What’s the best way to pick the right awning for a home? What should you specifically look for? Awnings can satisfy both functional and decorative needs. They add just the right amount of color and style to patios, decks, doors, and windows while providing energy efficient shade to facilitate enjoyable outdoor entertainment.
Aspects To Consider
• Operation and function
• Location
• Overall style
• Colors and fabrics
• Location of the awning(s)
While patios and decks are likely the first place most people visualize an awning, they also make the perfect complement for windows and doors in terms of both function and style. They provide a great deal of protection from inclement weather and protect the interior of your home from the harsh rays of the sun. Installed over a patio or deck, awnings provide enough shade to significantly reduce temperatures while protecting expensive outdoor furniture from damaging weather conditions. Another way to naturally improve the energy efficiency in a home is to install attractive, functional awnings over sun-facing windows.
Here are some other key features to keep in mind while choosing the ideal awning for your home or business.
Awning Styles
In addition to certain functional issues including ventilation, drainage, and weight requirements, it’s important that the awnings are aesthetically pleasing and complement the overall architectural style of the home, according to Better Homes and Gardens. Some common awning styles include:
• Dome style
• Semi-circular (popular in entryways)
• Waterfall
• Traditional awnings with straight edges with either closed or open sides
Colors and Patterns
Choose specific colors that harmonize well and reflect the general style of your interior, particularly with the interior entryway in order to provide maximum visual appeal once the front door is opened. Use colors that complement the existing colors of both the home’s exterior and interior and also enhances the architectural style. According to Houzz, traditional architecture generally works best using traditional color schemes such as neutrals, deep navy blues, or smooth greens.
Stripes work well for cottage and colonial style homes. Terracotta, salmon, and beige stripes and solids tend to harmonize well with stucco-sided or Southwestern-inspired homes or buildings. Also, choose specific patterns that are in proportion to the overall size of both your awning and structure. For instance, smaller stripes may appear too busy on an extra large piece of fabric, while awnings with unusually large-striped fabrics can visually overpower a smaller ranch-style home.
General Guidelines Concerning Patterns and Architecture
- Modern homes: Homes with unique architectural features and multi-angled rooflines should have solid, simple awning designs.
- Contemporary homes: Choose bright colors with bold, contrasting patterns.
- Traditional homes and businesses: Pick the right awning for a home or business that’s more traditional in nature by installing scalloped-edged valances for a clean, nostalgic look.
Energy Efficiency
If the purpose of installing an awning is to benefit from the shade and to reduce heat, pick lighter colors that will work to reflect the direct rays of the sun. Awnings enhance energy efficiency by blocking the sun’s rays from heating the interior of your home and therefore causing you to kick on the air conditioning.
Related Resource: Different Types of Awnings
Stylish awnings are not only visually appealing, but serve to cool off both the interior and exterior (patio or deck) of your home, which makes them highly energy efficient. They offer a unique, polished look that’s attractive from every angle. For best results, it’s important to consider all the features first in order to pick the right awning for a home or business.
