Awnings are an excellent addition to any home’s exterior that provide shade, protect your door from weather damage, and add visual appeal.
With so many awning types, colors, and materials available, it can be overwhelming deciding which style is best for your home
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Awning Idea #1: Canvas Awnings
Canvas awnings are a classic choice loved for their nostalgic and inviting look.
Made of durable, water-repellent canvas fabric, they come in a variety of colors and patterns to match your home’s style.
C
anvas awnings have a softly gathered look, with ruffled edges that flutter attractively in the breeze.
Benefits of canvas awnings include:
- Cost effective option
- Wide range of colors/patterns
- Provides UV protection
- Long lasting when well maintained
- Easy to raise and lower as needed
Things to consider:
- Not as durable in extreme weather as metal or acrylic awnings
- Must be retracted in rain, snow, and high winds
- Fabric may fade over time from sun exposure
Canvas awnings look gorgeous on craftsman, cottage, and farmhouse style homes.
Opt for colorful vertical stripes on your awning to complement a craftsman home.
Choose floral or gingham patterns for a whimsical cottage vibe.
Solid colors in navy, maroon, olive green, and other deep hues work well on arts & crafts homes.
Awning Idea #2: Acrylic Awnings
Acrylic awnings have become a go-to choice for many homeowners in recent years.
The sleek, modern profile and illuminating color options of acrylic make a stunning design statement while serving the functional purpose of shading and protecting your home’s exterior.
Acrylic is a plastic polymer fabric that offers some key advantages over traditional canvas awnings.
Acrylic is highly water repellent, allowing the awning to shed rain, mist, and morning dew with ease.
Acrylic also has superior fading resistance properties compared to cotton canvas.
That means vibrant colors will maintain brilliance for years without quickly bleaching out in sunlight.
One of the most popular acrylic awning brands is Sunbrella fabric.
Sunbrella utilizes solution-dyed acrylic threads, with color pigments penetrate all the way through the fibers.
This makes the color highly integral and long-lasting.
Sunbrella canvas provides protection from harmful UV rays, resisting damage and fading over an estimated 10-15 years of use.
It comes in a variety of matte finishes and patterns.
Acrylic awnings are more expensive initially than cotton canvas versions.
However the exceptional durability and longevity of performance make up for the higher starting price over time.
Acrylic holds taut shape well and won’t suffer from stretching or sagging issues associated with lower grade fabric awnings.
Another advantage of acrylic is it can be machine washed periodically to remove any accumulated dust or grime.
Simply remove the fabric from the frame, gently wash with mild soap and water, and reattach after complete drying.
This keeps your acrylic awnings looking fresh and clean year after year.
While acrylic’s tightly woven construction makes it waterproof, it is still wise to pitch angled awnings to allow optimal rain runoff.
Welded acrylic seams should also be monitored for any splitting over the lifetime of the awning.
Harsh wind, snow, and hail can potentially damage acrylic, so it’s generally recommended these awnings be retracted in severe weather conditions.
Overall, acrylic awnings offer outstanding advantages.
Their modern profile, beautiful sheen, and glowing colors will impress your neighbors.
With attention to proper seasonal maintenance, acrylic awnings can enhance your home with shade and protection for 10-15 years or more.
If seeking stylish low maintenance awnings, acrylic is an ideal option.
Awning Idea #3: Metal Awnings
Metal awnings are a great choice when you want a minimalist, modern look with the ruggedness to withstand any weather condition.
Metal offers superior strength and durability compared to fabric awnings.
Metal is also fireproof and will not fade or degrade from sun exposure over time.
The most common metal used for awnings is commercial grade aluminum.
Aluminum offers corrosion resistance while being lighter than steel.
Architectural grades of aluminum sheet metal contain alloys that maintain strength but weigh less than solid aluminum.
Copper and stainless steel are also sometimes used for metal awnings.
Metal awnings can be fabricated in a range of profiles, from simple angled shapes to elaborate curved forms.
The awnings typically utilize sheet metal cut into customizable sizes.
Decorative stamping, perforation patterns, and etching can add visual interest.
