We've seen Jeff Koons' infamous puppy vase used as an umbrella stand. And we've seen Karim Rashid's anthropomorphic design for holding umbrellas (pictured after the jump). These vessels, while admittedly functional, come at steep prices of $6,000 and $300 respectively...
In actuality, an umbrella stand simply needs to do the job of holding umbrellas until you need them and collecting them when they're damp from use. There are lots of objects out there that can do the job (well and with beauty), saving you the big bucks for another day. So, AT readers, we're asking you: What have you used as an umbrella stand in your home? Please let us know in the comments below.
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Comments (13)
300 dollars is ransom in south africa, where i come from.
Wait? Only? I wouldn't want to spend much more than $30! I would love to hear what everyone comments on their umbrella stands.
My umbrella stand is simply the bathtub when wet, the closet when dry!
But since I loose umbrellas all the time, I rarely have one at home. I guess for that reason I could spend more on an eventual stand than on an actual umbrella, since at least the stand wouldn't get lost.
Though I can appreciate umbrella stands, I don't really understand them. I mean, how many umbrellas do you have and how often are they wet? Perhaps if I had an English country estate where people were often in and out from the fields, fox hunting or whatnot, but otherwise, I don't see the need other than to have another something to put around...
my bathtub is my umbrella rack. pop it open, it dries quickly, close it up and store it away. and then i can save the $300 for shoes and clothes. (not really. actually, for bills).
I don't have an umbrella stand. I don't feel the need for one, and it rains here a lot (Vancouver) After they're dry (bathroom or patio) they get stored away. If I did want an umbrella stand, I like the idea of using a large cylindrical glass vase: http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=583&f=4424&viewall=1
Umbrella stand?
Isn't that what closets were invented for?
An attractive terra cotta pot and tray is a great umbrella stand. The terra cotta absorbs the water but it won't really drip and it dries quickly.
If the Jeff Koons puppy vase can be an umbrella stand than my Robert Indiana Love print can be worn as a sandwich board.
My in-laws use a large floor vase. It's decorative even when it's empty. We use the laundry sink.
I used to use a florist's bucket. I got it really cheap somewhere, like $5 or so. But that was when I was collecting vintage/antique umbrellas/parasols. I ditched that collection eventually and the florist's bucket along with it.
Why not, if you have the money.
But, um, no matter WHAT you spend on an umbrella stand, whether that was its original function or not, it had a designer, no?
Door mat when wet, closet, or door hinge when dry. It depends on the season.