Best Patio Umbrella for Small Townhomes and Balconies
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Living in a townhouse with a small rooftop patio means every square foot counts. Without a backyard, creating a cozy, shaded outdoor retreat can be challenging. We have almost no shade on our roof, and we are up there all spring and summer, so I had to get creative with out small "backyard." I considered pergolas, full umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas, and even garden walls, but none of them provided me with the versatility and portability that I wanted.
After some digging online, I found the perfect solution: half umbrellas. Did you even know that these were a thing?! I sure didn't. It's absolutely genius: you get an outdoor patio umbrella that you can move around that takes up literally half the space.
Why a Half Umbrella Is My Top Pick for Small Outdoor Living Spaces
Traditional full size umbrellas often require ample space, making them less suitable for compact areas. A half umbrella offers a smart solution:
Space-Saving Design: Flat on one side, it fits flush against walls or railings, maximizing usable space.
Versatility: Ideal for balconies, small patios, decks, and rooftop terraces.
Ease of Use: Lightweight and easy to move, set up, or store away when not in use.
For townhouse dwellers or apartment residents, a half outdoor umbrella is a practical and stylish alternative to a large patio umbrella.
The Best Patio Umbrella: Features & Benefits
Elegant Design
Scalloped Fringe Edges: Adds a touch of vintage charm, enhancing the aesthetic of any outdoor space.
Variety of Colors and Styles: The soft, neutral tones complement various decor styles, especially modern organic themes. We purchased the white/cream to go with our outdoor decor and patio table, but I also love the striped version if you want to make more of a statement.
Functional Features of our 9-Foot Outdoor Market Umbrella (tilt, crank, UV, and durability)
Crank Lift Mechanism: Allows for easy opening and closing. We live in a windy area, so ease of opening and closing it on a windy day was important to us.
Push Button Tilt: Adjusts the canopy angle to provide optimal shade throughout the day. This feature was key for us, as we often spend entire days on our patio, so we need the shade to move with us.
UV Protection: The canopy fabric offers UPF 50 protection, shielding you from harmful sun rays.
Durable Construction: Aluminum pole and ribs ensure stability and longevity.
The Best Umbrella for Small Spaces
Dimensions: 9 ft. wide canopy provides ample shade without overwhelming the area.
Half-Round Shape: Designed to sit flush against walls, making it ideal for narrow spaces like balconies and small patios.
Our Rooftop Patio Transformation
Living in a townhouse without a backyard, our rooftop patio is our primary outdoor space. Decorated in a modern organic style with natural textures and neutral tones, we sought a market umbrella that would blend seamlessly with our aesthetic.
I dug through many umbrellas, and the Arlmont & Co. Tasheba Half Umbrella is my pick for the best outdoor patio umbrella because it has all the best features:
Maximizes Space: Its half-round design fits perfectly against our wall, leaving more room for seating and plants.
Stylish Addition: The cream/white color and scalloped fringe add elegance without overpowering the space. Not surprisingly, style was really important to me and I wanted something that was more stylish than your standard patio umbrella and base.
Functional Comfort: Provides ample shade during sunny days, making our rooftop a comfortable retreat. It takes literally seconds to open the umbrella and it's easy to use.
A Note About the Umbrella Base
If your umbrella is going up against a wall, consider a half umbrella base to save even more space. This allows it to sit snug up against wherever you put it and as a bonus, it costs less compared to large patio umbrella bases.
If you love outdoor living as much as we do, I hope this post proves that you don't need a a large patio to create a backyard oasis. Work with what you have, and don't forget your sunscreen!
More Wayfair Finds
As always, I didn't stop there. I found a wood patio dining set, outdoor furniture, a large umbrella and weighted base (if you've got more space), a dining table, and more budget picks from Wayfair that will help you decorate on a budget.
Still want more? Take a full tour of our tiny but mighty patio, check out our new dog stairs that aren’t ugly, and the exact items I use to decorate on a budget.
You can also sign up for my newsletter and follow me on LTK to find it when I do.
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FAQs About Small Patio Umbrellas
1. What is a half outdoor patio umbrella?
A half patio umbrella features a flat side, allowing it to sit flush against a wall or railing. This design is ideal for small spaces where a full-sized umbrella would be impractical. My umbrella is 9 feet in diameter, which means it's quite literally half of a standard polyester umbrella.
2. Can I use a half umbrella on a balcony?
Absolutely. Half umbrellas are perfect for balconies, especially those with limited space. Their design ensures they don't protrude excessively, making them suitable for apartment living. Pro tip: if you want yours to last, look for sunbrella fabric.
3. Does the Arlmont & Co. Tasheba Half Umbrella come with a base?
The umbrella does not include a base. It's recommended to purchase a compatible half umbrella base to ensure stability and safety. We chose a solid concrete base, but you can also get ones where you fill the base with sand or water.
4. How do I maintain the umbrella's appearance?
To keep the umbrella looking its best:
Clean the fabric regularly with mild soap and water.
Close and store the umbrella if it's windy or rainy and when you don't plan to use it
Use a protective cover when not in use to prevent fading and wear.
