The umbrella stand is a fairly marginal object, which we easily do without when it is not available, or which we forget completely when the arrival of fine weather puts an end to rainy days.
The essentials: 20 of the best umbrella stands
Umbrella stands are an often poorly considered furnishing accessory. However, they continue to represent a fertile breeding ground for astute design intuitions. Here is our selection of the 20 umbrella stands that made the history of design.
Bent beech-wood; available in lacquered withnatural beech lower leg section. Transparent neutral receptacle. Dimensions 40,6 x 40,6 x 74 cm
Birch and brass. Dimensions 28 x 24,5 x 48 cm
Earthenware, black and red lacquer. Height 60 cm
Polypropylene, aluminium, painted steel. Dimensions 31 x 31 x 87,5 cm
Transparent Abs avaialble in different color or varnished. Dimensions 25 x 25 x 60 cm
ABS plastic. Dimensions 34 x 34 x 39 cm
Iron. Height 49 cm
Aluminium and iron powder coated in black or white, polystyrene. Dimensions 18 x 18 x 144,5 cm
ABS plastic. Dimensions 16 x 16 x 50 (open diameter 32 cm)
Aluminium. Dimensions 22 x 22 x 8.7 cm
Die-cast aluminium and epoxy powder coated steel. Dimensions 32 x 32 x 60 cm.
Powder coated metal, ABS. Dimensions 30 x 30 x 85 cm
Polished stainless steel, polypropylene. Dimensions 25 x 25 x 56 cm
Painted folded sheet metal. Dimensions 41,6 x 36,5 x 57 cm
Carrara marble or black Marquina marble. Dimensions 45 x 24 x 55 cm
Plastic, fabric. Dimensions 10 x 50 x 81 cm
Brass. Dimensions 24 x 24 x 53 cm
Varnished steel. Dimensions 20 x 25 x 48 cm
Faggio curvato, marmo nero Marquina, disponibile anche in resina grigia. Dimensioni 30 x 30 x85 cm
Synthetic resin, steel sheet. Dimensions, 21,8 x 11,5 x 18 cm
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- Giulia Zappa
- 18 November 2020
And yet, this moderately sized container not only holds the umbrella, one of the oldest and most significant objects in human history – a symbol of the elite, a sacred object for many civilizations, a recurring element in the work of many artists, and at the same time something democratic and truly "for everyone" – but gladly lends itself to the constant exercises of reinvention carried out by designers, who continue to change its appearance following the evolution of materials, tastes and technologies. Because if the umbrella stand has become a serial object in the form of curved wood, it is with the advent of plastic materials that it has invaded houses and offices. It has entered many spaces with pop, fun, and creative shapes, while it used more "moderate" registers for the contract sector.
Its constant reinterpretations not only involve the evolution of styles through the years, but also clever innovations that could be defined as linguistic. Being a container by nature, it amuses us when it ceases to present itself as a welcoming form, presenting us the image of an umbrella suspended in the void. Again, it amazes us when it cannot free itself from copying the object it contains, re-proposing its silhouette or deliberately vanishind into a shielded game of handles, rods and hemispheres. Perhaps, more than other objects, this shy furnishing accessory has been able to renew itself in recent years in a slightly more daring way, without being afraid of taking on new and unexpected functions. After years of pure geometric shapes, the umbrella stand has proven to be capable of making us smile, while still remaining discreet.
A timeless umbrella stand with clean lines, unlike other umbrella stands produced by Thones in those years, which made curved wood elements their distinctive feature. Cloud has more than 130 years of history, demonstrating an unsuspected ability to disguise itself even in contemporary environments prone to minimalism.
A classic umbrella stand characterized by a discreet elegance. It stands out for the triangular base and the two hand-bent lamella loops that unite the three solid pillars. The contrast between the birch frame and the brass base, designed to collect any falling drops of rainwater, brings an unexpected touch of luxury.
Antonia Campi, one of the greatest experimenters of 20th century Italian ceramics, worked tirelessly on the creation of open and generous forms that intertwine with full and empty spaces. In line with this formal approach, this umbrella stand demonstrates at the same time a functional intelligence that is probably not calculated. Adapting to all types of umbrella, it can also contain compact umbrellas, which can be inserted in the lowest holes.
