The Umbrella in the Café: Table, Floor or Cloakroom
You come in from the rain, enter a café and face the question: where to put the wet umbrella? Placing it on the table seems impolite, putting it on the floor impractical, and not every establishment offers an umbrella stand. The right storage protects your model from damage, avoids puddles and shows consideration for other guests. Here you will learn what options are available and what you should pay attention to.
The Floor: Practical but with Risks
Many people simply lean their umbrella against the table edge or place it next to the chair. This works better with stick umbrellas with straight handles than with curved models. Make sure the umbrella does not protrude into the aisle: waiters and other guests could trip over it or accidentally knock it over. A stick umbrella with a hook loop can often be hung on the table edge, provided the tabletop is thin enough. This keeps it secure and drips directly onto the floor without disturbing others.
The Cloakroom: Clean and Secure
Cafés with cloakrooms usually also offer an umbrella stand or hooks. Your umbrella is in good hands here, especially if it is of high quality. Hang it by the loop or place it upright in the stand so the water can drip off. With valuable models featuring special handles or designer covers, you should ensure the umbrella is not pinched. Umbrellas with delicate materials such as silk or satin dry best when hanging, without direct contact with other umbrellas.
Folding Umbrellas: Compactly Stored
Smaller models can be stored in the supplied sleeve after closing and placed in your bag or under the chair. Pocket umbrellas with a length of 25 to 30 centimeters fit into almost any handbag or backpack. It is important that you allow the model to dry completely at home after your café visit. A damp sleeve can leave mildew stains on the cover, especially with polyester or pongee fabric.
The Table: Only in Exceptional Cases
A wet umbrella does not belong on the tabletop unless you have thoroughly shaken it off beforehand and wiped it with a cloth. Even then, you should place it on a napkin or your own cloth to protect the surface. With models featuring metal tips or sharp edges, there is also the risk of scratching the table. If no other space is available, it is better to place the umbrella on your lap or next to you on a free seat.
Tips for On the Go
Those who frequently visit cafés can take along a small microfiber cloth to dry the umbrella before storing it. Some manufacturers also offer waterproof cases that prevent dripping. When purchasing, look for a model with stable mechanics: an umbrella that closes easily and securely saves you unnecessary effort in the café. Stick umbrellas weighing under 400 grams and folding umbrellas under 300 grams are particularly handy and can be stored without complications.
Related: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The complete range: Umbrellas.
Related categories: Jean Paul Gaultier, Pagoda umbrellas, Romantic. The full range: Umbrellas.
Read more: Umbrellas and Gloves: Material, Grip and Wet Fingers, Umbrellas at Concerts: Cloakroom, Seating and Intervals, Wet Umbrella in the Car: Practical Storage Solutions, Statement or Understatement: Choosing Your Umbrella for the Occasion, Romantic Models: When Ruffles on Umbrellas Work and When They Don't