Parasols

What RB12 Stocks in Parasols

Parasols at RB12 are freestanding or table-mounted shading pieces designed to sit alongside outdoor dining and lounge furniture rather than as an afterthought. The current range comes from Bolia, a brand better known for its indoor upholstery and case goods, which brings the same attention to proportion and finish to its outdoor pieces. Expect a design language that reads as considered furniture first and functional shade second, so a parasol can stay up and look right even when it is not providing shade.

Both parasols in stock are built to work as a genuine centrepiece for an outdoor table, not just a practical add-on, which matters if the terrace or garden is visible from indoors for most of the year.

Choosing the Right Size and Placement

Start with the table or seating group the parasol needs to cover. A parasol should extend generously beyond the edges of the table so that shade still reaches the seats as the sun moves through the day, rather than sitting flush with the tabletop. For a smaller bistro-style set-up, a more compact canopy will feel in proportion; for a larger dining table that seats six or more, a bigger canopy will be needed to cover the whole group comfortably.

Think about where the base or mount will sit. A freestanding parasol needs enough clear floor space around the table for the pole and base, while a table-mounted design relies on the table itself having a suitable aperture or bracket. Also consider the direction the garden or terrace faces, and whether the parasol will need to tilt or rotate to follow the sun through the afternoon.

Materials and Finishes

Outdoor parasols need to cope with UK weather over several seasons, so the frame material and canopy fabric both matter. Aluminium and powder-coated steel frames resist corrosion better than untreated metal, while canopy fabrics rated for outdoor use hold their colour and resist mildew better than indoor textiles pressed into outdoor service. Look at how the canopy fabric is finished at the seams and edges, since this is usually where wear shows first.

Bases and poles are worth checking too. A heavier base keeps a tall parasol stable in wind, and a pole finish that matches or complements the rest of an outdoor furniture set will tie the whole terrace or garden together visually.

Named Products to Consider

The Bolia Cape Parasol is the larger of the two designs currently listed, suited to a main dining table or a lounge grouping where broader coverage is needed. The Bolia Azur Parasol is a more compact option, better suited to a smaller table or a spot where a lower-profile canopy is preferred.

Both pieces sit within Bolia's wider outdoor range, so they can be specified alongside other Bolia outdoor furniture for a consistent look across a terrace or garden.

Building the Outdoor Setting Around a Parasol

A parasol rarely stands alone. Pair it with an outdoor dining table and a set of outdoor dining chairs for a shaded dining area, or position it over a lounge arrangement with outdoor armchairs and an outdoor coffee table. If the garden is used for relaxing rather than eating, a parasol also works well positioned over a day bed or sun lounger.

Once the main pieces are in place, small details such as cushions, throws or outdoor accessories can finish the setting, though the parasol itself is usually the piece that sets the tone for the rest of the layout.

Care and Maintenance

Fold or close a parasol when it is not in use and, where possible, when strong wind or heavy rain is forecast, since an open canopy takes the most strain in poor weather. Wipe down the frame periodically to remove dust, pollen and salt if the property is near the coast, and check that any tilt or rotation mechanism moves freely rather than forcing it.

Canopy fabric should be allowed to dry fully before folding away for storage, as packing a damp canopy encourages mildew. Over winter, storing the parasol under cover, even if it is designed for outdoor use, will extend its working life.

Shop Parasols at RB12

RB12 stocks parasols from Bolia as part of a wider outdoor furniture range, sold from our London base. Browse the current selection above, and get in touch if you need guidance on sizing a parasol to a specific table or garden layout.