1. Health

Umbrellas help shield you from the damaging effects of the sun's radiation. We know more than ever today about how skin cancer begins and how we can lessen our chances of contracting skin cancer by taking certain precautions. One of those precautions is seeking shade when outdoors.

Patio umbrellas reduce the radiation that reaches you. Some brands even block virtually all the sun's radiation.

An umbrella offers a distinct advantage over other types of shade, if you buy one with a tilt option. A tilting mechanism will allow you to adjust the angle of the canopy. As a result, you can obtain full coverage, regardless of the sun's position to you.

2. Hygiene

Birds poop. No one wants the mess on their bodies. You can keep it out of your hair, or off your hat and clothes, when you relax under an umbrella.

When you need to clean the umbrella, you can keep it at a distance. Hose it down well, then use a rag to spot clean any soiled areas. This is much easier than trying to slide out of your soiled clothes without smearing a mess on your skin.

3. Decoration

Patio umbrellas are now available in so many colors and styles that you can find one to fit almost any look. They can add a decorative touch to gardens or backyard hangouts.

For an extra decorative touch during parties, you can dress up patio umbrellas with small hanging lanterns or umbrella lights. Just be sure you have set things up in a way that you are not creating a fire hazard. You could also choose non-light accents. Drape garlands through the ribs, or hang paper lanterns from them. You could clip decorations to the edge of the canopy, as well.

You can add to the festivity or build a decoration theme by choosing a table cloth, dishes, and napkins that coordinate with the color of the canopy.

4. Comfort and Convenience

A few sprinkles don't have to send you inside or ruin your hair when you take cover under an umbrella. If the weather passes in a few minutes, you won't lose any time trotting back and forth between the house. Even on days that look like rain, you can enjoy your outdoor activities until the last minute—or all day, when the rain doesn't come.

On sunny days, you have instant shade where you can relax after exercising, gardening, playing, or working. Particularly in yards with no natural shade, an umbrella adds to your comfort and makes outdoor relaxation more convenient.

Patio umbrellas are also easy to reposition or move. Unlike awnings that you must install on the side of your house, you can move an umbrella if you don't like how it looks in a certain area. If you need to move the table, the shade moves with it.

5. Privacy

If your neighbors live close in a two-story house, they may be able to look down on your backyard, even if you have a privacy fence. Patio umbrellas ensure that you can read, lounge, or enjoy a romantic dinner with a greater sense of privacy.