How to Choose the Right Size Market Umbrella for Your Outdoor Space

With summer quickly approaching, there’s no better time than now to invest in outdoor market umbrellas. Although you might recognise the need to get them installed, it’s not always easy to know what size or style is the best fit.

Whether you’re setting up a café terrace, planning an event, or creating a relaxing backyard area, the size of the umbrella has a big impact. Throughout this guide, we’ll provide some insights on which style and materials might suit your space, and how to get the most out of your investment.

Understanding Your Space and How You Will Use It

The first step is to think about the umbrella’s main purpose, meaning whether it's intended for a backyard or a busy restaurant.

In a residential area (like your backyard), flexibility and ease of use are generally the most important aspects. Freestanding or cantilever umbrellas are ideal because you can move them around the garden or the deck as the sun moves. The AG28 Cantilever Umbrella is a great option here because it also rotates and tilts, allowing you to easily adjust for more coverage throughout the day.

In a commercial setting, there’s not only the need for a durable option, but also something that matches the overall style, flow, and weather conditions of the location. For temporary setups (such as market stalls or pop-up events), lightweight but sturdy options often work best. This is because they are easy to move and quick to set up.

In any case, the best way to make an informed decision is to speak with an expert, and the Indoor Outdoor team is more than happy to recommend a suitable option! Get in touch with us today.

Selecting the Right Size

This goes without saying, but each umbrella’s canopy size determines how much shade it will be able to provide. Opting for smaller umbrellas can leave people more exposed to the sun, while umbrellas that are too oversized for their environment tend to take up more space than necessary and make the area feel crowded.

Here are some general sizing guidelines. Please note, these may differ depending on the unique requirements of your space!

For smaller patios or balconies, umbrellas around 2 to 2.5 metres in diameter are usually enough. Medium outdoor dining areas can use canopies between 3 and 3.5 metres, which cover most four- to six-seater tables comfortably. Finally, for large commercial spaces or pool areas, umbrellas between 4 and 5 metres provide generous coverage, and using multiple umbrellas can prevent gaps.

How Many Umbrellas Do You Need?

Once you know the size, quantity is the next thing to finalise, especially if you’re running a business with larger outdoor seating areas. Most businesses invest in multiple umbrellas to divide the space into different seating areas, or in order to offer adequate shade coverage for patrons. As a homeowner, it’s a completely different story as only one or two larger umbrellas are usually more than enough.

Grouping umbrellas also helps create a uniform, cohesive appearance, especially in cafés, pubs, or restaurants. This is where the value of custom printing comes into play! More on that later.

Finding the Right Style

The umbrella’s style affects how it interacts with surrounding furniture, greenery, and any other unique aspects of your space. Every style has its advantages, so choose the one that suits your space and the way people will use it.

Standard market umbrellas have a centre pole, which works well when the base can sit under a table. Cantilever umbrellas, on the flip side, have an off-centre pole, which keeps the area directly under the canopy clear, making them ideal for poolside lounges or flexible seating arrangements.

Telescopic umbrellas are practical because they allow height and tilt adjustments to follow the sun, keeping the shade consistent throughout the day. The Squround Extra-Large Telescopic Range is a good example. It comes in 4 by 4-metre square and 5-metre octagonal designs with locally made, premium acrylic canopies.

Frame and Base Materials

The frame and base are essential for stability, especially with larger umbrellas that are constantly exposed to the elements. Aluminium frames are lightweight, rust-resistant, and cost-effective, making them suitable for homes. Stainless steel frames are ideal for commercial settings because they are stronger and resist corrosion in high-traffic areas. Bamboo frames, like those in the Bambrella range, offer a natural, sustainable option that still handles the weather well.

The umbrella base is just as important as the frame. In fact, a solid base is the foundation of every high-quality market umbrella. Concrete or steel bases are common for fixed umbrellas, while smaller mobile umbrellas can use weighted bases for flexibility. Choosing a base that matches the frame and is rated for your local wind conditions ultimately ensures the umbrella remains both upright and safe.

