Awnings are an important architectural feature for any business. Not only do they provide shade and shelter, but they also allow businesses to make a strong visual statement and showcase their brand identity. With the wide variety of awning styles, materials, and options available today, you can find the perfect awning design to enhance your storefront and attract more customers. This article will explore different business awning ideas to help you choose the right awning solution for your company.
What are Awnings and Why are They Important for Businesses?
An awning is a secondary covering attached to the exterior wall of a building. The purpose of an awning is to provide shade and shelter, as well as embellish the exterior of a building. Awnings are typically made of cloth, metal or acrylic materials. They can be fixed or retractable, allowing businesses some flexibility in using them.
For businesses, awnings serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. On the practical side, awnings help control sunlight exposure which can impact the temperature inside the building. This can help businesses reduce their energy costs for cooling and heating. Awnings also provide shelter for customers and employees taking a smoking break, waiting for transportation, or simply trying to stay out of the rain or snow.
In addition to the functional benefits, awnings allow businesses to enhance the aesthetics of their storefront. Awnings come in different shapes, sizes, colors and designs. This allows businesses to reflect their branding, style and personality through their awning choice. The right awning can grab attention, distinguish your business from competitors and leave a memorable visual impression.
Types of Awnings for Businesses
There are several common types of awnings suitable for business storefronts:
Retractable Awnings
Retractable awnings are a versatile choice for businesses. As the name suggests, they can be extended out or retracted in using a manual or electric motorized system. This allows you to control sun exposure, open up your outdoor space during favorable weather, or retract the awning during storms. The arms of retractable awnings are attached to a frame which is affixed to the building façade.
Stationary Awnings
Stationary awnings are fixed in place and do not retract. They are permanently attached to the building, providing constant shade and coverage. Stationary awnings are usually angled to allow for natural water runoff. They are a low maintenance option, but do not offer the flexibility of retractable awnings.
Canopy Awnings
Canopy awnings provide a roof-like covering, offering ample shade for outdoor seating areas. The canopy is supported by poles anchored to the ground surface. The back end is usually left open. Canopy awnings allow businesses like restaurants, bars and coffee shops to create inviting outdoor spaces.
Dome Awnings
As the name implies, dome awnings have a semi-circular dome shape. They are concave to allow for water runoff. Dome awnings can be fixed or retractable. They have a very distinctive look that can accentuate entryways. The curved shape provides ample cover.
Spear Awnings
Spear awnings have triangular or spade-shaped projections extending outward from the top. They are usually made of metal and are less common than other awning types. Spear awnings have a sleek, ornamental look well-suited to upscale boutiques, salons or professional offices.
Awning Materials for Business Storefronts
Awnings come in different materials that vary in durability, longevity, and appearance:
Fabric Awnings
The most common awning type, fabric awnings are made from cotton, acrylic or vinyl fabrics. They are lightweight, easy to clean and come in endless color and pattern options to match business branding. Drawbacks are a shorter lifespan of 5-7 years and less durability in harsh weather.
Metal Awnings
Metal awnings made from aluminum alloy are extremely durable, withstanding even the harshest weather conditions. They require little maintenance but are hard to repair once damaged. Metal awnings have a sleek, modern aesthetic well-suited to contemporary architectural styles.
Polycarbonate Awnings
It is a lightweight but strong plastic material. Polycarbonate awnings are weather-resistant, UV-blocking, and transparent to allow natural light in. They are durable with a lifespan of up to 15 years. Polycarbonate offers the strength of metal but with more color options.
Wood Awnings
Wood is rarely used these days due to high maintenance. But for certain aesthetic styles like Craftsman, wood may be preferable. Unfinished cedar and redwood have natural weather resistance. However, painted wood will need periodic repainting.
Creative Awning Design Ideas
Beyond just function, awnings allow you to get creative and incorporate visual elements that support your brand identity. Here are some ideas:
Custom Graphics and Branding
Logos, taglines or other graphics can be printed or embroidered onto fabric awnings to reinforce branding. This turns your awnings into moving billboards. Creative graphics catch the eye and help customers instantly recognize your business.
Color Schemes and Patterns
Coordinate awning colors or patterns with your business colors and interior design scheme. Repetition builds recognition. You can use stripes, solids, geometric or abstract prints. Make bold color choices or keep it neutral.
Creative Shapes and Sizes
Awnings don’t have to be straight rectangular slabs. For visual interest, consider unique triangular, curved, bubbled or wavy shapes. Or combine smaller overlapping awnings rather than one large one. Non-rectangular awnings can distinguish your store.
