It’s that time of the year when we start to find ways to make our garden that perfect retreat. As we continue to spend so much time at home transforming our gardens – extending our living space outdoors continues to be a priority. Whether you want to enjoy a rainy cuppa in the morning or shade from the sun on a BBQ evening our awnings have you covered.

If you’re looking to make a big impact on your home’s outdoor living space, then you should consider adding an awning. An awning is an attractive addition to any patio or deck area and can provide both aesthetic charm and practical function. Even better, awnings are affordable and straightforward to install. They are also a cost-effective solution for enhancing your outdoor living space compared to other home improvement options. But how do you choose the right awning for your home? Read on to find out!

Why Choose an Awning?

Awnings are a simple yet effective way to enhance your outdoor space. They extend over windows, patios, and decking areas to shield you from harsh sunlight, sudden rain, and other unpredictable weather. But that’s not all — awnings also boost your home’s curb appeal. With a wide range of styles, materials, and colours available, it’s easy to find one that perfectly matches your home’s exterior design.

Even better, awnings are affordable and straightforward to install. Whether you’re planning a full garden makeover or just want a shaded spot to relax, they offer instant impact with minimal effort.

Also, awnings can benefit your home in the following ways:

Extending your living space

A canopy or awning will give you the benefit of continuing your living space outdoors, giving the illusion of more space in your home. Not only will this add immediate enjoyment to the way you and your family utilise your home and garden but it will enhance your house’s appeal to potential buyers further down the line. An awning creates a smooth transition from indoor to outdoor living. It acts like an extra room — giving you a sheltered area for relaxing, dining, or entertaining. As a result, your garden becomes a natural extension of your home. This not only enhances everyday living but can also increase your property’s appeal to future buyers.

Providing valuable storage space

Awnings can create practical storage space for outdoor items such as garden tools, toys, or muddy boots. This dedicated, sheltered area helps keep the interior of your home clean and organized by providing a convenient spot to leave muddy boots and other outdoor gear before entering.

Protect yourself from the elements

We all get frustrated when it’s a warm summer evening but the rain descends; our range of awnings allow you to enjoy your evening whilst sheltering both your family and your furniture from those annoying elements. Don’t let the British weather spoil your plans. A quality awning offers reliable protection from sun and rain alike. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or enjoying a quiet evening with a book, you can stay comfortable and dry. Plus, it keeps your garden furniture in better condition for longer.

Cools your home

If in summer your living area or dining room is exposed to the sun making for an unbearable hot environment. Our retractable awnings will allow you to regulate the temperature without having to close your curtains all day. A retractable awning helps block direct sunlight before it reaches your windows. This keeps your interior cooler — without relying heavily on curtains or fans. It’s an energy-efficient way to regulate temperature while keeping your space bright and airy.

Where To Put An Awning

A good place to start when deciding where to put an awning is by looking at which areas of your outdoor space need some shade or protection from the elements. Do you have any windows that get direct sunlight during certain times of day? Or maybe there’s part of your patio or deck that could use some extra coverage? Consider these questions when choosing where to install your new awning because choosing the right location for your awning is just as important as picking the right style. The position affects how much shade and protection you get, and how well the awning complements your home’s layout. Fortunately, there are several ideal spots to consider, depending on how you want to use the space.

1. Over Your Patio or Decking Area

One of the most popular places to install an awning is above a patio or deck. This instantly creates a shaded area for outdoor dining, relaxing, or entertaining guests. By adding cover to your main seating area, you can enjoy your garden more often — even during a summer shower or a scorching day.

2. Above Windows or Sliding Doors

Installing an awning above south-facing windows or large glass doors helps reduce glare and heat inside your home. It also protects window frames and prevents fading of furniture and flooring. Certain awning designs allow for ventilation and can keep windows open even during light rain, maintaining airflow while still providing protection. This placement is especially useful in living rooms, kitchens, or sunrooms that get a lot of natural light.