The thickness of the metal (gauge) will determine the awning’s durability and load capacity.
Installation of metal awnings requires securing into the building’s studs or masonry using lag bolts.
The hardware allows the awning to remain fixed in place despite strong winds.
Grommets across the awning direct rainfall runoff away from the doorway or facade.
Careful measurement, fabrication, and installation are critical to ensure a properly sloped drainage angle.
Uninsulated metal awnings have the potential downside of conducting heat into the building’s interior.
Adding insulation, roofing felt or a fabric underlay can help mitigate this issue.
Spacer standoffs can also be installed on the reverse of the awning to allow heat dissipation through airflow.
Metal’s slick surface means awnings will show any scratches or dings over time.
Grain stamping or perforated designs can help minimally hide wear.
Touch up paint that matches the original finishing color should be used to cover any scratches or abrasions that occur.
Overall, metal is unmatched in terms of strength and weatherproofing qualities.
With attention to insulation and protective finishing, metal awnings can provide a lifetime of sleek, low maintenance shade and shelter above doorways.
Their cutting edge style slips effortlessly into modern and industrial decor.
Awning Idea #4: Patio Cover Awnings
For homeowners who want to create a sheltered outdoor living space, patio cover awnings are an excellent option.
These awnings essentially form roofed shelters over patios, decks, and walkways.
They provide overhead coverage that allows you to enjoy the outdoors regardless of sun, rain, or snow.
Patio covers come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and building materials.
They are custom designed and fabricated based on the specifics of your outdoor space.
The main structural elements include posts to provide vertical supports and beams that span horizontally to form the roof frame.
The most popular roof covering materials for patio covers include:
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion resistant for an elegant look.
Can be painted any color.
- Wood: Cedar, redwood, and treated pine have a warm, inviting aesthetic.
Requires occasional sealing/stain.
- Plastics: PVC and polycarbonate panels are affordable, lightweight, and easy to install.
Provide UV protection.
- Fabric: Acrylic or canvas fabrics create a breezy covered space.
More prone to weathering over time.
- Metal: Steel or copper roofing matched with metal beams for an architectural appeal.
Very durable but higher cost.
The size of the patio cover depends on the footprint of the patio.
Typical good dimensions are 10 x 12 feet or 12 x 16 feet.
Beam spans usually top out around 12-16 feet.Square and rectangular shapes are common, but creative forms like hexagons work too.
Patio cover awnings create the perfect shaded space for outdoor relaxation, dining, or entertaining.
Their sheltering presence allows outdoor living even on rainy days or nights.
Outfit the space with weather resistant patio furniture, ceiling fans, and decorative lighting for full enjoyment and ambiance.
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Awning Idea #5: Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are a great choice if you want the ability to control when you want shade over your entryway.
With retractable awnings, you can raise or lower the awning using manual or motorized mechanisms.
This allows you to block the sun when needed while preserving your view at other times.
Benefits include:
- Provides adjustable shade when you want it
- Can be retracted in bad weather
- Come in manual and remote-controlled motorized styles
- Variety of fabics like canvas, acrylic, mesh
Things to consider:
- More expensive than fixed fabric awnings
- Need to bring awning in during storms
- Motorized versions require electrical work
Retractable awnings are perfect for solar control on southern facing doors.
Opt for mesh screens to cut glare while maintaining views of your garden or street.
Remote-controlled motorized styles make it easy to operate the awning from inside your home.
Make sure to choose wind-resistant fabrics.
Awning Idea #6: Door Hood Awnings
Door hoods provide a charming and functional covering right above exterior doorways.
Sometimes called door canopies, these compact awnings add architectural interest while protecting your entry’s threshold from sun exposure and precipitation.
- Door hoods come in a range of materials including:
- Wood – Cedar and redwood hoods have a welcoming, rustic aesthetic.
Requires periodic staining/sealing to maintain.
- Metal – Steel, aluminum and copper hoods provide durability with minimal maintenance.
Can customize with colors and finishes.
- Fiberglass – Molded fiberglass offers affordable durability that resembles wood grain when painted.
Resists weathering well.
- PVC – For a budget friendly option, molded PVC door hoods are attractive and low maintenance.
