Beautiful patio umbrellas add extra aesthetics to your yard. Beyond that, quality patio umbrellas also provide sturdy and reliable shade without fading or giving way to the harsh weather elements too soon. However, one question many users have surrounding patio umbrellas is the right umbrella storage ideas for them.
If you’re wondering about how best to keep your umbrella indoors or outdoors safely, you’re on the right page. We review innovative indoor and outdoor umbrella storage ideas to keep your patio umbrella as new as possible for longer.
Ultimately, you should also consider investing in an umbrella cover to protect your patio umbrella. If you are looking for a reliable brand for the proper protection of your umbrella, look no further than VEVOR. VEVOR’s patio umbrella covers are renowned for their sturdiness and UV resistance. They come in variable sizes and every piece is designed for easy use and installation. Guess what? They all come at highly competitive rates you’d hardly find elsewhere.
Table of contents
Understanding Umbrella Storage Needs
If you own a patio umbrella, you’d know how handy it could be when summer arrives and you have to host guests under it or recline with your family and friends while the degrees rise. However, when winter comes and it’s time to keep the umbrella away, you will need to understand the proper umbrella storage that perfectly suits your needs.
The Challenges of Storing Umbrellas
One of the popular challenges users have with storing their patio umbrellas is space. As this user shared on a public forum, many users probably live in the city with little household space to house their umbrellas after squeezing out some space in the yard as a parking lot. It’s perfectly understandable.
Besides, other users have issues with maintaining their patio umbrellas during storage. These issues could range from finding the perfect location that ensures their umbrella isn’t exposed to the elements or harsh physical bruising.
Whether you need to maximize your space or maximize the umbrella by ensuring it endures through seasons, evaluating your present storage space is the first step to finding the answers you need.
Assessing Your Space
Do you have the challenge of maximizing a rather limited storage space? You want to begin an effective storage plan by eliminating the unwanted stuff in your space. Feel free to throw out things you don’t need, want, or use. That way, it’s easier to determine your actual storage needs.
Next, evaluate the items you need to store. How long do you wish to store them? What possible storage ideas could work best for these items? Also, are there any constraints you’ve observed concerning the shape and size of your storage items or space?
Assess whether you have any in-built storage alternatives and what furniture or equipment is already occupying your space. If there are existing furniture pieces, could they also double as storage points?
These and more are some of the relevant questions to answer towards creating or choosing effective and user-friendly storage ideas for your patio umbrellas. Finally, feel free to stick to what matches your unique “optional” preferences and tastes.
Indoor Umbrella Storage Solutions
Now to the ideal options you could consider. In this section, we consider creative and decorative storage ideas for your patio umbrella.
Creative Closet Solutions
Vertical storage is a vital but often overlooked means of organizing your home enough to store your patio umbrella safely. Thinking vertically lets you save floor space and organize your umbrella at eye level for easy reach when necessary.
Thanks to advancements in storage solutions, you can also explore special hangers made specially for your patio umbrellas. These hangers could make a very seamless and convenient addition to your spaces, consuming only as little as much vertical space as your storage needs require.
Feel free to explore entryways around the home for your patio umbrella when every small inch of space matters. It’ll make a most straightforward storage solution that leaves much floor space for more items.
Furniture with Hidden Storage
These could range from multi-functional furniture options like wall-mounted shelves, tall cabinetry, and other creative ideas with furniture you probably never thought could solve your umbrella storage needs.
Wall-mounted shelves can make highly versatile storage solutions for your patio umbrellas, alongside other decorative utilities. Besides shelves, other forms of wall-mounted furniture can be excellent storage solutions for your umbrella in a small room.
Of course, you can also explore having a vast range of possibly tall cabinetry to maximize limited square footage. Tall cabinets with doors tend to have ample storage while being excellent for maintaining a clean and streamlined appearance. Otherwise, consider open shelves for a more decorative storage alternative.
Decorative Stands and Holders
Besides innovating creative closet ideas and leveraging hidden space in multifunctional furniture, you can also purchase stylish indoor storage options. This VEVOR Patio Umbrella Cover, for instance, comes with a decorative stand and holder that allows you to safely keep your patio umbrellas without sweat.
It not only solves your storage needs instantly but could also do so beautifully rather than looking like a piece of “luggage” you must put up with during winter. You may want to eliminate all storage concerns, regardless of the limited square footage by purchasing an affordable but quality patio umbrella from VEVOR.