3. Over French Doors or Bi-fold Doors

If your home features wide doors opening onto the garden, an awning can make that transition seamless. Not only does it frame the view beautifully, but it also offers protection when the doors are open, keeping the inside cool and dry.

4. At the Front of Your Home

A smaller awning above your front door or a bay window adds a charming touch to your home’s exterior. It also gives visitors a bit of shelter while waiting at the door. This can be especially useful during rainy months.

5. On a Freestanding Frame in the Garden

If wall space is limited, you can opt for a freestanding awning setup. This works well in larger gardens where you want to create a separate seating area — away from the house but still protected from the elements.

Types of Awnings

When shopping for an awning, it’s important to understand the different awning types available, as each is designed for specific applications such as homes, caravans, and motorhomes. With so many awning options, including those tailored for caravans and motorhomes, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. But once you understand the main types, it’s much easier to match your needs with the perfect fit. From fixed to retractable, each style offers different benefits, whether you’re focused on design, function, or flexibility.

Selecting the right size awning is crucial for both home and vehicle applications, such as caravans and motorhomes, to ensure proper fit and functionality.

1. Retractable Awnings

Retractable awnings are one of the most popular choices for homeowners. They can be extended when you need shade and retracted when you want more sunlight. Operated manually or by motor, they offer excellent control and convenience. Even better, they last longer because you can protect them from bad weather when not in use.

2. Fixed or Stationary Awnings

Fixed awnings are permanently installed and provide year-round protection. They’re a great option for covering patios, doors, and windows where consistent shade or shelter is needed. With a solid frame and durable fabric, they can handle various weather conditions and often add a more structured, architectural look to your home.

3. Freestanding Awnings

If you want to create a shaded area away from the house (perhaps over a pool, garden seating area, or dining spot) freestanding awnings are ideal. These are supported by their own frame, so there’s no need to attach them to a wall. They’re perfect for flexible outdoor layouts and larger gardens.

4. Motorised Awnings

For ultimate ease, motorised awnings can be extended or retracted at the touch of a button. Some even come with smart sensors that react to wind, sun, or rain. If you love modern convenience or want to control your awning remotely, this is a great investment and you may also want to consider motorised curtains for seamless interior automation.

5. Portable Awnings

Need a temporary solution? Portable awnings are lightweight, easy to set up, and can be moved around your garden as needed. They’re ideal for renters or anyone looking for flexibility without permanent installation. Note that larger portable awnings may require at least two people for safe and efficient setup, especially in windy conditions.

Awning Features and Options

When it comes to choosing the perfect awning for your home, exploring the available features and options is key to finding a solution that truly suits your needs. For those looking to create a welcoming entrance, a porch awning can provide shelter from the elements and a stylish touch to your front door. If you want flexibility, a retractable awning allows you to extend or retract the cover as needed, giving you control over your outdoor space in changing weather.

Combi awnings are a fantastic choice if you’re after the best of both worlds—they combine the coverage of a full awning with the compact convenience of a porch awning. For those who prefer not to attach anything to their home’s wall, freestanding awnings offer a versatile way to create a shaded area anywhere in your garden or patio, perfect for dining or relaxing away from the house.

The choice of pole material also matters. Aluminium poles are lightweight and rust-resistant, making them easy to handle and durable. Fibreglass poles offer flexibility and strength, while steel poles provide robust support for larger awnings. By considering these features—whether it’s the type of awning, the way it extends, or the materials used—you can select an awning that enhances your living space and stands up to the elements for years to come.

Awning Materials and Construction

The longevity and performance of your awning depend heavily on the materials and construction quality. Opting for a durable fabric is essential, especially in the UK where weather conditions can be unpredictable. Look for awnings made from waterproof and UV-resistant materials to ensure your outdoor space remains protected from both rain and harsh sunlight. This not only keeps your furniture and patio dry but also helps prevent fading and mildew growth.

Modern convenience is another factor to consider. Many awnings now come with remote control operation, allowing you to extend or retract your awning with ease—ideal for those moments when the weather changes suddenly. If you have french doors or large windows, make sure to choose an awning designed to attach securely to these features, providing seamless coverage and a stylish finish.

