3 Outdoor Design Styles Featuring Patio Umbrellas

A patio umbrella instantly creates a vacation vibe, transforming your outdoor space into a true retreat. Today we explore three different design styles that can be strategically created with a patio umbrella. Do you prefer the sleek and the modern? Perhaps you’re craving a nautical look for your patio. Or maybe you want to make a retro statement! The spaces below all feature patio umbrellas that you can purchase if you’re in a shopping mood. Or simply browse for a hefty dose of summer flair. Enjoy…

Sleek and Modern

If you prefer modern design, today’s first featured style is for you! Think sleek, clean-lined and serene. Frontgate’s Altura Cantilever Umbrella is shown below, creating just the right blend of crisp and refreshing.

CB2’s Eclipse Grey Umbrella with Base is as functional as it is stylish. Grey powdercoated aluminum and spun polyester in grey give this piece a contemporary look. Throw is some patio furniture and a few tropical plants (less is more here), and you’re set:

For a modern look, remember to use outdoor dining furniture to your advantage by choosing clean-lined pieces. Bonus points if they can accommodate an umbrella in a soothing shade such as blue. Below we see the Easy Shade Outdoor Umbrella by Frontgate:

A modern vibe can also mix with other design styles in your outdoor space, as shown by this Mediterranean patio that lets the blue of the water take center stage. [image via Lonny]

Modern furnishings with earthy textures beautifully complement outdoor spaces with classic features or global motifs. Note how the simplicity of the dining setup below seamlessly blends with the ample greenery. [photo via Patrick Cline/Lonny]

Minimal Nautical

Minimal nautical style is undeniably beachy yet distinctly uncluttered. Reds, blues and stripes often make an appearance. As with the modern outdoor style featured above, less is more. Below we see a minimal nautical image featuring Frontgate’s Poolside Cantilver Umbrella:

The Cabana Outdoor Umbrella from Anthropologie has plenty of nautical style. Pair it with earthy, modern pieces for an eclectic look stresses chill vibes rather than abundance:

Once again CB2 has combined summer style with modern flair in the Eclipse Black and White Stripe Umbrella with Base. Its contemporary look begs for an uncluttered space, introducing just the right amount of nautical style:

This Rectangular Sunbrella Cabana Stripe Navy Patio Umbrella with Black Frame from Crate & Barrel has the power to be the centerpiece of your patio, especially if you give it some space to shine. Note that this umbrella features Sunbrella acrylic that blocks out 98% of the sun’s UV rays.

Retro Tropical

For a cheeky dose of fun, bring a retro tropical vibe to your patio! By choosing an umbrella that features a colorful vintage or classic pattern (such as stripes), you can get the job done. Breezy is the name of the game! Below we see an assortment of Frontgate’s Round Outdoor Market Umbrellas:

Tassels add charm to this Carousel Umbrella from Frontgate. Note the houndstooth pattern on the patio seating, as well as the vibrant use of blue:

This Cabana Outdoor Umbrella from Anthropologie is another gem that features Sunbrella fabric. The drape style of the umbrella and the use of stripes, red and blue can’t help but channel a retro vibe:

Another Anthropologie find, the Indoor/Outdoor Poolside Lounge Chair (shown below) pays homage to the glamour of 1950s Miami. Pair it with a striped umbrella, tropical plants and retro-style fabric for the ultimate in vintage vibes:

Anyone else loving Anthropologie’s product photography this season?! If you like the fringe on the umbrella in the photo above, check out this Celeyan Umbrella with its shades of blue, festive dots and leafy designs:

You can even go modern with your umbrella and create a retro look using other fun features, such as flamingo pool floats. Anyone up for a swim? Let’s take another look at Frontgate’s Poolside Cantilever Umbrella: