I'm in the process of updating my patio and can't decide if I should go for a dark-colored umbrella like charcoal or navy, or a lighter shade like beige or taupe. My patio gets a lot of sun, and I'm worried about choosing a color that might absorb heat or look dirty quickly. I've heard that darker umbrellas can provide more shade but also soak up heat, while lighter ones might not hold heat as much but could get dirty or fade over time. If you've used either color or both, I'd love to hear how they performed over time regarding heat, cleanliness, and overall appearance! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
When it comes to patio umbrellas, the brand matters more than the color! I picked up a Sunbrella umbrella from Costco, and it withstands the scorching Arizona sun like a champ. It still looks brand new after a whole summer of use.
If you go with a lighter color, it won't absorb as much heat and will hold up better against fading in the sun. Just make sure to treat it with something like NikWax gear for extra UV protection, no matter which color you choose!
At the end of the day, pick what looks good with your patio furniture! Comfort differences between colors are small, and aesthetics will likely matter more for your space. Enjoy the patio vibes!
I think it really comes down to personal preference. Light colors tend to show dirt less than dark ones, so if you live in a dusty or windy area, that might be worth considering. I have a taupe umbrella, and honestly, I can’t tell how dirty it really is, so that works for me! Plus, it was on sale, which sealed the deal.
I have a navy umbrella, and it did great last summer on my patio that gets a lot of afternoon sun. I’m not expecting it to last more than two summers because of weather and bugs, but I just pick whatever color or style I fancy at the moment. Embrace the impermanence of umbrella life!
Totally a valid way to look at umbrellas! Just don't forget that darker colors do absorb more heat, so if that's a concern, maybe reconsider.