Lacks the elegance of other materials.
The size of door hood awnings can vary, but typical dimensions range from 3-6 feet wide and 1-2 feet deep.
The hood should adequately cover the entry door and immediate landing space right outside it.
Overly large hoods can look out of proportion above a single door.
Gabled and arched profiles provide visual flair, ranging from simple triangles to elaborate ogee curves.
Decorative brackets and supports on each side lend an upscale appearance.
For cohesion, paint or finish the hood to match the home’s existing trim color.
Door hoods excel at providing covering where a full-width porch or awning isn’t possible.
Their petite scale makes them ideal for accentuating cottage, craftsman bungalow, and other charming architectural styles.
For an easy upgrade, add one above your home’s entrance to elevate the curb appeal.
Awning Idea #7: Window Awnings
Like the idea of a fabric awning but don’t have space above a door?
Window awnings are a great solution for shading sunny windows.
Typically made of canvas, acrylic, or vinyl fabrics, window awnings are installed above or below individual windows.
They can be fixed or retractable.
Benefits include:
- Provide UV protection for interior spaces
- Help insulate windows against summer heat/glare
- Come in a range of fabric colors and patterns
- Offer an affordable shading solution
Things to consider:
- Only cover one window at a time
- Look best when evenly spaced on facade
- Require individual mounting and hardware for each
- Fixed styles can’t be adjusted like retractable
Use window awnings to accent architectural details like transom windows.
Opt for full cover below the window, or partial covering with valance styles.
Coordinate colors with your home’s color scheme.
Patterned canvas window awnings would suit a cottage or bungalow.
Solid acrylic awnings complement modern homes.
Awning Idea #8 – Backlit Awnings
For a seriously eye-catching awning, consider a backlit version.
Backlit awnings feature lighting inside translucent fabric, creating an illuminated glow.
The awnings grab attention while providing ambient lighting at night.
They come in acrylic or polycarbonate translucent fabrics.
LED strip lighting around the interior perimeter creates the luminous effect.
Benefits of backlit awnings:
- Creatively illuminate and highlight awnings
- Provides decorative ambient lighting at night
- Acrylic and polycarbonate fabrics diffuse light evenly
- LEDs are energy efficient and long lasting
Things to consider:
- More complex installation with electrical work
- Only suitable above doors/windows (not larger areas)
- Light pollution if overused in dark areas
Backlit entry awnings make a dramatic statement.
Warm white light creates a welcoming glow, while color changing LEDs allow you to personalize the shade.
Use accent lighting to showcase architectural details like stone or timberwork.
Just take care not to overdo it.
These awnings work best providing hot spots of illumination rather than lighting up an entire building facade.
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Awning Idea #9 – Automatic Retractable Awnings
Automatic retractable awnings provide the ultimate in hassle-free shade control.
With an automated awning, you can enjoy effortless coverage over patios and decks with the press of a button.
These awnings utilize interior motors and mechanical systems to extend and retract the awning.
Many feature sun and wind sensors that automatically react to weather conditions.
When the sun comes out, the awning extends to provide cooling shade.
When winds pick up or exceed safe thresholds, the awning automatically retracts to prevent damage.
Other premium features include:
- Remote controls – Allow awning operation from anywhere with a wireless remote.
- Rain sensors – At the first drop of rain, the awning will retract.
- Timer settings – Program the awning to deploy at certain times of day.
Useful for shade during sunset dinner parties.
- Pitch control – Adjust the awning pitch angle as needed for optimal shade coverage.
- Motion sensors – Awning retracts if high winds are detected to prevent damage.
- Fabric choices for automatic awnings include canvas, acrylic, mesh, and polycarbonate.
Acrylic and polycarbonate offer heightened weather resistance.
Make sure to choose fabric rated for wind resistance.
Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper calibration and functioning of the automated awning.
Look for systems with backup manual controls in case of power failure.
The convenience of automatic awnings takes the hassle out of enjoying cool shaded spaces outdoors.
With auto control features, your awning will deploy when you need it and retract when you don’t.
