As winter clothes gradually make their way into storage, temperatures rise outdoors and attention increasingly turns to balconies, patios and gardens. At just this point, IKEA is launching a new parasol from the HÖGÖN range, combining appearance, comfort and price in a way that could make it a favourite for the coming outdoor season.
Spring is approaching: outdoor space becomes a second living room
With the official arrival of spring, one question moves to the forefront in many homes: how can an outdoor area be arranged so that it feels like an extra room? After months of rain, cold and darkness, the desire for colour, light and sociable time outside grows.
Smaller urban balconies and narrow patios in particular need well-considered solutions. Furniture should take up little room while still feeling comfortable. Colours can stand out without becoming garish. There also needs to be a calming focal point that visually unites what might otherwise become a mix of chairs, tables and plants.
This is exactly where many of IKEA’s new outdoor products come in: folding chairs in bold shades, planters with integrated privacy screens, and compact side tables that can be moved around quickly. Yet one component is often missing when it comes to making a space genuinely pleasant to spend time in: welcome shade. Without sun protection, even the loveliest outdoor spot can become a heat trap.
New HÖGÖN parasol: retro style with a practical purpose
The new HÖGÖN parasol is intended to fill that gap. IKEA is clearly presenting it as a centrepiece for spring and summer. Rather than serving only as a basic source of shade, the model uses a striking retro design reminiscent of classic beach and garden scenes.
“The HÖGÖN parasol combines vivid colours and a nostalgic look with one clear aim: making time in the sun as pleasant and sheltered as possible.”
Its 270 cm diameter is sufficient for a dining table with several chairs, a lounge area or two sun loungers side by side. IKEA is therefore targeting not only single-person balconies, but also family patios and small gardens.
HÖGÖN parasol specifications: what it offers in practice
- Diameter: 270 cm – suitable for dining sets and lounge areas
- Frame: aluminium – low-corrosion and relatively lightweight
- Canopy: removable fabric cover, machine washable
- UV protection: fabric blocks a large proportion of UV radiation
- Opening: manual system, operated with one hand
- Price: €59.99 (at the time of publication)
Compared with steel, the aluminium pole is lighter and less prone to rust. This makes it more practical in changeable weather and when it needs moving regularly. The canopy can be removed and machine-washed – a feature many people only come to value once pollen dust or bird droppings have left yellow or grey marks.
Colour concept: bold stripes instead of plain white
The colour scheme is especially eye-catching. IKEA is moving away from standard beige and opting for strong shades with the HÖGÖN. The central option is a striped version in bright yellow and off-white. The pattern feels like a blend of a 1960s seaside resort and a contemporary city loggia.
Those who do not like yellow can choose from further options: a rich orange for Mediterranean accents, deep blue for nautical-style balconies, and a neutral grey for minimalist schemes. This allows the parasol to suit a variety of interior and outdoor styles.
| Colour option | Effect in the outdoor area |
|---|---|
| Yellow stripes with off-white | Summery and playful, evoking beach chairs and ice-cream parlours |
| Orange | Sunny and warm, well suited to terracotta pots and wooden furniture |
| Deep blue | Cool and nautical, pairing well with white railings and metal furniture |
| Grey | Timeless and understated, ideal for modern, pared-back setups |
With these shades, IKEA is seeking to appeal to as many groups as possible, from young couples in their first city flat to families with a garden and a large outdoor dining table. The yellow-striped model in particular has the potential to appear repeatedly on Instagram and Pinterest – distinctive enough to make an impression, while still fitting typical outdoor trends.
How the parasol changes an outdoor area
A parasol can often seem like a purely functional item. The HÖGÖN demonstrates how strongly one piece can transform the feel of an outdoor setting. With a diameter of 270 cm, it visually defines its own area: this is the place to sit, plants belong there, and the walkway remains clear.
On narrow balconies in particular, a large parasol can even structure the space. Deliberately positioning it above a table or lounge corner creates a kind of roof that conveys a sense of shelter. Combined with wall lights or fairy lights, it creates an area that can still be used late into the evening.
“A well-positioned parasol turns a randomly arranged collection of furniture into a genuine place to spend time.”
Tips for positioning and use
- Position the parasol so it fully covers the table or seating area around midday.
- Ensure the parasol base has enough weight, especially on windy balconies.
- Close the parasol in strong winds to prevent damage to railings and furniture.
- Shake the fabric out regularly and wash it at least once each season.
- In blocks of flats, check that the parasol does not extend beyond the railing and affect neighbours.
UV protection and care: what the fabric canopy provides
The fabric canopy offers noticeable protection against the sun’s harsh UV rays. Many people underestimate radiation in spring because the air can still feel fresh. During these weeks especially, large shaded areas are particularly useful for helping to avoid sunburn and overheating.
Being able to machine-wash the fabric also offers hygiene benefits over the long term. Pollen, dust and mould spores quickly settle on textiles. Washing the cover once or twice per season extends its lifespan and helps the colours remain vivid for longer.
Who the HÖGÖN parasol is worth buying for
At €59.99, the parasol sits in the lower to mid-price range. Discount retailers often offer cheaper models, but these frequently lack UV protection, removable covers or sturdy poles. High-end designer parasols can easily cost several times as much.
The HÖGÖN is particularly worthwhile for three groups:
- Balcony owners who want to create visual impact and shade with a single piece of furniture.
- Families looking to protect an outdoor dining table from the midday sun.
- Décor enthusiasts who like retro looks and want to make their outdoor space suitable for social media.
Anyone who already owns durable outdoor furniture can quickly give the space an upgrade with this parasol, without undertaking major alterations. A new table costs more and new flooring requires more effort – whereas a statement parasol makes an immediate impact and can still be replaced relatively easily if it is not to your taste.
More than shade: practical benefits and minor risks
Alongside simply casting shade, a large parasol delivers further benefits. It catches some falling leaves, reduces glare on a laptop screen when working outdoors, and makes table and chair surfaces noticeably cooler on hot days.
There are nevertheless a few points users should keep in mind. Every large parasol behaves like a sail in gusts of wind. Anyone living on a windy floor should use a stable parasol base and avoid leaving it open unattended. Machine washing also needs planning: the fabric must be fully dry before storage, otherwise it may develop a musty smell.
When used thoughtfully, the HÖGÖN parasol can fulfil several roles at once: it provides shade, structures the outdoor area, makes a visual statement and prepares a balcony or patio for a season when many people want to spend considerably more time outdoors.
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