Many people are currently refreshing their outdoor spaces, replacing worn furniture and looking for a new focal point. This is precisely the moment IKEA is introducing a new parasol that does more than provide shade: it is designed to make a statement on patios, balconies and in gardens.
A parasol perfectly suited to this spring
As winter recedes, chairs come out of storage and sun protection returns to many people’s to-do lists. Rather than opting for the usual, somewhat uninspiring parasols, IKEA gives its new HÖGÖN model an emotional appeal through colour, retro character and a hint of a holiday at home.
The HÖGÖN parasol is aimed at anyone who wants their outdoor area to be more than merely practical, turning it into a compact summer living room. IKEA no longer treats a balcony as a storage spot, but as an extra living space for breakfast, work or entertaining guests.
“With HÖGÖN, IKEA wants to turn the outdoor area into a fully fledged extra room – with a style factor as well as practical shade.”
Design is especially important on compact urban balconies, where one item can transform the entire atmosphere from “nothing special” into a postcard scene. The new parasol is intended to take on exactly that role.
HÖGÖN: the parasol with vintage appeal and practical features
The HÖGÖN parasol stands out not only for its appearance, but also for its size and well-considered construction. With a diameter of around 270 cm, it can comfortably cover a standard balcony or patio table along with its chairs.
Its pole is made from aluminium, making it lighter than steel and resistant to rust. Anyone who regularly moves or stores the parasol will immediately notice the difference in ease of handling. It opens using a straightforward mechanism that works in one movement – useful when coffee, children and sun cream are already demanding attention.
UV protection and easy everyday care
The HÖGÖN canopy is designed to offer protection from UV radiation. This limits direct exposure to the skin and helps ensure that the first coffee of spring does not end with sunburn and a retreat indoors.
Another advantage is that the fabric canopy can be removed and machine-washed. Pollen, bird droppings, dust and grease marks from the barbecue inevitably build up over the season. Instead of laboriously scrubbing the fabric, it can simply go in the wash – a particularly persuasive benefit for people with hay fever.
“The machine-washable canopy and UV protection make HÖGÖN an everyday product that not only looks good in photographs, but also lasts.”
Colours that turn any balcony into a focal point
Visually, IKEA has chosen bold, fresh shades for HÖGÖN. The most striking version pairs vivid yellow with off-white stripes, creating a look strongly reminiscent of old-fashioned seaside resorts. Putting it up brings a visual touch of the Mediterranean to the concrete floor of a rented flat.
Alongside the yellow-and-white striped option, further versions are available in bold orange, dark blue and neutral grey. The range therefore caters both to fans of confident colour and to more restrained minimalists.
- Yellow/off-white striped: ideal for a retro, beach-inspired look
- Orange: works well with warm wood tones and colourful seat cushions
- Dark blue: complements white façades and metal furniture
- Grey: blends into minimalist, contemporary balconies
At around 59,99 €, HÖGÖN sits in the mid-range: it costs more than many anonymous DIY-store models, yet remains considerably cheaper than designer parasols. That makes it suitable for a first balcony as well as an upgrade when an old parasol looks dated.
How HÖGÖN changes the feel of an outdoor space
A parasol has a surprisingly strong effect on how an outdoor area is perceived. HÖGÖN works as a focal point that establishes the style for everything around it. Choosing the yellow striped version naturally encourages warmer accessories, such as cushions in curry or terracotta tones, plants in terracotta pots and perhaps a warm-white string of lights.
The blue version creates more of a coastal mood. Paired with white-painted chairs and a grass-green plant, a balcony can suddenly resemble a small harbour promenade. The grey option leaves plenty of scope for Scandinavian-minimalist arrangements with pale wood and a few carefully selected details.
Technical details at a glance
| Feature | HÖGÖN parasol |
|---|---|
| Diameter | approx. 270 cm |
| Pole material | Aluminium, rust-resistant |
| Canopy | Removable, machine-washable |
| Function | UV protection, easy to open |
| Price | approx. 59,99 € |
| Colours | Yellow/off-white striped, orange, dark blue, grey |
How to style the parasol correctly
To get the most from HÖGÖN, it helps to view the parasol not in isolation but as part of a small overall scheme. This is where IKEA can play to its strengths, as many of its outdoor ranges repeat similar colours and shapes.
Metal chairs in strong colours, simple wooden tables, planters and outdoor textiles can all be coordinated so that the parasol visually ties everything together. Where space is limited, it is better to choose fewer but more distinctive pieces: a small round table, two chairs, one tall plant and the parasol are often all that is needed.
“A harmonious colour scheme can make even five square metres of balcony shine – with HÖGÖN serving as the anchor point.”
Common parasol mistakes and how HÖGÖN avoids them
After one season, many inexpensive parasols begin to show weaknesses, including faded colours, unsteady poles and difficult mechanisms. HÖGÖN’s aluminium pole greatly reduces the risk of rust, which is especially relevant in damp areas or on exposed roof terraces.
A washable canopy may sound unremarkable, but it solves an everyday issue. Fine dust settles on fabric particularly quickly in cities, leaving it looking grey. A short wash not only refreshes the colour but can also extend its lifespan, as fewer dirt particles rub against the weave.
What UV protection in a parasol really means
UV protection in a parasol is often seen as a general claim. In practice, it provides a specific benefit: the fabric filters out a significant proportion of the harsh UV rays that can damage skin cells. This lowers the risk of sunburn while also reducing strain on the eyes.
A parasol is not a substitute for sun cream, but it extends the time people can comfortably spend outdoors. Children and older people in particular benefit from a reliable shaded area for lunch or play. Anyone working from home can use HÖGÖN to move their laptop outside without the screen immediately becoming difficult to see due to glare.
What does a typical day with HÖGÖN look like?
One possible routine is to open the parasol briefly in the morning to keep the breakfast table in partial shade. It can then remain closed until the afternoon sun reaches the balcony. With one movement, a shaded space is available again for children to draw or adults to work on a laptop.
In the evening, the parasol serves more as a visual frame. Combined with a string of lights, a few candles and a simple wooden table, it creates a setting reminiscent of a small beach bar. Even on slightly overcast days, it may be left open because its strong colour makes the outdoor area feel visually warmer.
Who benefits most from the new IKEA parasol
For people with a very small balcony, HÖGÖN is suitable provided that its 270 cm diameter fits the available depth or width and a sufficiently heavy base is used. Those who often entertain guests will appreciate the generous coverage, which can also shade two loungers or a small lounge area.
Homeowners with gardens can use HÖGÖN flexibly: one day it may stand beside a children’s paddling pool, the next by the dining table, and then at the edge of the lawn. The lightweight pole makes changing its location easier, without requiring significant physical effort each time.
Anyone who already uses IKEA outdoor furniture will find HÖGÖN particularly easy to integrate visually, as its colours and materials are coordinated. However, the parasol does not look out of place alongside other brands either: its retro design can be combined in many ways, from boho style to Scandinavian minimalism.
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