The recent launch of Shade7’s newest Riviera cantilever umbrella, the Riviera Classic, invites a comparison between Shade7’s two outstanding Riviera Cantilever models – the Premium and the Classic. Understanding the differences between the two models will help you decide which will serve you best.
For a quick overview, the differences and similarities are itemised in this chart, while the differences and similarities are explored in greater detail below.
| Riviera® Classic | Riviera® Premium |
| • Heavy-duty 20mm diameter commercial fibreglass arms | • ‘D-Max’ ultra-strong 35x20mm anodised aluminium arms |
| • Reinforced nylon winder handle | • Upgraded 316 stainless steel and aluminium winder handle |
| • Reinforced nylon tilt knobs and trims | • Upgraded matte aluminium tilt knobs and trims |
| • Reinforced nylon hubs | • Designer matte anodised aluminium hubs |
| • Matte Silver frame finishes | • Matte Silver or Matte Black frame finishes |
| • Two umbrella sizes to choose from (octagonal only) | • Four umbrella sizes to choose from ( 3 octagonal, 1 square) |
| • Wind rated up to 60kph for peace-of-mind | • Wind rated up to 60kph for peace-of-mind |
| • 5-year frame warranty* and 10-year fabric warranty* | • 5-year frame warranty* and 10-year fabric warranty* |
| • 316 stainless steel spigot fitting | • 316 stainless steel spigot fitting |
| • Marine-grade 20-micron anodised aluminium frame | • Marine-grade 20-micron anodised aluminium frame |
The origins of the Riviera
Since its introduction nearly 25 years ago, the Riviera has remained the flagship of the Shade7 outdoor umbrella range, a true showcase of Kiwi design and engineering, combining commercial-grade strength with timeless style. Over the years, the Riviera has been refined through subtle yet valuable improvements, evolving both in performance and aesthetic appeal. With the Riviera Premium successfully launched, Shade7 saw an opportunity to redesign the popular Riviera cantilever at a lower price point. Focusing on streamlining as well as upgrading previous Riviera designs, Shade7 created the new Riviera Classic.
The Riviera Premium
Launched in 2024, the Riviera Premium is Shade7’s strongest and most beautiful Riviera to date. With its enhanced design and premium materials, the Riviera Premium builds on earlier successful models to offer the ultimate in outdoor cantilever appearance and performance. Its large oval-shaped arms are anodised aluminium, with trim such as frame hub and tilt knob also anodised aluminium, and a stainless steel and anodised aluminium winder handle. The Premium offers a choice of either black or silver anodised aluminium mast and frame, and the choice of four sizes – 3.5m, 4m and 4.5m octagonal, and 3m square. As its name suggests, the Riviera Premium takes everything that makes the Riviera so reliable and elevates it – adding a wider range of sizes, finishes and features, for those seeking the most luxurious and comprehensive shade solution.
The Riviera Classic
The visual distinction between the Premium and the Classic that most customers will note at once is the Premium’s anodised aluminium frame and trim, compared to the Classic’s round fibreglass frame and reinforced nylon trim.
Building on previous Riviera models, the Classic boasts fibreglass arms that offer greater elegance and lighter operation, while the aspects of the Premium’s improved strength and streamlined internal design have been carried over into the Classic, further enhancing its performance and customer experience.
Available in the Riviera’s two most popular sizes, the Classic is offered in either 3.5 octagonal and 4m octagonal, both finished with a silver anodised aluminium mast.
The Riviera Classic shares the same fantastic Premium canvas canopies and canopy colour choices. Both models also share the same cover bags, stainless-steel fittings and optional stabiliser kit and LED light. They have the same wind-ratings and warranties, and both offer the same features such as tilting canopy and 360degree rotation, ensuring the same benefit of versatile all-day shade.
Which Riviera umbrella model is right for you?
Ultimately the choice for most will come down to aesthetic preference. For example, black vs silver for some, square vs octagonal for some, and a preference for gleaming anodised aluminium arms or grey fibreglass arms for others. These differences aside, along with a few other finer improvements in parts and construction of the Premium, with the performance and strength so similar between the Premium and Classic, the reduction in cost of the Classic make this excellent step into the Shade7 Riviera world that much more accessible.
To discuss the best option for your space, contact the experienced team at Shade7. To see the Premium and Classic in your space, try the configurator on the Shade7 website.
