounges, then octagonal heavy-duty umbrellas will add the perfect finishing touch.

Square

Square umbrella canopies are another obvious choice for symmetrical spaces such as square dining tables, bistro tables, and seating islands around a coffee table. The square shape is stunningly architectural and exudes a sense of visual balance, making your deck or patio area ideal for entertaining. Visually sleek and modern, the square-shaped café umbrellas make a bold statement and tend to enhance contemporary decor styles. 

But style is not the only benefit you get. Square-shaped large outdoor umbrellas with long straight edges fill out corners that rounded or octagonal umbrellas obviously can’t. They provide maximum shade coverage that helps to keep your customers cool and relaxed. Make sure the canopy of your square-shaped café umbrella extends past the edges of your table to ensure your guests are shaded while dining outside.

A square umbrella perfectly complements geometrical porches for a streamlined appearance throughout. Pair a square dining table with a square umbrella for patio perfection!

Octagonal vs Square: a quick comparison

In terms of shade coverage, square umbrellas are an instant hit. Let's consider two umbrellas of essentially the same size – a 3m octagonal umbrella and a 3m x 3m square umbrella. The former will cover a shaded area of 6.4m2 while the latter provides shade over a 9m2 area.

It is always better to close outdoor umbrellas when not in use. Regardless of how heavy-duty they might be, unpredictable and violent wind could damage them gradually. Sometimes, the length of corner arms in a square umbrella makes them a bit problematic to close, especially if it is a centre pole umbrella installed through a patio table. Your square umbrella must close at least 75cm above the ground so that it does not keep hitting the table. If the umbrella arms go any closer to the ground, either they will constantly hit the table when it gets windy or you will need to physically remove the umbrella from the table in order to close it. No umbrella owner wants to do it every time it gets windy outside. In such situations, the best umbrella shape for you is octagonal as opposed to square.

Rectangular (less popular but highly versatile!)

If you are looking to cover a large patio space or seating area with a dining table and chairs, you may want a large rectangular umbrella. Although less common than octagonal or square umbrella canopies, rectangular canopies are perfect for shading large areas.

Rectangular umbrellas perfectly complement asymmetrical furniture arrangements such as long rectangular or oval dining tables and extended sectional sofas, or long modular sets. A cantilever-style large outdoor umbrella allows 360-degree rotation to conveniently shade your outdoor dining space without having the centre pole obstruct the view across the table.

Before choosing a specific style, size and shape for your heavy duty outdoor umbrellas, you can always look at various options available in the market and choose accordingly. You can also choose to custom print your outdoor umbrellas with your business logo or name in vibrant colours to help you stand out from your competition in front of your potential customers. 

Conclusion

There is an umbrella shape for every outdoor space! You just have to be vigilant about your space limitations, the area you want to cover, and what style you prefer to be able to choose an umbrella shape that will work best for your outdoor area.