Canopy Fabric

The canopy fabric plays a big role in protecting people from strong UV rays and rain (though if heavy rain is forecast, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and pack up when viable).

In Australia, UV levels regularly reach high, very high, and extreme (over 10), which is why you’ll need a fabric that’s built to withstand these conditions every day. In this case, solution-dyed acrylic and Spuncrylic are excellent choices. They’re durable, colourfast, weather-resistant, and able to keep their look for years. Polyester, while a little more budget-friendly, may fade faster over time.

At Indoor Outdoor, we supply outdoor umbrellas with a wide range of dyed acrylic fabrics that offer excellent UV protection. Reach out to us to learn more!

Types of Market Umbrellas

Understanding the main umbrella options makes it easier to pick the right one for your space. Here’s a breakdown of popular types and what they’re best suited for.

Commercial Aluminium Umbrellas

Perfect for cafés, restaurants, or outdoor event spaces, these umbrellas are designed for durability and style. Their aluminium frames are both rust-resistant and lightweight, making them easy to set up while still strong enough for high-traffic areas. You can choose from square, rectangular, or octagonal designs to cover a single table or an entire dining area. We supply plain and custom-printed market umbrellas with black powder-coated frames and Spuncrylic canopies.

Our Signature Commercial Aluminium Range - Get a Quote Now!

Cantilever Umbrellas

Want extra shade without a pole in the middle? A cantilever umbrella is a fantastic option! With the off-centre pole, you’ll get uninterrupted space underneath, making it perfect for poolside lounges or flexible dining setups. Some models can even tilt and rotate, following the sun to maintain coverage throughout the day.

Need Cantilever umbrellas in Melbourne or somewhere else across Australia? We’ve got you covered!

Telescopic Umbrellas

Adjustable height and tilt features make telescopic umbrellas highly versatile. They can easily adapt to changing sun angles, and their compact design makes storage simple when not in use. The Squround Extra-Large Telescopic Range, for instance, comes in 4×4-metre square and 5-metre octagonal sizes, with premium locally made solution-dyed acrylic canopies. A simple crank handle opens the umbrella smoothly, giving you excellent coverage for large outdoor areas.

The Squround Extra-Large Telescopic Range

Bambrella Umbrellas

For something natural, stylish, and sustainable, it's hard to go past bamboo-framed umbrellas. Made by Bambrella, these sustainable products are naturally weather-resistant and bring a relaxed, tropical feel to gardens, pool areas, or dining spaces. Their aesthetic works particularly well in residential areas or commercial venues that value sustainability and design. Bambrella umbrellas combine durability with a unique look that stands out without overwhelming the space.

The Bambrella Sircocco - Available now at Indoor Outdoor Imports

Printed vs Plain Market Umbrellas

Deciding between plain and printed umbrellas comes down to your priorities.

Printed market umbrellas are an excellent way to boost brand visibility while providing shade. Logos, colours, or designs can be added with eco-friendly Permaset inks, which are water-based, non-toxic, and long-lasting. This transforms your umbrellas into functional shade and mobile advertising for your café, restaurant, or event.

On the other hand, plain umbrellas offer simplicity and elegance. They blend seamlessly with outdoor décor, are easy to clean, and generally cost less upfront. These are ideal for residential spaces, boutique cafés, or restaurants looking for a minimalist and timeless look while still delivering protection from sun and rain.

Find the Perfect Market Umbrella at Indoor Outdoor Imports

Finding the right market umbrellas for your outdoor space has never been easier. With over 30 years of experience, we offer a wide range of sizes, styles, and colours to suit any setting. From sleek aluminium commercial umbrellas to flexible cantilever models and telescopic, we’ll be there to help you select the perfect option!

What’s more, you can even add your own logo or design using eco-friendly Permaset inks, creating a custom look that lasts in the Australian sun. We ship nationwide and have professional installers ready to help set up your umbrellas safely and efficiently.

Enquire now!