Outdoor Umbrella Storage Ideas
How about outdoor patio umbrella storage ideas to possibly try? Let’s see a few.
Weatherproof Covers
One of the most straightforward ways to store your patio umbrella is to purchase an umbrella cover. We advise you to purchase a product like the VEVOR Patio Umbrella Cover in this regard. VEVOR’s patio umbrella covers are made of durable 420D Oxford fabric with PU coating, plus a double stitching design for maximal sturdiness.
The weatherproof fabric protects your umbrella from the sun, rain, snow, wind, dust, or dirt, allowing it to last longer. It also comes with secure features to shield it from being blown away by the wind, especially during strong winds or terrible weather.
Freestanding Umbrella Stands
Thanks to a vast market of freestanding umbrella stands, you can also explore varying styles and materials to complement your outdoors. Patio umbrella stands are generally made of steel or concrete. However, they typically differ in shape, finish, and other decorative details.
Feel free to place one (if you’re going for any of them) anywhere on the patio or deck based on your aesthetic tastes. Although, you also want to ensure that your new stand is compatible with your patio umbrella.
Built-in Solutions for Patios
Moreover, you can also install built-in storage solutions for your patio umbrella right in your outdoor area. How about making a patio umbrella pot stand (with concrete pots) to keep the umbrella perpetually in your outdoor area? That way, storing your patio umbrella can be as easy as rolling down the umbrella and putting your cover over it right on the spot.
Of course, there are other creative built-in solutions for your patio. What matters is choosing an option that works best for your region or space.
DIY Umbrella Storage Projects
Talking about doing what works for your household, some homeowners would rather prefer a DIY installation plan. You might want to check out these DIY ideas to see if there’s something you’d try at home.
Simple DIY Umbrella Stand
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a basic stand. It costs under $15 to make so you could consider it if you’re big on affordability, or want to see how making one could turn out as a DIY task.
Items Needed
- A pot (such as a flower pot): You can get an affordable $5 plastic pot at Walmart or any hardware store.
- Some PVC pipe: You could have some around the home or buy one for around $4 at a hardware store.
- A bag of quickcrete: An 80-100-pound bag would do. It could cost around $5 at the local store.
- Some cutting device or hacksaw you might already have around the home
- A wheelbarrow or some item for mixing the concrete
- A hoe or some other garden tool for mixing the concrete
Now, to the steps involved.
Step 1: Cut and Position the Pipes
Using a hacksaw or some other cutting equipment, cut the pipes after measuring the right size against the pot and the umbrella. You could make it at least an inch above the pot’s top. Position the pipe at the center using painter’s tape to hold it in place before executing the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Concrete
Using your wheelbarrow or some other container, unpack your bag of quickcrete and mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Try to mix them enough to achieve all-round consistency.
Step 3: Pour into the Pot’s
Next, slowly pour the concrete into the pots. Avoid rushing through this step, pour little enough on each side of the pipe.
Step 4: After the Pour
Remove the tape once the pour is complete. Your pipe should be fixed and not move easily if you execute this stage well. Feel free to add some marbles or something aesthetic to the top for some flare.
Step 5: Drill Some Drainage Holes
To cope with the rains and avoid clogging the pot with water, consider drilling several ⅛ bit holes to allow water to drain right through the middle of the pipe and out of the bottom.
Step 6: You Have Your Finished Product
You’re done setting up decorative DIY umbrella stands without chomping much of your budget.
Upcycled Umbrella Holders
Still on DIY ways to make simple umbrella stands. Of course, there are numerous possible routes to this. The trick is to be creative while maximizing available seemingly “down-and-out” materials around the yard.
You may want to check out this DIY cast iron umbrella stand someone made by upturning a garden urn. They purchased a garden urn that had a broken lid and repurposed it to make a handy storage for their umbrellas. Of course, your version of an upcycled stand might require different dimensions to this example, however, it’s a great way to stimulate your inner genius towards creating an upcycled holder for your patio umbrella when it’s out of use.
Seasonal Storage Tips for Umbrellas
How do you store your patio umbrellas against different seasons? We’ve compiled a list of helpful umbrella storage ideas in this section.
Preparing Umbrellas for Off-Season Storage
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your patio umbrellas keeps them looking newer while extending their life span. Follow these tips to clean your patio umbrellas towards the winter season when they’ll no longer be in active use.
- Remove loose dirt: Gently brush off any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the frame or canopy. Doing these helps to prevent any bruise or damage while washing.
