The general market for awnings covers a very broad category of outdoor products such as canopies, shade structures, overhangs and other ancillary configurations for buildings.
With more than a century of popularity, manufacturers and patrons of awnings alike have seen improvements and developments in the materials used for, design, and complexity of these outdoor shades.
Distinguishing Characteristics of Awnings
Awnings (also known as overhangs) are shade structures very much similar to the form of umbrella-like configurations intended to be attached to the exterior wall of a building. Commonly arranged over doors, windows or along pavements, awnings serve the primary purpose of providing shade against heat or rain, blocking excessive daylight and allowing better flow of air in the area covered.
Common to almost all types of awnings are three basic parts: shade material (usual canvas or metal), awning frames (usually steel or wood) and mounting hardware (screws, bolts, nuts). These are the fundamental pieces that make up every overhang structure; given the very basic components, awnings came to be known for its simplicity and clean-cut appearance. Though this image relevantly applies to current times, trends in the category of awnings are marked by more sophistication of awning designs and the abundance of style, colors and forms to choose from. Before delving into the latest trends for awnings, a brief narration of how these outdoor pieces started is discussed in the following section.
Casting Shade throughout History: How Awnings Started?
Some 120 years ago, awnings are not as prevalent as they are now. First used by the ancient inhabitants of Egypt and Syria, the early versions of awnings are primarily woven mats draped over poles or cross beams to block off sunrays in public enclosures, amphitheaters, market stalls or even residential windows. From this origin, it can be seen that during the early part, these shade structures were mostly improvised outdoor pieces using sails or enormous canvas fabrics.
It was only during the beginning of 19th century when the product was commercialized specifically in the American region. Stores near sidewalks and streets are the typical establishments embellished with awnings until the latter parts of the 20th century. Going beyond its image as a product for businesses and store owners’ use, the style and function of awnings were brought to residential users by Otis Awning Fabrics Company – one of the prominent brands in the market during the 1920’s.
To date, there are over a hundred brands and types of awnings all over the world. Though lots of developments were seen in the area of product design, quality and format, not much has changed in the purpose that it serves – to provide comfort for users without the compromise of style.
Trending Developments for Awnings
More and more consumers appreciate awnings beyond their functional use; the product’s aesthetic appeal is gradually becoming a significant variable that drives consumers in buying these outdoor overhangs. The following trends and developments are specific to the general category of awnings.
- Sturdier and more sophisticated shading material. Consumers are not only limited to canvas or fabric. Solid metal or aluminum sheets and blinds are becoming accepted as replacement to soft materials such as nylon and polyester fabrics.
- More designs, colors and styles to choose from. From frame to the surface of the shading material, a lot of designs have swarmed the market. Different colors, prints, formats and size are widely available in the market.
- Competitive pricing. Primarily because of the many brands competing in the market, the price for awnings has been consistently set at affordable levels even for the best and high quality brands of these outdoor pieces.
Another notable trend that consumers should be familiar with is the wide availability of different kinds of awnings. Nine of these popular categories can be found in this website. Product information combined with consumer insights can be found in this website specifically for these nine categories:
- Fabric Awnings – also known as canvas awning, this category can be considered the most basic type but also the most popular category. Fabrics such as vinyl, polyester, or nylon are the typical shading material used as canvas awnings.
- Metal Awnings – this category is almost similar to fabric awnings however, the shading material used are typically stainless steel, metal or aluminum for a more modern and sturdier look.
- Retractable Awnings – the main selling point of retractable awnings is the built-in feature for rolling up fabric or metal awnings especially when they are not in use. This category has garnered a reputation for being both flexible and functional compared to fixed and still awnings.
- Dome Awnings – for a more sophisticated look, awning frames are curved to form dome-like coverings typically attached over windows or doors.
- Spear Awnings – unique to this category of awnings are the spear-looking rods that hold the canvas shading material.
- Euro Shutters – modern look and functionality are combined in this category of awnings. Primarily made of stainless steel, the appearance of euro shutters are similar to window sills with horizontal bars.
- Canopies – slightly different form awnings which are attached to exterior walls, canopies are commonly free-standing and are at most times portable and can be readily dismantled.
- Patio Umbrellas – are also free-standing and readily portable shade structures. Compared to awnings, patio umbrellas cover a relatively smaller area as they are much smaller in size and coverage.
- Adjustable Louvers – are modern ventilation systems which are similar to blinds or shutters which have horizontal slats. Plastic, glass, wood, and stainless steel are the most common materials used for the horizontal slats.
Outdoor products such as awnings have many other categories and classifications especially in conjunction with the specific brands involved. For a detailed discussion of the categories, benefits, designs, installation, repair and do-it-yourself awning essentials, more articles are available in the site for browsing.
