Gloster Parasols For Shade That Lasts All Summer
A good parasol changes how a garden gets used. It's the difference between a table that only works for an hour in the morning and one that stays comfortable through a full afternoon in the sun. This collection features Gloster's Halo parasol range, designed by Henrik Pedersen, built around a sturdy aluminium frame and a heavy-duty Sunbrella canopy that's made to handle real UK summers, not just the odd sunny weekend.
Whether you want a parasol that leans over a large dining table or a simpler option you can pop up and pack away, this range covers both.
Why Choose A Gloster Halo Parasol
A parasol left outside all season needs to do more than just look good folded up in the shed. Here's what makes this range worth the investment:
- Genuine sun protection. The Sunbrella canopy fabric blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, so shade underneath actually means shade.
- Weather-ready construction. The powder-coated aluminium frame resists corrosion, scratching, and fading, and holds its colour season after season.
- A stable, secure base. Weighted square bases keep the parasol firmly in place even on breezy days, and heavier options are available for larger canopy sizes.
- Smooth, simple operation. The cantilever version uses a crank handle to raise and lower the canopy in a few turns, with 360 degree rotation and adjustable heights to follow the sun through the day.
Explore The Range Cantilever And Push-Up Styles
The Halo collection comes in two mechanisms, and picking the right one comes down to how you'll use it.
The Halo Square Cantilever Parasol is built for larger dining and lounge areas. Because the pole sits off to one side rather than through the middle of the table, it leaves the space underneath completely clear. It comes with a 160kg square base as standard, with a heavier 280kg base available for extra stability in exposed or windier spots. Raising and lowering the canopy takes just a few turns of the crank handle, and the whole canopy rotates a full 360 degrees so you can track the sun without moving the base.
The Halo Square Push-Up Parasol is a simpler, more compact option. It works well over a smaller table or a single seating area, and it's easier to move around the garden if you like to change your layout through the season. Both styles share the same aluminium frame and Sunbrella canopy, so the main difference comes down to size, footprint, and how much flexibility you want in where the shade falls.
Choosing The Right Base And Mounting Option
Getting the base right matters just as much as the parasol itself, especially in a garden that catches any wind. A standard weighted base suits most patios, but for permanent positions, an in-ground fitting kit or concrete mount kit gives a more solid, semi-permanent setup. If your parasol will sit over a dining table most of the year, it's worth choosing the heavier base option from the start rather than upgrading later.
Caring For Your Gloster Parasol
The aluminium frame needs very little attention beyond an occasional wipe down. The Sunbrella canopy is designed to resist fading and mildew, but closing it during heavy rain or high winds will help it last longer, and each parasol comes with a protective cover for when it's not in use. A quick check for wear on the canopy fabric and moving parts once a season is usually all that's needed to keep it working smoothly.
Complete The Set
A parasol works best alongside the furniture it's shading. Pair yours with Gloster dining tables and Gloster dining chairs for a shaded dining setup, or position one over your Gloster sun loungers and daybeds for a shaded spot to relax. Add a Gloster side and coffee table nearby, and round off the space with Gloster lighting and Gloster accessories. For softer lounge seating in the shade, take a look at Gloster sofas and Gloster lounge chairs.
For everything else Gloster makes, explore the main Gloster Furniture collection. To compare parasols and shade options across other brands, browse our wider parasols collection, which includes ranges from Glatz Parasols, Jardinico Parasols, and 4 Seasons Outdoor. It's also worth checking our Clearance collection now and then, where ex-showroom Gloster pieces occasionally appear at a reduced price.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between the cantilever and push-up Halo parasol?
Ans: The cantilever version has an offset pole that leaves the space underneath clear, making it better for larger tables, while the push-up version is more compact and easier to reposition around the garden.
2. How much UV protection does the Sunbrella canopy offer?
Ans: The canopy fabric blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, so the shade underneath provides genuine sun protection, not just visual cover.
3. Do Gloster parasols need to be taken down over winter?
Ans: They can be left outside, but closing the canopy during heavy rain or strong wind, and using the included protective cover when not in use, will help it last longer.
4. Which base should I choose for a windy garden?
Ans: For exposed or breezy spots, the heavier 280kg base offers more stability than the standard 160kg option, and an in-ground or concrete mount kit gives an even more secure, semi-permanent fit.
