The Practical and Aesthetic Value of Market Umbrellas

From small cafes to shopping centres, homes, and festivals, market umbrellas are everywhere you look. Market umbrellas are fixed or freestanding outdoor umbrellas that are typically used to provide extra shade and protection. However, this is only a quick snapshot of everything they offer. 

Throughout this article, we’re going to cover the practical and aesthetic value of market umbrellas, as well as how they may be the perfect addition to your residential property or commercial business. 

Unless you’re a seasoned industry pro, you may be unaware of just how much value these umbrellas have, so keep reading to learn more!

Market Umbrellas: The Basics

Just like a regular run-of-the-mill umbrella, commercial market umbrellas are designed to provide protection from sun and rain. However, unlike smaller umbrellas, they are much more strong and durable. 

Other than the Cantilever, market umbrellas come with a frame that lies in the direct centre. This stretches all the way from the base to the bottom of the canopy. These days, frames are available in everything from stainless steel to aluminium and bamboo. 

The next important feature of every market umbrella is the base. A sturdy and stable base is what allows it to stay in place and offer ongoing protection. This is even more important in cities like Meloburne where the wind is always ever present. 

Some of the popular market umbrella styles available today include Commercial Aluminium, Bambrella, and Telescopic, all of which have their own unique features and characteristics.

The Practical Benefits of Market Umbrellas

Weather Protection

Australia’s sun is harsh, and extended exposure to sunlight can lead to sunburn, skin damage, or even heat-related illnesses. During Melbourne’s summer and spring, UV ratings regularly reach high, very high, and extreme levels. This is where umbrellas come into play. Well placed market umbrellas provide great protection against the sun in a variety of settings, including backyards, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and public spaces.

Of course, just like a regular umbrella, they protect people from the rain. If they are fitted with a solid study base, they will be able to withstand a variety of different weather conditions.

Functionality and Maintenance

One of the standout features of market umbrellas is their ease of use and simple maintenance requirements, both of which help to prolong their overall lifespan. Designed with user convenience, these umbrellas often come with mechanisms that allow you to effortlessly open and close them. 

AG28 Cantilever Market umbrellas, for example, can tilt and rotate 360 degrees to match the orientation of the sun throughout the day.

Functionality is also due in part to their versatility and portability. This is why they are such a popular option for temporary pop-up stalls, as well as large events and festivals. If portability is high on your list of priorities, there are a number of great options available.

As with anything, these products still need to be properly applied, operated, and maintained. Adopting regular maintenance practices, such as cleaning the fabric and lubricating moving parts, is the best way to optimise their long-term performance and durability.

Built for Australian Environments

Market umbrellas, particularly those that are manufactured locally, are designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate. From tropical and sunny Queensland to the cooler climates of Victoria and Tasmania, new products are crafted with high-quality materials and engineered for resilience in a variety of settings.

With sturdy frames and firm bases, a well-made market umbrella will also be able to withstand gusty winds common in coastal areas and are treated to resist corrosion from salt air. Whether it's a scorching summer day or a chilly coastal afternoon, these umbrellas will stand strong.

A note for temporary fixtures: If extreme weather is forecast, please make sure that you remove and store your umbrellas in a secure location.

The Aesthetic Value of Market Umbrellas

Simple and Elegant Designs

From picturesque coastal areas to shopping strips and suburban gardens, these umbrellas add a touch of charm and functionality to any space. Their versatile designs and wide range of colour and canopy options also allow them to harmonise with the environment's natural beauty.

The other major benefit is the sheer range of different styles available. Whether you prefer the classic look of Commercial aluminium or the beautiful bamboo finish of a Bambrella, there are excellent options to match almost any preference.

 Not too keen on the frame in the centre? Cantilever umbrellas come with a signature off-centre design that’s always been a crowd-pleaser. Check out our recent article on the benefits of Cantilever umbrellas to learn more!

Customisation and Branding

Beyond their functional value, market umbrellas have always been a great way to raise brand awareness and bring attention to your business. The clue is in the name! With the help of a supplier, each umbrella can even incorporate unique logos, colours, slogans, and designs.

Once fitted, custom-branded umbrellas instantly allow your business to stand out from the crowd. All the while, they’ll provide shade and weather protection for patrons. This is why they are used by so many Australian cafes, restaurants, hotels, bars, and commercial franchises.

In recent years, advancements in printing processes have also made creating branded umbrella canopies much more more sustainable. At Indoor Outdoor, we craft branded market umbrellas with Permaset ink, the most eco-friendly water-based print system on the market today. 

Permaset is a water-based textile screen printing ink free of nasty solvents and toxic ingredients. These inks do not contain CFCs, HCFCs, aromatic hydrocarbons, or volatile solvents.

Eye-Catching Colours

Whether you’re adding them to your backyard or business, you’d be surprised at just how many colour variations are available for the umbrella’s canopy. This includes everything from classic black and white to red, orange, green, blue, and countless other colour swatches.

 You can customise the canopy colour to match the design of a residential property, reflect business branding, or go for an option that will be really eye-catching to passersby. Can’t seem to find the right canopy colour? We have optional 100% solution-dyed acrylic canopies available in many colours and stripes. Give us a call to discuss!

Tips for Buying Market Umbrellas in Australia

Factors to Consider

So, if you’re in the market to purchase market umbrellas in Australia, there are several key factors worthy of consideration. First things first, size is paramount. Choosing the right size allows for sufficient coverage for the intended area, whether a compact outdoor café or a sprawling patio. Equally important is the choice of materials. Given Australia's harsh climate, selecting durable materials like UV-resistant polyester or canvas is essential to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and varying weather conditions. 

Additionally, the design of the umbrella plays a crucial role in its functionality. Features such as tilt mechanisms allow for easy adjustment to block out the sun from different angles throughout the day, while wind vents enhance stability by allowing airflow, reducing the risk of damage during gusty conditions. 

There is also the option to customise the umbrella, which is generally most relevant for commercial clientele.

Budget and Long-Term Investment

While budget is a significant consideration, it's important to view the purchase of a market umbrella as a long-term investment rather than a short-term expense. While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest available option, investing more upfront in a high-quality umbrella can lead to long-term savings. These are far less likely to deteriorate quickly or require frequent repairs, which ultimately offers greater longevity and value for money. 

This is not the only reason to adopt more of a long-term mindset. A market umbrella purchased with durability and quality in mind is likely to withstand the rigours of the Australian climate. This means that it will continue to provide shade and protection for many years to come. Therefore, while it may require a higher initial investment, the long-term benefits in terms of durability and satisfaction make it a financially prudent decision to prioritise quality over a lower price tag.

Turn to Indoor Outdoor for Australia’s Best Range of Market Umbrellas

From standard to custom, we take great pride in being Australia’s leading source of high-quality market umbrellas. With over 30 years of industry experience, our team can supply, customise, and install umbrellas for a wide range of different settings. 

Whether you’re after promotional cafe umbrellas or a fixed square market umbrella, we’ve got it all. Check out our online gallery for inspiration, or contact the Indoor Outdoor team today to speak with an expert! You can reach us every Monday to Friday. or fill out our online form to get started.