The construction of the awning frame is just as important as the fabric. Aluminium poles are popular for their lightweight strength and resistance to corrosion, while steel poles offer extra sturdiness for larger installations. Fibreglass poles are another option, combining flexibility with durability. By selecting high-quality materials and robust construction, you’ll enjoy an awning that not only looks great but also stands the test of time.

Measuring for an Awning

Getting accurate measurements is a crucial step in ensuring your new awning fits perfectly and functions as intended. For a porch awning, start by measuring the width of the door or window where the awning will be attached. Next, measure the length of the awning rail above the door or window—this will determine how much coverage you’ll get.

If you’re considering retractable awnings, measure the full width of the area you want to shade, making sure to account for any obstacles like guy ropes, downpipes, or nearby walls. It’s also important to think about how the size of the awning will relate to your outdoor space—too small and you won’t get enough coverage, too large and it may overwhelm the area.

For combi awnings or freestanding awnings, measure the space where you plan to set up the awning, ensuring there’s enough room for the frame and any support poles. Always double-check your measurements before ordering, as accurate measurements are the key to a perfect fit and a hassle-free installation. Taking the time to measure carefully means you’ll enjoy your awning for years to come, with no surprises along the way.

Tips for Awning Installation

Installing your new awning doesn’t have to be daunting, especially if you follow a few simple tips to ensure everything goes smoothly. Before you begin, verify that you have all the necessary components and clear instructions—this is your first step to a verification successful waiting experience. Choose a suitable location for your awning, considering factors like direct sunlight, prevailing wind, and exposure to rain. This will help you protect your outdoor space and get the most from your investment.

For retractable awnings, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use the recommended tools and hardware. If you’re installing porch awnings, make sure they are securely attached to the door or window frame, and consider using guy ropes for extra stability, especially in windy conditions. Take care to position the awning so it provides maximum coverage without obstructing doors or windows.

If you’re unsure about any part of the process, don’t hesitate to seek professional help—proper installation is essential for safety and longevity. By taking these precautions and installing your awning correctly, you’ll create a protected, comfortable outdoor space that you can enjoy year round, no matter what the elements bring.

Considerations When Choosing An Awing

Now that you know why an awning is such a great addition to any outdoor living space, it’s time to start narrowing down which type will be best for you.

Think about how much sun or shade you want in certain areas; this will help determine whether retractable or fixed models will be better suited for your needs. Getting the size of your awning just right can be trickier than you originally think. Naturally the sun moves position all day so its key to ensure your awning is big enough to provide the right amount of shade you require.
Also consider materials—do vinyl or aluminium options fit better with your décor? Also, select a fabric that is durable – let’s be realistic we live in Wales and that largely means we get a bit of rain! Choosing a durable fabric will prevent any major weather mishaps.

Lighting and heating – When that sun disappears temperatures can drop quickly through adding a heating solution this means you don’t have to quickly pack up and move back indoors but instead you can relax and enjoy the rest of your evening

Finally, measure the area where you plan on installing it so that you can get accurate measurements when shopping around! Take a look at our range to give you some more inspiration.

Final Thoughts on Choosing an Awning for Your Home

Adding an awning is an excellent way to spruce up any outdoor living space while providing some much-needed shade and protection from the elements. With so many different types available from retractable models made of vinyl or aluminium, to fixed models in various sizes—you can easily find one that will fit perfectly into your budget and décor!

Just remember these tips when choosing and installing an awning for optimal results: measure the desired area beforehand; choose materials that complement existing décor; decide if retractable or fixed models will work better; research product reviews before buying; and hire professionals for installation if needed! With these considerations in mind, finding the perfect outdoor covering won’t be such a daunting task after all!

In fact, a bespoke awning can be fitted at the fraction of the cost of an extension so for us they are a win win addition to your home. Here at Solar we offer a wide range of awnings from introductory patio models through to large scale commercial solutions.