Umbrella stand in metal, wood, plastic or ceramic: which one to choose?

Informal and engaging version: You can find umbrella stands made of the most diverse materials on the market, but which one is right for you? The choice of material is important for both style and practicality. Let's see a few pros and cons of each in a simple way:

• Metal: It is the champion of sturdiness. A metal umbrella stand (stainless steel or painted iron) is not afraid of water and lasts for years without problems. It often has a modern or industrial look, but there are also wrought iron versions with a more classic style. If you want to play it safe, metal is an excellent choice: zero worries about breakages, easy to clean (just wipe the drops) and very stable thanks to its weight. Fun fact: most of the designer models on tetospace.com are actually made of metal with a special anti-rust paint – there must be a reason!

• Wood: A wooden umbrella stand adds a warm and traditional touch to the entrance. It looks great in classic, rustic or elegant environments. But be careful: wood and water do not go well together. If the umbrella drips a lot, the wood can absorb humidity and deteriorate over time (stains, deformations). Don't panic: just take a few precautions, for example making sure that the wooden umbrella stand has a waterproof internal coating or emptying the water often. In general, if you choose wood you will have to pamper it a little more: dry the inside if it is wet and perhaps apply a protective product every now and then. The result, however, is worth it, because the aesthetic effect of a beautiful inlaid wooden umbrella stand is unmatched.

• Ceramic: Here we enter the realm of elegance. Ceramic or porcelain umbrella stands are often real decorative pieces, sometimes hand-painted or with artistic patterns. The positive side? Ceramic is waterproof, does not deteriorate with water and its weight makes it stable (it hardly tips over). It also immediately attracts attention for its beauty: a ceramic umbrella stand can become the protagonist of the entrance. On the other hand, it is a fragile material: one unfortunate blow and it can chip or break. So, if there are wild children or unruly animals in the house, it is better to think twice or place it in a safe corner. For the rest, in terms of wow factor, ceramic wins easily.

• Plastic (resin): If you're looking for something practical and modern, plastic is for you. Umbrella stands made of plastic or synthetic resin are light to move, don't rust and often cost less. You can find them in all possible colors, even transparent (the transparent ones are fantastic because they adapt to any environment without being too noticeable). The biggest advantage is convenience: a wipe with a sponge and it's clean, and if it falls to the floor it's unlikely to break. On the other hand, watch out for stability: if it's too light , a plastic umbrella stand can tip over when you put several heavy umbrellas inside. The solution? Choose one made of sturdy plastic and perhaps with a weighted base. Quality resin models in fact have thicker walls or wider bases that make them more stable while remaining relatively light.

Ultimately, there is no absolute “best” material: it depends on your needs. If you are aiming for maximum everyday practicality, metal or a good plastic are ideal (it is no coincidence that many modern umbrella stands, such as the ALL model by Teto, are made of resistant metal). If instead you want something that catches the eye and matches with classic furnishings, go with wood or ceramic, knowing however that they require a little more care. The important thing is to be aware of the pros and cons: this way you can choose the umbrella stand in the right material and enjoy it for a long time without surprises.