Together with Servofumo, this umbrella stand is one of the first members of the “servi" line designed by the Castiglioni brothers, and presents itself as a discreet and highly functional domestic helper – the qualities required, after all, to any valuable domestic helper. The steel base can be used to hang or rest the umbrella handle, while the polypropylene container collects the raindrops.
Perhaps one of the most famous umbrella stands ever, this injection molded cylindrical umbrella stand by Colombini is one of the first experiments with plastic to achieve great commercial success. Its bright, vibrant colours made it into most homes in the 60s, but at the same time its versatility also made it appropriate for outdoor use in public spaces or as a waste bin in the offices.
If Artemide is above all known as an illumination brand, its pieces of furniture and accessories from the 60s and 70s testify to an experimentation of plastic that perfectly matches the most avant-garde spirit of the time. An emblematic example of this is Daedalus, an umbrella stand all curves and hollow which can fit seven umbrellas into its seven circular holes.
Among the finest and most rigorous products of the master of Secessionist architecture, this umbrella stand is characterized by its unusual hexagonal base and the use of iron sheet metal, transformed into small decorative elements. The umbrella stand is part of a larger set of sheet iron desk objects reissued by the Italian brand Bieffeplast.
A multipurpose storage unit concealed under the totemic shape of a cylindrical stele. Kerguele combines the function of a coat rack, umbrella stand and tray, serving as the perfect complement to the entrance of the house. The shelves and water tray are removable.
Another great example of a successful use of plastic in a furnishing accessory. Behind a plastic cylinder, this umbrella stand hides a deconstructed shape thanks to six rotating discs that can accommodate as many umbrellas.
Compact volume in die-cast aluminium, Rainbowl is above all an astute object which, by renouncing to be a container, fulfils its function in a discreet yet innovative and efficient way. Umbrellas can in fact be stored by inserting the tip of the umbrella into the holes, giving back the unusual feeling of being suspended. Once all the holes have been filled, the umbrellas form a perimeter which in turn can contain other umbrellas.
This umbrella stand for the office and contract sector is part of a line that also includes a coat rack and an office partition. The simple and timeless silhouette plays with the taste for details and the contrast between the metals used – cast iron, chrome-plated steel and polished aluminium.
Part of a wider line of office objects that share the same formal elements, the Binkan umbrella stand plays with the classic shape of the umbrella handle, allowing you to easily grab it and move it around.
A hexagonal-shaped umbrella stand inspired by Munari's Sicilia basket from 1959. It has a removable container to collect raindrops and uses the reflective properties of stainless steel to interact with the surrounding space.
Sticking to the use of folded sheet metal that has distinguished Tolix's production since the 1930s, Bergne creates an essential umbrella stand with a triangular base available in many colors.
A geometric and minimalist sculpture enhanced by the use of a noble material. It recalls the shape of a washstand, here used to hold both traditional and compact umbrellas, the latter to be placed on the inclined plane.
A very unique "umbrella stand", integrated directly into the umbrella's operating mechanism. The external position of the slats and the resulting reverse closing mechanism – going from the handle towards the vertex – turns the tips into a support that allows you to place the umbrella in a vertical position.
Butler is a brass umbrella stand that mimics the very shape of the umbrella by adding notes of preciousness. In addition to the material itself, also the end of the handle is precious – it’s shaped like a flower, echoing the style of the '50s umbrella stands in metal and brass.
A minimalist and highly functional umbrella stand with three different tubular elements that can hold umbrellas of different heights.
Forma essenziale giocata sul contrasto tra materiali, René insinua una nota ironica nell’ambiente domestico: una volta riempito, il manico di legno che sostiene la struttura si confonde insieme agli oggetti che contiene. Il nome è un omaggio a Magritte e all’utilizzo dell’ombrello in chiave surrealista nelle sue tele.
There’s nothing better to store an umbrella than to stick it in the grass. A (in)conscious quotation of the iconic Pratone lounge chair, it evokes its use and possibly the mood, adapting it to the size of a furnishing accessory.