Awning Idea #10 – Creative Awning Shapes
Tired of boring rectangular awnings?
Get creative with fun modern awning shapes and profiles.
Custom fabricated awnings allow you to choose unique forms like curves, waves, circles, triangles, trapezoids, and more.
Made from metal or tensioned fabric, these awnings make an artistic statement while shading your exterior spaces.
Benefits of creatively shaped awnings:
- Makes an eye-catching architectural statement
- Allows unique form suited to your space
- Fabric tensioned awnings structurally stable
- Durably constructed from quality materials
Things to consider:
- More expensive than standard awning styles
- Professional fabrication and installation required
- Shape could affect water drainage
Custom shaped awnings look amazing on modern and contemporary homes.
Choose sweeping curved profiles to accent arched windows and doors.
Try angular overlapping triangular awnings for an origami-inspired look.
Fabric awnings with circular and oval forms would enhance a mod facade.
Let your imagination run wild!
Awning Idea #11 – Pergola Canopy Awnings
Pergola canopies are the ultimate shady awning for your outdoor living spaces.
Also called shade sails or pergola covers, they consist of slanted fabric canopies on a wooden pergola frame.
The water-resistant fabric is stretched and tensioned to create an organic looking undulating form.
Benefits include:
- Provides ample overhead shade for patios
- Filtered shade allows optimal light conditions
- Water resistant and UV blocking fabrics
- Visually stunning architectural statement
Things to consider:
- More expensive custom structure
- Permits often required for construction
- Standing water can pool on canopy
- Fabric may need re-tensioning over time
Pergola canopies excel at providing shade for lounge areas, seating nooks, and al fresco dining spaces.
Their draping silhouettes lend a relaxed resort-like vibe.
Just take care to angle the fabric sufficiently for good water drainage.
Pair with outdoor rug, potted plants, and comfy patio furniture underneath.
Awning Idea #12 – Solar Patio Awnings
If you enjoy entertaining outdoors after dark, solar powered patio awnings are a brilliant option.
Integrated solar panels in the awning’s canopy soak up the sun’s rays during the day.
The stored solar energy powers LED lights to illuminate your patio at night.
Benefits include:
- Solar powered lighting requires no electrical work
- Creates a magical ambiance on patios at night
- Customizable LED color temperature and effects
- Durable construction stands up to weather
- Solar LEDs are eco-friendly and reduce energy bills
Things to consider:
- Higher cost than non-solar lighted awnings
- Solar panels need full sun exposure to fully charge
- More effective supplemental vs.
sole light source
Experience the luxury of spending summer evenings under a soft glowing awning.
Warm white light sets the mood for dining and laughing with friends late into the night.
Slowly transitioning colored LEDs create a festive vibe.
Solar awnings give you the flexibility to arrange lighting exactly where you need it.
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Awning Idea #13 – Wooden Beam Awnings
For a sturdy and customizable covering over your exterior door, wooden beam awnings are an attractive option.
Consisting of exposed wood rafters and beams, these awnings support fabric canopies or removable wood panels.
The versatile design allows you to control sun coverage.
Benefits include:
- Attractive wood construction complements outdoors
- Ability to retract fabric or remove wood panels
- Provides overhead shelter above doors or patios
- Easy to customize with wood type, beams, and fabric
Things to consider:
- More expensive than other awning types
- Wood requires periodic sealing/treatment
- Fabric may need removal in harsh weather
This style pairs nicely with modern farmhouse, craftsman, and ranch homes.
Use textured cedar or redwood beams for a warm rustic feel.
Paint or stain the wood an accent color to match your exterior color palette.
Add retractable canopy panels to control shade and air flow.
The tailored fabric and clean wood lines create an inviting entryway.
I hope this article got your creative juices flowing with awesome awning ideas for your home’s exterior.
Awnings not only provide sun protection and shelter from the elements, but also enable you to put your own personal design stamp on your house.
Consider mixing and matching different styles, like canvas window awnings with a metal patio cover awning.
Let the awning enhance and highlight your home’s architecture.
With so many colors, fabrics, styles and custom options, there are endless possibilities to consider as you envision the perfect awning over your door or patio.
