It may have rained cats and dogs, but the sun is reputed to shine this weekend. We’re banishing the umbrella blues in favour of a chicer form of shelter in saturated sunshine shades.
They offer shade, add a touch of class to the outdoors and can even keep shower-level rain off.
A parasol spells summer in striped bands and punchy colours.
Even a faded one evokes hot summers past and the promise of an encore. Choose from square, round or hexagon-shaped styles.
Fashion-forward terrazzo
Danish design house Hay's new parasol will suit those with terrazzo or tiled terraces. Its adjustable-height Terrazza parasol will bring shade and shelter to outdoor spaces.
It is available in square, hexagon, and octagon shapes.
Prices start from €239 and can be bought online or ordered in stores such as Industry & Co, Dublin or Maven, Belfast.
Classic stripes reimagined
Instead of the wide banded stripes of traditional seaside parasols, this Messina design by Skagerak comes in narrow bands of pale apricot and deep green set on a square-topped parasol.
It is also reduced by 20 per cent from €1,099 to €879 at Finnish Design Shop.
Anything but uniform
Shield summer sun with Ferm Living’s Lull umbrella.
Its large pagoda shape is ideal for garden picnics, the beach, or anywhere else where you need shelter from the sun.
With UV protection and a matching bag to make transportation easy, it comes in cashmere, military olive or dark chocolate colours and costs €409, excluding delivery.
Colour-drenching cover
Dutch design house Zuiver believe in matching base to brolly.
Its umbrella set comprises a colour-drenched shade, spokes and base.
It comes in four primary colours: brown rice, desert sage, marsala or the sunshine yellow, pictured.
The full set costs €229 from Woo Design.
Flower power pretty
With a handmade pine frame and detachable water-resistant natural canvas top, featuring Flora, a print of carmine flowers and dancing parakeets, this Rajasthani-inspired parasol comes with a metal tripod and will brighten up even the dullest day.
It costs €1,127, excluding delivery from The Jaipur Garden Parasols.
After dark accessory
A parasol can perform functions beyond shade from the sun.
This GlamHaus solar LED parasol also tilts and will add illumination to late evening drinks or dinner.
Pictured in khaki sand the 2.7 metre design costs €164.99 from Very Ireland.
