What shape of parasol should I choose?
Stay cool this summer with a garden parasol. Garden parasols are a great addition to your garden or outdoor space , creating shade and privacy for your seating area or patio.
Garden parasols can be used to provide sun protection, privacy from neighbors, and shelter a dining area. They are available in many sturdy and weather-resistant materials.
Choosing the right model is crucial to meeting all your expectations. Each shape has advantages and disadvantages, and several factors can influence your choice of parasol.
But how do you choose the right parasol? Belveo offers advice to help you find the perfect parasol for your needs, tastes, and budget. Parasols come in various sizes and materials. We explain all of this in detail in this article!
The different forms and their characteristics
Parasols of all types have become much more modern and can now be customized, from the base to the canopy, according to your preferences. There are currently three main types of canopy fabric:
The square canvas parasol
The square parasol is suitable for all spaces, offering ample protection from ultraviolet rays and the sun's heat over a large area. It is also available in various models, providing a wide selection to suit all types of people.
It's easily recognizable by its square canopy. It provides perfect coverage for outdoor furniture . A square parasol is therefore the ideal solution for your patio or garden lounge area that requires a square or rectangular shade.
It can cover very large areas with a potentially significant shaded surface. It can be easily placed along a wall or on a long, narrow terrace . A square parasol is therefore the ideal tool for multiple uses and adapts very well.
To determine the canvas area , simply multiply the length by the width, resulting in a square meter. This calculation will help you determine the dimensions needed to meet your specific requirements.
Belveo offers cantilever parasols with square canopies such as the Mistral 3x3m or straight parasols with a square canopy like the Aura 3x3 .
The round parasol
With its traditional shape , the round parasol can adapt to all types of spaces. It is perfectly suited to round tables and areas.
This type of parasol is ideally suited to small spaces or as additional shade in areas with unconventional sizes. A circular parasol can also be very useful for creating separate, independent spaces in any type of area.
To find out the area covered by a round parasol , simply multiply the length of one rib squared (the bars stretching the canopy from the center to the end) by 3.14. For example, for a parasol with a rib of 1.5m, the calculation is as follows: (1.5x1.5)x3.14. This gives an area of 7.06m2.
Round parasols are primarily sold as straight parasols and rarely as tilting models. However, for maximum protection, there is a solution: choosing a cantilevered, tilting round parasol. This allows for easy removal and provides a larger shaded area.
The rectangular parasol
The rectangular parasol is ideal for tight spaces near a wall. It's perfect for balconies, courtyards, or sidewalks , for example . This option is therefore the most popular because it offers excellent shade for small areas and limited relaxation spaces.
It is available in straight, tilting, and cantilever shapes, making it ideal for a relaxing day with maximum sun protection. This type of parasol is very similar to a square parasol but is suitable for long spaces or long tables .
Belveo offers rectangular cantilever parasols such as the Mistral or rectangular straight parasols like the Aura .
Factors influencing the choice of form
Wind conditions
It's important to know that all Belveo parasols feature our innovative, patented wind-resistant technology. Regardless of the parasol model, it will always be able to withstand strong gusts of wind.
During real-world testing, winds of up to 90 km/h were measured with the parasol in a vertical position. You can see this video filmed during the February 2018 storm in Dunkirk, or this video where a BELVEO® cantilever parasol faces a helicopter! 🚁
Space
To determine which parasol to buy, several parameters must be taken into account: the exposure of the space, the available space, the wind, the vegetation, but above all, what use do you want to make of it.
For outdoor exposure, Belveo recommends choosing a fabric that meets the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for your location. There are two main types of materials: polyester and acrylic .
The polyester parasol canopy is made of synthetic fiber and offers excellent protection against UV rays (UPF) and humidity. This material is the ideal entry-level option, offering great value for money .
This material will offer little protection against rainy weather. It can stain, and the color may fade over time. We recommend using a protective cover during the winter and when not in use to allow for more thorough cleaning.
This will help to keep the color of the parasol and to maintain its ultraviolet protection over time.
Acrylic canvas is a more durable material . It retains its beautiful colors over time, even with repeated exposure to sunlight. Some acrylic canvas models are treated with a water-repellent finish so that rain beads up and rolls off the surface without soaking in.
This fabric offers a very high UV protection factor with an optimal UPF rating for high exposure. While more expensive, this high-quality material can be further enhanced by using a protective cover for your parasol.
You can find here an article that will allow you to maintain your parasol so that it lasts longer .
The base is also an important factor to consider. There are two criteria to take into account: the diameter , which must be adapted to the shape and surface area of the parasol, and the weight of the base, which must be sufficient depending on the size of the canopy.
Belveo recommends choosing only wooden or stone parasol bases for greater longevity.
The shape of the garden furniture table
If you wish to use your parasol for your outdoor table, the shape of the garden furniture will be a determining factor in choosing your parasol.
We recommend choosing a polyester-acrylic canvas for long-term display in exposed locations. However, a polyester canvas is sufficient for occasional display during a dinner party and offers good value for money.
Choosing a cantilever parasol the same size as your garden furniture table is a good solution. Alternatively, you could opt for an aluminum-polyester fabric for high UPF protection over the long term and unparalleled quality.
In conclusion, to help you choose the shape of your cantilever parasol, Belveo advises you to assess your desires , your exposure to UPF, the external elements and the available size within your outdoor space to determine the right parasol to choose.
There are three main types of cantilever parasols : square, round, and rectangular . Other features to consider include the canopy, base, pole, and UV protection.
