Anyone bringing their outdoor space out of winter hibernation will find IKEA offering a rather tempting proposition: a large retro-style parasol, bold colours, carefully considered details – and a price well below that of many designer pieces. The HÖGÖN parasol is aimed squarely at people who want to give their balcony or garden a striking makeover with minimal effort.
Spring is nearly here: the parasol matters again
The warmer season officially begins in just a few days, marking the time when balconies, patios and gardens once again become a second living room. Many people are now tidying their outdoor areas, bringing out furniture, repotting plants and realising that something is still missing: shade.
After a grey winter, the appetite for colour is growing. Rather than relying solely on wood finishes and neutral shades, more people are choosing vibrant accents again. This is exactly where IKEA comes in: brightly coloured metal chairs, statement planters, patterned outdoor textiles – and now a parasol designed to stand out visually.
The Swedish retailer has recognised that a parasol is no longer simply sun protection. It becomes the central focal point that brings a balcony or garden together – effectively the roof over an outdoor oasis. IKEA is now reintroducing that “roof” in the HÖGÖN design.
IKEA HÖGÖN: the new parasol with retro appeal
The HÖGÖN parasol forms part of IKEA’s current spring collection. The aim of the range is to make an outdoor area as usable as an additional room, without requiring half a month’s salary. HÖGÖN is intended as a straightforward yet eye-catching foundation piece for creating exactly that effect.
The parasol comes in a classic format, measuring around 270 centimetres in diameter. This is enough to cover a standard balcony dining table or a lounge area well, ensuring that on bright days you can genuinely sit beneath it rather than roasting half in the sun.
With a 270-centimetre span and a distinctive striped pattern, HÖGÖN directly embraces the trend for colourful retro styling in outdoor spaces.
Visually, IKEA has opted for an unmistakably nostalgic look: stripes, strong contrasts and a hint of a 1970s seaside lido, interpreted in contemporary colours. As a result, HÖGÖN suits both clean, modern balconies and playful urban gardens.
Technical details: protection, convenience and care
Beyond its appearance, three factors matter most in a parasol: protection, stability and the amount of maintenance it needs. IKEA aims to tick as many of these boxes as possible.
UV protection
The HÖGÖN parasol fabric has been designed to block a large proportion of harsh UV rays. That makes it suitable not only for brief coffee breaks, but also for longer afternoons at the garden table, without immediately feeling as though you are sitting in direct sunlight.
- Large diameter for ample shade
- Fabric with a UV-protection function
- Suitable for balconies, patios and gardens
Sturdy pole and straightforward operation
The pole is made from aluminium. The material is lightweight, does not rust and can be used outdoors for years without issue, provided the parasol is secured or closed during storms and prolonged rain. Its opening system uses a simple mechanism – no awkward cranks and no fiddly buttons.
Operation has deliberately been kept uncomplicated, so the parasol can be put up quickly when the midday sun suddenly starts blazing onto a balcony home-working area.
Removable machine-washable fabric
By the end of a summer, every parasol shows what it has endured: pollen, bird droppings, barbecue grease and dust. HÖGÖN’s key feature is that its canopy can be removed and cleaned in a washing machine. This means the parasol does not immediately look “worn out” after one season.
A removable parasol canopy and machine washing are a clear advantage for anyone who no longer wants a disposable parasol.
Colours, price and options: how IKEA aims to stand out
In price terms, IKEA places the HÖGÖN parasol in its typical IKEA bracket: €59.99 for the 270-centimetre-diameter version. That makes it considerably more affordable than many designer parasols, while positioning it above the most basic seasonal models from DIY retailers.
The colour choices are where things become particularly interesting. IKEA is deliberately moving away from safe grey and beige tones. HÖGÖN is meant to make an impact – in a positive way.
- Yellow and off-white stripes with a strong summer feel
- Bold orange options for the more adventurous
- Dark blue versions for anyone who likes a maritime style
- Subtle grey as a compromise for minimalist balconies
Users can therefore make the parasol a statement piece – yellow and white beside a simple wooden table, for example – or choose grey or dark blue for a calmer scheme if plenty of other colour accents are already present.
How to combine HÖGÖN effectively
To ensure the parasol has a real impact in everyday use, it is worth making a brief plan for the overall look. A few straightforward combinations can get far more out of it:
- Co-ordinating seating: Yellow or blue metal chairs pick up the parasol colour and create a cohesive look.
- Textiles: Seat cushions and outdoor rugs in similar shades visually connect the space.
- Plants: Lemon trees, oleander or colourful summer flowers enhance its Mediterranean character.
- Lighting: Fairy lights or solar lanterns beneath the parasol make the area usable in the evening.
On smaller balconies in particular, a bold parasol works as a visual frame, clearly defining the area and making it seem more structured. For those sitting in a back courtyard, it can create a kind of private cocoon.
Who is the new IKEA parasol worth buying for?
The HÖGÖN parasol is primarily aimed at three groups:
| Type | Need | How HÖGÖN fits |
|---|---|---|
| Urban balcony owners | Shade in a compact space, an eye-catching feature | 270 cm covers a table and chairs, while the colours bring life to a concrete setting |
| Families with gardens | UV protection for children, durability, easy cleaning | Large coverage, removable fabric and an aluminium pole for frequent use |
| Home workers | Glare-free outdoor working, a flexible solution | Quick to open and close, with enough shade for a laptop and table |
Families in particular benefit from the combination of price, size and easy care. Anyone with children knows how quickly ice cream, juice or sun cream ends up on everything outside. A parasol with a canopy that can simply go into the washing machine takes much of the stress out of these everyday situations.
What to consider when buying and using it
As appealing as the parasol looks, buyers should keep a few points in mind. A large parasol needs a sufficiently heavy base to prevent it from toppling in the wind. Many people underestimate this. Anyone who already owns an old, lightweight parasol base should check that it is genuinely suitable for a 270-centimetre model.
Location is another consideration: heat is often reflected directly beside a house wall, so leaving a little space is worthwhile. Anyone living in a top-floor flat should close the parasol in good time during strong winds, as gusts can become much more powerful at higher levels.
It is also useful to brush the canopy briefly on a regular basis before dust and pollen become firmly embedded. This extends the time until the next wash and helps the colours stay fresh for longer.
The “outdoor room” trend: why products like this are booming
HÖGÖN fits into a broader trend: many people no longer use their balcony and patio only at weekends. Weekday breakfasts, mobile working outdoors and open-air games nights are all becoming more normal. As a result, expectations for comfort, appearance and flexibility are rising.
Products such as the new IKEA parasol meet precisely this need. They should be quick to set up, look good and still fit easily into a largely practical everyday routine. Anyone with a smartphone, laptop and children’s toys all on the table at once needs solutions that feel neither delicate nor complicated.
This is exactly where HÖGÖN comes in: a clearly visible design statement that delivers shade, a colour accent and a touch of summer-holiday feeling in the smallest space with just a few simple steps. For many people, one item like this is enough to turn an average balcony into a spot where they genuinely enjoy spending time – rather than simply hanging out the washing.
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