We are repeatedly asked by people who have fallen in love with our particular take on British garden style, "Which one is best for me?"
To which there really isn't ONE simple answer! Instead, I would chat through the options with you, thinking first of how you imagine using your new garden space (because we know that people who have one of our luxury garden parasols, Indian garden tents or luxury gazebos report using their outdoor space much more than they ever did before).
How big is your space? How many people will be requiring shade? Is it as a poolside accessory, or over a dining table, in a courtyard or somewhere else? Will it be the main piece or to support something else? Do you want to be able to easily move it, or will it be used as a garden room all summer long in one place?
GARDEN PARASOLS: The Most Flexible Choice
A Luxury Garden Parasol is an incredibly easy and flexible choice. Parasol-UK's designs arrive carefully packaged having been thoroughly checked before leaving the workshop in India, and literally have to be popped into a suitable base or a table with a balancing stretcher beneath, and pulled up using the rope. The peg goes in and summer begins!
Easily moved to a different spot if required, or a beautiful focus for a special place, these block-printed garden parasols can stay up all summer, just requiring collapsing when there is wind.
GARDEN GAZEBOS: Beautiful Cover at a Moment’s Notice
The real beauty of a pop-up gazebo is its fabulous versatility. Super speedy to erect, easy to move, goes in the car to sporting events or community events and brilliant shade-providers.
HOWEVER, as we all know, gazebos are ugly. Make that, WERE ugly! Parasol-UK wanted all the benefits of a garden gazebo but as a luxury gazebo - so we made it!
A very pale, strong, good quality and robust frame with an enchanting block-printed inner canopy and stockings for the corner posts. Waterproof, practical AND beautiful. The 3x3m version takes 2 people 6 minutes to put up and dress, whilst the 3x6m patterned gazebo takes closer to 10 mins.
Parasol-UK's revolutionary block-printed gazebos enable you to plan an outdoor supper party with confidence, since you can add the gazebo (and a heater) at a moment's notice should the weather change. Other popular usage we've had feedback on is from parents and grandparents wanting shade over babies and paddling pools, as the perfect cover for picnics, overlooking swimming pools and as a summer-long pergola under which to relax and rejoice.
And when you've finished with it, be it at the end of the day, the week or three months later, it all collapses in a trice to be stored in one pull-along trolley bag.
Garden Tents: An Outdoor Room - Without the Builders!
If you are wanting a structure to put up in April and leave all summer long, using it as a dining room, a sitting room, a family room or a work station, or as my own family does, as ALL of these things throughout the summer, an Indian Garden Tent is unbeatable. Parasol-UK holds stock from late March of 3x3m and 4x4m. Other sizes are easily ordered with the proviso that these have a longer lead time to delivery so early ordering is highly recommended to avoid the disappointment of several clients in 2026 who ordered too late for that year.
Unlike the luxury gazebos, the garden tents have no structural workings on show at all. Like a wedding marquee, the heavy steel frame is completely hidden by the soft furnishings; the waterproof outer canopy and the block printed ceiling, the curtains and the pole covers.
Still not sure which is right for your garden?
Whether you’re looking for the flexibility of a garden parasol, the wonderfully practical cover of a garden gazebo, or a garden tent that becomes a room of its own, the most important thing is choosing what will really work for the way you use your garden. And if you’re not quite sure which is right for you, do get in touch. We at Parasol-UK are always very happy to talk through the options, sizes and designs with you. You don’t need to have made any decisions yet. Sometimes, starting the conversation is the best place to begin.
FAQs
What is the difference between a garden gazebo and a garden tent?
A garden gazebo is all about flexibility. It is quick to put up, easy to move and can be packed away when you don't need it. A garden tent is more of an outdoor room, designed to stay up for longer periods, with its frame completely concealed by the block-printed ceiling, curtains and pole covers.
Can I leave a garden parasol or gazebo up all summer?
Our garden parasols can stay up throughout the summer but should always be collapsed in windy weather. Our gazebos are often left up for longer periods too, although, as with any outdoor structure, sensible precautions should be taken in poor weather.
What size garden tent or gazebo should I choose?
It really depends on your space and how you plan to use it. Think about how many people you normally entertain, whether you'll be dining or sitting underneath it, and where it will sit in the garden. If you're unsure, do get in touch. We're always happy to talk through the options with you.
Next week:
Don’t Pack Away the Gazebo Yet: How to Use Your Garden Gazebo Through Autumn