- Soak in soapy solution: Apply a mild soapy solution to the canopy using a soft-bristled brush. Ensure to cover all parts of the umbrella, including any creases or folds.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing using clean water till you’re sure all soap residue is gone. Leaving a soapy solution on the fabric could attract more dirt or cause discoloration.
- Dry completely: Spread open the umbrella, leaving it to air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. You want to ensure it dries completely before folding it to prevent the growth of mildew, which can further create unpleasant odors.
Besides cleaning your patio umbrella following the above tips, you also want to take heed to some maintenance tips like:
- Regularly inspecting your umbrella for signs of wear and tear
- Storing the umbrella in a cool, dry place when not in use, especially during off-seasons.
- Use UV-resistant patio umbrella covers, like the VEVOR Patio Umbrella Cover, to shield your umbrellas indoors or in a shaded area to further safeguard them from the elements.
Best Practices for Long-Term Storage
There’s no singular patio storage approach that works for all storage cases. Depending on your storage options and assets, you may have more or less storage options. However, all storage options would likely include some or all of these practices:
Store Patio Umbrella in a Dry, Cool Place
Storing your umbrella in a dry, cool place helps them last longer. That’s because molds and mildew won’t grow on it so you can avoid degradation or fading.
Hang Umbrellas or Place them in a Storage Cover
Keep your patio umbrellas indoors to shield them from the elements that cause fading or further damage when it snows. You may want to choose between indoor or outdoor storage options considering available footage or storage ideas. However, whether you’re keeping them in the basement, or garage, or hanging them around the home, be sure to use quality covers, without packing anything else over them during storage.
Stack Up or Nest Your Chairs and Tables
The ambient moisture when the degrees drop could reduce the lifespan of your patio’s furniture. You want to stack up or nest your patio furniture – tables, chairs, and others – to save space and keep them from scratches or damage during winter. Remember to clean and dry the furniture before storing it over the long haul.
Expert Advice: Choosing the Right Umbrella Storage
Suppose you’re wondering how to choose the right stand or cover for your outdoor umbrella. Here are expert tips worth noting.
What to Look for in Umbrella Stands and Covers
Bar shape, finish, and other decorative details, all umbrella stands look similar. However, they come in different types and qualities, depending on where you purchased them from or where you’re deploying them.
For instance, you can place a freestanding umbrella stand anywhere on the patio or deck, while a through-table umbrella stand is specially made for outdoor dining tables. Besides the variety in type, you also want to choose a stand with a sufficiently sturdy base to support your umbrella’s weight. Thankfully, umbrella stands and covers come in various sizes so getting a compatible option is seamless once you have your umbrella’s measurements.
Moreover, the best umbrella stands and covers are durable. One way to determine the durability of a product is by checking out its make-up. Cast iron and concrete, when used in patio umbrella stands, are more durable than other materials. They’re also easier to install, save that they’re typically more expensive. Conversely, you’d also find less pricey plastic stands. They’re usually made to contain water or sand for sturdiness – and you could tell that they may be less durable over the long run.
However, some models mix different materials in making parts of the stand, e.g. concrete for the base and steel for the stands.
Recommendations
With a top-notch quality model like VEVOR you can always get a middle line between durability/design and affordability. So you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice one for the other when getting the perfect cover and stand for your patio umbrellas.
Besides being sturdy and durable, VEVOR Patio Umbrella Covers are built with wind-proof features (like a plastic strap for tight fit and a drawstring) to shield them from fierce winds. Plus, they’re easy to use and install, whether you’re installing for the first time or wearing them ahead of a new winter season. The best part of all these? Despite these top-notch features, VEVOR Patio Umbrella Covers come at highly competitive prices, compared to other options. So much value for your money in one piece.
Conclusion
Getting the right storage solution for your patio umbrella is vital if you want it to look new and useful for longer. Luckily, there’s a variety of storage solutions whether you’re keeping your umbrellas indoors or outdoors – from leveraging furniture to leveraging decorative stands, weatherproof covers and freestanding umbrella stands.
Meanwhile, if you want to ditch the stress of creating DIY projects for yourself or thinking up creative indoor storage solutions that will not fail mid-summer, why not purchase a VEVOR Patio Umbrella Cover? It’s reliable, stylish, and practical enough for all your umbrella storage needs and fits into various home or building storage plans. Visit VEVOR’s website to review the excellent features of its Patio Umbrella Cover, and learn about how you could get one to keep your patio or yard looking new and stylish all summer.
