BE OPEN BLOG

Umbrella stands rarely get the design spotlight, but maybe they should. They sit quietly at our thresholds, catching the residue of our daily commutes while rarely earning more than a passing glance. Yet in the hands of thoughtful designers, even this underappreciated object can shift from forgettable to delightful, each approach bringing a different blend of ingenuity, humor, and material intelligence.

InBetween by Arihant Israni and Anoushka Braganza takes the humble act of storing an umbrella and elevates it into something almost meditative. Most umbrella stands are utilitarian cylinders that live out their days in dusty corners, but InBetween proposes a gentler, more intentional experience. Its flowing loops curve and connect in a sculptural rhythm that draws the eye before you ever reach for a handle. These looping forms cradle umbrellas while creating a sense of visual movement.

The piece is inspired by transitions, those in between moments that exist at the threshold of home. The way the loops flow seamlessly into one another mirrors the small rituals that shape our days, like shaking off rain before stepping inside. Visually, InBetween fits comfortably into a range of environments. Its minimalist geometry and warm, muted tones offer presence without shouting.

The material choice deepens this reflection. The base is made from Diatomaceous Earth, a naturally porous, antimicrobial substance that absorbs and evaporates water with minimal intervention. Instead of the puddles and mildew that plague most stands, this one quietly handles the mess without demanding attention.

Eduardo Baroni’s Justin Case is the umbrella stand you keep around just in case, though once installed, it becomes an integral part of your entryway’s personality. Made from powder-coated steel sheet, it leans from the wall in an assertive triangular form that reads less like storage and more like sculptural installation.

The stand’s angled posture naturally catches full-size umbrellas, using gravity to hold them in place without clips or complicated mechanisms. Three additional hooks accommodate compact umbrellas, bringing the total capacity to five. It is a deceptively simple system where every angle is tuned for performance. This is functional design that understands real life, and it shows in how seamlessly the stand blends art with utility.

The wall-mounted approach is especially welcome in smaller homes and apartments. Traditional stands consume valuable floor space, often becoming tripping hazards in tight entryways. Justin Case eliminates that problem entirely by moving storage upward, keeping pathways clean and circulation fluid. A removable reservoir at the base discreetly collects dripping water, preventing puddles without interrupting the sleek silhouette.

Baroni’s design succeeds because it refuses the idea that functional objects must hide. It occupies very little space while shaping the aesthetic of the entryway, adding a flash of personality whether chosen in a bold red or a more subdued finish.

Nendo’s Meji umbrella stand takes minimalism to a refreshing extreme. Instead of reimagining the stand as sculpture or wall piece, Nendo reduces the idea to its most essential function: hold an umbrella upright. The result is a small silicone-covered resin cube with a cross-shaped groove cut into its top. Inspired by tiled floor joints, the grooves grip the umbrella spike when pressed in, keeping it perfectly vertical without additional support.

Traditional stands tend to be bulky vessels or grids of holes that look awkward when empty. Meji avoids this problem entirely, remaining a clean, monolithic cube when not in use. It occupies only a sliver of space yet delivers exactly what is required, replacing conventional bulk with elegant efficiency. This is reduction as strategy, a reminder that innovation often emerges through subtraction rather than addition.

Users simply press their umbrella into the center until the groove holds it steady. The tactility of the silicone and the firmness of the resin combine to form a surprisingly secure grip. Offered as a single cube or an elongated version for three umbrellas, Meji quietly adapts to different living situations. The available color palette, ranging from black and white to a soft grey-lavender, reinforces the product’s clean aesthetic without demanding visual dominance.

Oggi’s Bella bench tackles the design challenge from a fresh angle. Rather than focusing solely on umbrella storage, Bella folds multiple entryway needs into a single piece of wooden furniture. Built from five round-edged timber planks, the bench offers a seat, an organizer, and an umbrella keeper that blends seamlessly into small homes.

Two stacked cutouts near one side act as vertical umbrella slots, letting umbrellas dry while remaining neatly contained. Beneath the bench, open shelves hold shoes in a way that avoids clutter while keeping essentials accessible. Two recessed circular zones on the surface offer spots for cups, perfect for anyone finishing a coffee as they grab their keys.

Designer Phanomsook Meelugsana describes Bella as the last stop before leaving home, a place to gather everything without worry. Keys, umbrellas, shoes, morning beverage. All of it has a home in a quiet composition of wood that feels both warm and functional. The bench can live indoors or outdoors and comes in multiple wood finishes, allowing it to adapt to different styles of entryway or patio.