Awnings can transform your outdoor space.
If you spend a lot of time outside and would like to optimise your outdoor space at home, it is well worth considering an awning. Awnings serve a number of purposes — from providing shade and protecting your outdoor furniture, to creating a stylish aesthetic outside. If you are ready to go ahead and install an awning, you might be wondering what kind is best for your particular space. Read on for our top tips when it comes to choosing an awning that balances function with style…
1. Understand what awnings do
An awning is essentially a cover that is attached to the exterior wall of a building. It is usually installed over a deck, door, or window. An awning acts as a kind of canopy, providing protection from the sun and other elements. Depending on where it is installed, an awning can also help to control the temperature inside the home by preventing the sun from shining directly through the windows and/or glass doors.
When you are deciding what kind of awning to get, you need to consider where it will be placed, and what function you want it to serve. If, for example, you want a patio awning, you can expect to enjoy shade in a fairly large area, as well as protection for your outdoor furniture, and an extension of your living space. Window awnings, on the other hand, often help to protect the inside of your home from excessive sun exposure, and can also add privacy to your space.
2. Choose a material
Choosing the material of your awning is an important step in the process because this will often determine the longevity of your awning, as well as its function. Glass and plastic awnings, for example, are often a good choice for those who are looking for excellent protection from rain and UV rays, while acrylic fabric is very durable and fade-and-scratch resistant. Other materials you might consider include polyester fabric and metals like aluminium.
3. Consider the shape
When selecting an awning for your outdoor space, you will have a few choices. Some of the most common shapes include sloped; convex; concave; and dome. Sloped awnings are typically open-sided with a steep gradient and are a popular option for patios. They provide excellent sun and rain protection. Convex awnings, on the other hand, are often placed over doors and windows. They are also ideal for rain protection, and can add a stylish, modern aesthetic to one’s home. Similarly, concave awnings are also usually installed above doors and windows for both functional and aesthetic reasons. Dome awnings are characterised by their rounded sides that work well to protect from the elements. With an elegant aesthetic, dome awnings are as practical as they are attractive.
4. Go for function
It is possible to choose a range of different features when you have an awning installed. For example, you can opt for retractable awnings, which are very versatile — retractability can be either manual or motorised, depending on your preference. If you choose to get a manual awning, you’ll have a simple pulley system that you can use to open and close your awning by hand. A motorised awning, on the other hand, requires access to electricity but is very convenient in the long-run.
How can we help?
At Timms Curtain House, we offer a range of awnings, which are a great option for those who would like to update their outdoor space. Some of the options that we offer include multi-stop; straight drop; wire guide; café; ziptrak; folding arm; automatic; drop/pivot arm; and fixed awnings. If you need some helping selecting the type of awning that will work well in your space, we encourage you to get in touch. Our team can guide you through the process of choosing an awning, and explain the benefits of each type. The type that you choose will depend on your unique needs and the desired result for your outdoor area, and we stock a comprehensive selection of styles and designs.
If you would like to find out more about the selection of awnings that we offer at Timms Curtain House, please have a look here.
If you would like to speak to our team of experts, please contact us here or give us a call on (07) 3245 7720.