Umbrella Stands
An umbrella stand is a rounded or bin-like furniture piece used to hold wet or unused umbrellas. Most umbrella stands are found in entryways or foyers, and provide a safe and clean spot for umbrellas to dry off before heading back out into inclement weather. Umbrella stands are tall and cylindrical, provide space for multiple umbrellas, and crafted from metal, wood, clay, or colorful fired ceramic. There are also outdoor umbrella stands meant for larger umbrellas, which are typically located next to swimming pools and outdoor lounge chairs to provide the perfect amount of comfortable shade.
The first umbrella shop opened in England in the year 1830. 55 years later William C. Carter, an African-American inventor, patented an umbrella stand in the United States on the 8th of August in the year 1885. His early sketches feature a rack between two posts with holders for multiple umbrellas.
The size of an umbrella stand in regards to the indoor bin-like stand is dependent on the number of umbrellas being stored, but often ranges from 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) in length. For an outdoor umbrella stand, weight matters more than size and is dependent on the umbrella’s canopy. An example is that an umbrella with a canopy width of 7.5 inches (19 cm) and connected to a table requires an umbrella stand weighing 40-60 pounds (18-27 kg).
Outdoor or patio umbrellas are often purchased separately from the stand, so choosing the right umbrella stand to withstand winds is critical. A general rule of thumb for determining the weight of an umbrella stand for a freestanding umbrella unattached to a table is to multiply the width of the umbrella canopy by 10, but a 100-pound (45.36 kg) stand is guaranteed to hold it down. In addition to purchasing a heavy umbrella stand, it can be made more effective against winds by adding sand bags or tying up the umbrella when not in use.
