Market Umbrellas

Curran's selection of premium patio umbrellas all provide instant relief and refreshment on a sweltering summer day. While wicker loungers by the pool or a rustic teak dining table might take center stage in your outdoor living area, modern shade solutions are designed to unfurl quietly and elegantly, year after year, providing adjustable all-day shade and protection from rain and wind.

While an outdoor umbrella is an essential purchase for any area that experiences prolonged sun exposure, choosing the right one requires the careful consideration of a variety of factors. For a complete resource on all of the considerations that go into purchasing the perfect patio umbrella, consult our Patio Umbrella Buying Guide. The following summary will introduce you to the main topics to consider and familiarize you with some basic facts surrounding premium patio umbrellas.

What is a market umbrella?

Market/Center-Pole Umbrellas: 

The traditional market umbrella, also known as a center-pole umbrella due to its centrally located pole, resembles a larger ground-mounted version of the time-honored handheld umbrella. The pole, historically made of wood and also known as the mast, is located directly beneath the canopy dome. Barlow Tyrie's Napoli Parasol is about as classic of an example of this style as you can get, with a gorgeous eucalyptus wood telescopic pole and an ivory Sunbrella fabric canopy.

While the basic structure of a market umbrella is straightforward, our collections include models with a number of special features. Some customizations include vented awnings for improved airflow, a tilted axis to protect against the sun as it shifts, additional struts for bolstered wind protection, and more. 

Market umbrellas also have a variety of bases and lift mechanisms to meet your desired performance, whether it is an umbrella that can be wheeled around the deck or planted firmly in the ground. Additional accessories like reducer rings may also be required for a secure fit in dining tables.

Market umbrella canopies come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from 6 to 16 feet wide. Resorts and restaurants favor giant market umbrellas, with canopies 13 feet and larger supported by heavy bases or fixed mounts. On the other hand, most market umbrellas for residential customers are relatively lightweight, weighing less than 100 pounds with a base.

A market umbrella, even if it is secured within the umbrella hole of an outdoor dining table, does require you to arrange your patio furniture relative to the central pole and base of the umbrella.

Canopy Size: Before making any outdoor purchases, we recommend drafting a detailed floor plan of your space, complete with furniture dimensions and layout. Knowing what you need shaded and the direction of sun exposure will keep you blanketed in shade and enjoying your outdoor oasis. 

As a general rule, market umbrellas with a canopy diameter under 10 feet are ideal for a smaller dining set or a pair of casual chairs.

Canopy Shape: 

Round & octagonal canopies are ideal for compact circular spaces such as hot tubs, circular sofas, dining tables, fire pits, bar tables, and groupings of poolside chaise lounges. Octagonal umbrellas with a valance, like the Catalina Patio Umbrella, also foster a sense of intimacy and privacy. 

Square canopies are bulkier but provide maximum shade coverage for symmetrical set-ups such as bistro tables, square dining tables, and lounge seating islands anchored around a coffee table.

Rectangular canopies are less common, but are ideal for asymmetrical furniture layouts such as long rectangular or oval tables and extended sectional sofas.

Patio Umbrella Bases and Mounting Systems:

For patio umbrella purchases, the base is typically not included. Consult our complete Patio Umbrellas Buying Guide for details on how to select the proper free-standing base or in-ground/surface-mounted system.