Anyone bringing their outdoor space out of its winter hibernation is being offered a rather tempting proposition by IKEA: a large retro-style sun umbrella, bold colours, well-considered details – and a price well below that of many designer pieces. The HÖGÖN sun umbrella is aimed squarely at people who want to give their balcony or garden a striking look with minimal effort.
Spring is around the corner: the sun umbrella matters again
The warmer season officially begins in just a few days, bringing the time when balconies, patios and gardens once again become a second living area. Many people are currently tidying their outdoor spaces, putting out furniture, repotting plants and realising that something is still missing: shade.
After a grey winter, many are increasingly drawn to colour. Rather than relying solely on wood finishes and neutral shades, more people are choosing vivid accents again. This is precisely where IKEA comes in: brightly coloured metal chairs, statement plant pots, patterned outdoor textiles – and now a sun umbrella designed to stand out visually.
IKEA has recognised that an umbrella 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 relaunching that “roof” in the HÖGÖN design.
IKEA HÖGÖN: the new sun umbrella with retro charm
The HÖGÖN sun umbrella forms part of IKEA’s current spring range. The collection is intended to make outdoor areas as usable as an extra room, without requiring half a month’s salary. HÖGÖN is designed as an easy-to-use yet eye-catching essential for achieving exactly that.
The umbrella comes in a classic format with a diameter of around 270 centimetres. It covers a standard balcony dining table or lounge area well, ensuring that on bright days you can genuinely sit beneath it rather than being half-roasted in the sun.
With a 270-centimetre span and a distinctive striped design, HÖGÖN taps directly into the trend for colourful retro styling outdoors.
Visually, IKEA has opted for an unmistakably nostalgic appearance: stripes, strong contrasts and a hint of a 1970s seaside resort, but in contemporary colourways. This allows HÖGÖN to suit both clean, modern balconies and playful urban gardens.
Technical details: protection, convenience and care
Alongside appearance, three factors matter most with a sun umbrella: protection, stability and the effort required to maintain it. IKEA aims to tick as many of these boxes as possible.
Protection from UV rays
The HÖGÖN umbrella fabric is constructed to block a large proportion of harsh UV rays. That makes it suitable not only for quick coffee breaks, but also for longer afternoons at the garden table, without 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 umbrella is secured or closed during storms and prolonged rain. Its opening system uses a simple mechanism – no complicated cranks and no fiddly buttons.
Operation has deliberately been kept uncomplicated, so the umbrella can be opened quickly when the sun suddenly hits a balcony home-working area at midday.
Removable machine-washable fabric
By the end of summer, every sun umbrella 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 the washing machine. As a result, the umbrella does not immediately look “worn out” after one season.
A removable canopy and machine washing are a clear advantage for anyone who no longer wants a disposable sun umbrella.
Colours, price and versions: how IKEA plans to stand out
In pricing terms, IKEA places the HÖGÖN sun umbrella in its typical IKEA bracket: €59.99 for the 270-centimetre-diameter version. That makes it considerably cheaper than many designer umbrellas, while positioning it as more upmarket than the most basic seasonal models from DIY stores.
The colours are where it gets interesting. IKEA is deliberately moving away from the safe territory of grey and beige. HÖGÖN is intended to make an impact – in a positive way.
- Yellow and off-white stripes for a strong summer feel
- Bold orange versions for the more daring
- Dark-blue options for those who like a maritime style
- Subtle grey as a compromise for minimalist balconies
This means users can treat the umbrella as a statement piece – for example, in yellow and white beside a simple wooden table – or choose a calmer scheme with grey or dark blue if the space already contains plenty of other colourful accents.
How to combine HÖGÖN effectively
For the sun umbrella to make a real impact in everyday use, it is worth giving the overall look a little thought. A few simple combinations can make much more of the umbrella:
- Co-ordinating seating: Yellow or blue metal chairs pick up the umbrella’s colour and create a cohesive look.
- Textiles: Seat cushions and outdoor rugs in similar shades visually tie the area together.
- Plants: Lemon trees, oleander or colourful summer flowers enhance the Mediterranean character.
- Lighting: Fairy lights or solar lanterns beneath the umbrella make the space usable in the evening.
Particularly on small balconies, a striking umbrella acts as a visual frame, clearly defining the space and making it appear more structured. Those sitting in a back courtyard can use it to create a kind of private cocoon.
Who is the new IKEA sun umbrella worth buying for?
The HÖGÖN sun umbrella is aimed primarily at three groups:
| Type | Need | How HÖGÖN fits |
|---|---|---|
| Urban balcony owners | Shade in a confined space, a visual focal point | 270 cm covers a table and chairs, while the colours bring life to concrete surroundings |
| Families with gardens | UV protection for children, robust construction, easy cleaning | Large coverage, removable fabric and an aluminium pole for frequent use |
| Home workers | Glare-free work outdoors, a flexible solution | Quick to open and close, with sufficient shade for a laptop and table |
Families in particular benefit from the mix of price, size and easy care. Anyone with children knows how quickly ice cream, juice or sun cream ends up on everything left outdoors. An umbrella with a canopy that can simply go into the washing machine removes a great deal of stress from these everyday situations.
What to consider when buying and using it
As appealing as the umbrella looks, buyers should keep a few points in mind. A large umbrella requires a sufficiently heavy base to prevent it from tipping in the wind. Many people underestimate this. Anyone who already has an old, lightweight umbrella stand should check whether it is genuinely suitable for a 270-centimetre model.
Location is another consideration: heat is easily reflected directly beside a house wall, so leaving a little space is worthwhile. Those living in a top-floor flat should close the umbrella promptly in strong winds, as gusts can become considerably more powerful at higher levels.
It is also useful to brush the canopy briefly on a regular basis before dust and pollen become properly embedded. This extends the time until the next wash and helps the colours stay fresh for longer.
The “room outdoors” trend: why products like this are booming
HÖGÖN fits into a broader trend: many people no longer use their balcony and patio solely at weekends. Weekday breakfasts, working remotely outdoors and games nights outside are all becoming more common. Consequently, expectations around comfort, appearance and flexibility are increasing.
Products such as the new IKEA sun umbrella cater directly to this need. They should be quick to set up, look good and still integrate easily into a largely practical everyday life. Anyone with a smartphone, laptop and children’s toys on the table at the same time needs solutions that do not seem either delicate or complicated.
That is exactly where HÖGÖN comes in: a clearly visible design statement that delivers shade, a colourful accent and a touch of summer-holiday feeling in even the smallest space with just a few simple steps. For many, one item like this is enough to turn an average balcony into a corner where they genuinely enjoy spending time – rather than somewhere used only briefly to hang out the washing.
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