The word “umbrella” comes from the Latin word umbra, meaning “shade.” Once a luxury item, the umbrella has become a spring-to-summer essential, from high-tech patio models to compact versions tucked into bags and cars.

Here are a few for home or travel, each with a hint of Mary Poppins’ charm.

WOOD PATIO UMBRELLA FROM L.L. BEAN

We often turn to Maine’s best-known retailer for outdoor gear, and umbrellas are no exception. This one features Sunbrella, a heavy-duty, long-lasting material that protects against sun, wind and mildew. Eight feet high by nine feet in diameter. Available in four colors.

$430. 95 Main St., Freeport, or llbean.com

MERMAID COVE SET BY LILLY PULITZER AT POTTERY BARN KIDS

The under-10 crowd will love this three-piece set with two folding beach chairs and a pint-size umbrella. Fabric is coated with polyurethane, has a UPF rating of 50+ and is made from 43 plastic bottles. Carrying tote included. 

$129. For retail locations and to order online, visit potterybarnkids.com

CANTILEVER BY TREASURE GARDEN AT LOWERY’S

Providing 10 feet of coverage, this popular style of umbrella tilts with ease, cranks open and rotates 360 degrees. Available in two frame colors and a wide range of durable outdoor fabrics.

Contact retailer for pricing. 549 Portland St., Berwick, or loweryspatio.com

CRYSTAL STARBURST UMBRELLA FROM SCULLY & SCULLY

The fanciest among us will love this functional Italian art. It features a .925-sterling-silver-plated handle with crystal knob, black canopy with gold ombré at the tip and a generous scattering of Swarovski crystals. Opens to a 45-inch span. 

$635. 504 Park Ave., New York City, or scullyandscully.com

SORBET COLLECTION BUNDLE BY ORIGINAL DUCKHEAD

Made using nine recycled plastic bottles per umbrella — combatting the more than 1 million mostly unrecyclable umbrellas discarded worldwide each year — these compact designs feature a birch handle crafted from a single piece of wood.

$135 for three. Available at select Maine retailers or online at originalduckhead.com

UMBRELLA COVER MUSEUM

Starting Saturday, May 23, hop the ferry from mainland Portland to Peaks Island and visit this quirky seasonal museum that “celebrates the mundane.” Claiming the Guinness World Record for umbrella sleeves, the collection includes more than 2,000 covers from 71 countries. 

Admission is donation-based. 62 Island Ave., Portland. umbrellacovermuseum.org