Patio umbrellas need not always be fitted to tables. You can buy standalone ones and place them anywhere on your patio. And, yes, they can be placed near tables too, to keep the sun away during those outdoor breakfast times. While shopping for a standalone one, just make sure to buy a taller pole for larger shadow. Also choose a heavy base so that your umbrella does not get blown away by the wind. For best results, always buy the canopy, pole and the base from the same store in order to avoid incompatibility. While shopping for a patio table umbrella, first measure your patio table and see to it that your patio umbrella is a few feet larger than your patio table. Patio umbrellas provide cool shade as you relax on your chaise lounge and enjoy the afternoon breeze.
