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Further Information +
Design Sun Sail
Buy Designer Sun Umbrella: The 6 Best Tips
Contents
- Tip 1: Buy a classic sun umbrella
- Tip 2: Which umbrella bases and stands to buy?
- Tip 3: Which umbrella pole should you choose?
- Tip 4: What material should the umbrella canopy be made of?
- Tip 5: Round or rectangular sun umbrella?
- Tip 6: Choose the right umbrella size
- Difference: Sun umbrella, sun sail, awning, and pergola
- Buy a high-quality, rectangular designer sun umbrella
- Ideal sun protection without drilling
- Benefits of our designer sun umbrella
- Is the sun sail made of solid material?
- Buy sun protection in attractive colors
- Advantages of the designer sun sail at a glance
If you want to buy a sun umbrella, you have a wide choice of sun protection systems, models, and shapes to provide soothing shade on your balcony, terrace, or garden and protect against harmful UV rays. Whether you choose a classic round or rectangular umbrella, a central pole umbrella, cantilever umbrella, half umbrella, market umbrella, adjustable sun sail, awning, pergola, or another summer sunshade, the choice affects usability, sun protection, cost, and longevity.
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Modern designer sun protection for balcony, terrace, and garden
Tip 1: Buy a classic sun umbrella
When buying a classic sun umbrella, first consider where it will be used. How large should the umbrella be to provide shade in the morning, noon, and evening on your balcony, terrace, or garden? Is a round, rectangular, cantilever, half, or central pole umbrella best?
Tip 2: Which umbrella bases and stands to buy?
Which base should you choose? There are plastic hollow bases that can be filled with water or sand. On balconies or terraces, metal bases weighted with stone slabs can also be used. Fixed concrete bases and floor sockets are options too. Make sure the base keeps the umbrella stable in wind. Ideally, it should be easy to move the base so the shade can “follow” the sun.
Tip 3: Which umbrella pole should you choose?
Umbrella poles can be made of wood, aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic, with various pulley and crank systems. The most durable are usually stainless steel or aluminum poles. Wood may warp in extreme temperatures, and paint can peel. Plastic can fade or become brittle. Pulley systems should function smoothly and reliably over time.
Tip 4: What material should the umbrella canopy be made of?
The canopy material is important. Does it provide UV and rain protection? Is it colorfast? Is it durable? Can it be washed if heavily soiled?
Tip 5: Round or rectangular sun umbrella?
The umbrella shape affects shade coverage. Rectangular umbrellas often provide better coverage for terraces and balcony tables. On small balconies, a half umbrella can help provide sufficient morning or evening shade.
Tip 6: Choose the right umbrella size
The umbrella size determines effectiveness. Small umbrellas provide limited shade and may need frequent repositioning. Large umbrellas are harder to move and should provide shade at all times. Measure your balcony or terrace and consider the base and umbrella footprint to ensure comfortable seating.
Difference: Sun umbrella, sun sail, awning, and pergola
A sun umbrella has a canopy and pole and requires a stand. A sun sail is stretched between posts and can be retractable. An awning is fixed to a house wall. A pergola is typically a four-legged, fixed sunshade with a roof.
Each sun protection system has pros and cons depending on location and use. Balcony umbrellas are inexpensive but need replacement after a few years. Awnings are long-lasting but costly and require professional installation. Sun sails depend on shape, attachments, and adjustability. Pergolas require space and are suited for larger gardens.
To provide sun enthusiasts with a unique, premium designer system, april furniture developed the rectangular SHANGRILA designer sun protection, combining multiple advantages in one product.
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Want to buy a high-quality, rectangular designer sun umbrella?
If you want a flexible, durable sunshade with exceptional design, the SHANGRILA designer sun sail by Florian Asche is the perfect choice.
This designer sun sail combines numerous advantages in a single product, offering solid quality, unique design, and longevity. The SHANGRILA umbrella is a hybrid of sun umbrella, sun sail, awning, and pergola, with adjustable wind, sun, and privacy protection.
The sun and side privacy protection allows the fabric panels to be moved according to need, sunlight, or preference. The manually retractable SHANGRILA sail protects against morning, noon, and evening sun, wind, and prying eyes. april furniture uses high-quality, UV-resistant, water-repellent fabrics that withstand light rain.
The SHANGRILA designer sun protection can remain outside year-round. Optional protective covers are available for winter storage.
Ideal sun protection without drilling
Unlike traditional awnings and sun sails, the SHANGRILA system can be set up anywhere without drilling. Weighing 85 kg, it provides stability while remaining freestanding. The roll-up sun sail measures 3 m x 3 m x 2.3 m and can be repositioned easily.
Two retractable panels for excellent sun and privacy protection
The freestanding, rectangular sun sail is as easy to operate as a sun umbrella. The two manually adjustable panels can be precisely positioned depending on sunlight, side shade, or wind protection requirements.
Benefits of our designer sun umbrella compared to conventional sails
Traditional sun sails require wall attachments and embedded poles. The SHANGRILA system requires no fixed attachments, offering maximum flexibility. Its 85 kg weight ensures stability in wind, while allowing repositioning as needed. Assembly takes about 1 hour without drilling.
Is the sun sail made of solid material?
Only high-quality materials are used for durability. The frame is stainless steel rectangular tubing. The sail fabric is Sunbrella® from the yacht industry, known for durability, weather resistance, and easy maintenance.
Pergola or sun sail?
The SHANGRILA sail can function as a mobile pergola thanks to its freestanding design.
Sun protection in attractive colors
The SHANGRILA sail also adds visual appeal with fabric colors in red, beige, gray, and carbon.
Advantages of the sun sail at a glance:
- Award-winning sail with unique design
- Freestanding outdoor sun sail
- No drilling or poles required
- Flexible sun protection
- Adjustable side wind and privacy protection
- Two manually adjustable fabric panels
- Transportable
- Easy repositioning and transport
- Four fabric colors: beige, gray, red, carbon
- Dimensions: 3 m x 3 m x 2.3 m
- Weight: approx. 85 kg
- Robust construction, long-lasting
- Available in the online shop
- Easy assembly without drilling
- Free delivery in Germany
- Unique sun protection “Made in Germany”
Elegant designer sun umbrella: functional and visually stunning
The flexible roll-up SHANGRILA designer sun sail provides reliable protection and a stylish addition to any outdoor space—balcony, garden, or terrace. This award-winning design by Florian Asche combines elegance and functionality: set it up without drilling, adjust the two fabric panels, and enjoy side privacy. Its robust construction ensures long-lasting use. A perfect highlight for your outdoor area—order online with our customer service.
See our Designer Garden Furniture overview