Lighting Options
Adding lighting under or within fabric awnings creates a warm, welcoming ambiance in the evenings. Options include downlighting, backlit awnings or using string lights. Lighting invites customers in and makes your business visible after dark.
Decorative Elements
Add decorative elements like fringe, scalloping or contrasting trim to give retractable awnings more visual flair. Wrought iron scrollwork along stationary awnings complements traditional architecture. Get creative with unique details.
Benefits of Having Awnings for Businesses
Beyond just looking attractive, awnings offer many practical benefits:
Increased Curb Appeal
An eye-catching awning makes your business more visible and welcoming. Awnings indicate your business is open and invite customers inside. Studies show buildings with awnings appear better maintained and more approachable.
Protection from Sun and Rain
Awnings provide shelter from the hot summer sun and sudden rainstorms. They allow customers and employees to stay comfortable without having to run for cover. Protection from the elements allows businesses to make better use of sidewalk and courtyard spaces.
Temperature Control and Energy Savings
By blocking sunlight, awnings reduce heat gain through windows which lowers air conditioning costs in the warmer months. Open retractable awnings allow for natural ventilation. In winter, awnings act as an extra layer of insulation to trap heat.
Added Outdoor Seating Space
For restaurants, coffee shops and bars, awnings allow for expanded outdoor seating. Canopy awnings effectively extend your building footprint, creating more useable space for alfresco dining and drink service. More seating means more customers and revenue.
Longer Lingering and Impulse Purchases
Covered spaces encourage customers to linger longer at your business. More time spent means more opportunities for engagement and spontaneous purchases. One study found that impulse purchases were 15-20% higher in shaded areas.
Prominent Branding
Awnings act as continuous branding exposure. Catchy graphics and slogans reinforce your brand and stay in customers’ minds. Each imprint leaves a subliminal message that boosts familiarity and recall.
How to Choose the Right Awnings
With so many awning options, how do you select the best choice? Here are some factors to consider:
Location and Wind Factor
Consider your geographic location and exposure to high winds. Retractable awnings may not be optimal in areas with frequent storms or strong prevailing winds. Sturdy stationary awning are a better choice for windy regions.
Climate and Sunlight
Select awning material that matches your climate. Hot and sunny locations are suited to UV-resistant vinyl, acrylic or aluminum awnings, while shaded areas may only need occasional shade from canvas. The amount of shade needed should also impact size.
Architectural Style of Building
Awning color and design should complement your building’s architecture. For classic brick structures, curved fabric awnings work well. More modern glass storefronts look better with metal or geometric awnings.
Interior Color Scheme and Branding
Match awning colors and graphics to your interior design and brand palette for cohesion. Awnings are an extension of the inside space, so a consistent look is key.
Permanent vs. Temporary Shade
Stationary awnings provide permanent shade while retractables allow you to control sun exposure. Consider how the interior space will be used. South-facing storefronts get more sunlight, making retractables helpful to have.
Budget
Prices range from $6 – $12 per square foot installed. More complex awning systems, specialty materials like canvas, and custom graphics will increase costs. Have a budget in mind and get contractor quotes. Quality awnings are a smart long-term investment for your business.
By thoughtfully considering these factors, you can select durable, high-quality awnings tailored to the unique needs of your business.
Work With Experienced Awning Companies
Trying to install awnings yourself is not advisable, given the tools and expertise required. Instead, work with established awning companies who will:
- Provide guidance on selecting the optimal awning type and materials based on your business location and needs
- Handle all needed measurements and custom fabrication
- Use proper mounting techniques to safely affix awnings to your building’s facade
- Obtain any required permits for installing awnings
- Have extensive knowledge of local building codes and requirements
- Offer maintenance, repair and re-covering services to keep awnings looking their best
The right awning company will be your thought partner, ensuring you get a customized solution that enhances your storefront within your budget. They can bring your creative vision to life!
Conclusion
The benefits of installing high-quality, visually appealing awnings for your business storefront are tremendous. Not only do they protect customers from sun and rain, they can lower energy costs, expand usable outdoor space, provide prominent branding exposure and give your property added curb appeal.
With the many types, materials, colors, graphics and design options available these days, businesses have an endless array of possibilities when it comes to awnings. Finding the perfect awning solution involves factoring in your location, climate, building architecture, interior design, branding, budget and functional needs.
By tapping into the expertise of reputable awning companies, businesses can get custom crafted awnings that complement their storefront and support their brand identity. Awnings are a smart long-term investment that will serve your business for many years while providing an excellent return through higher customer engagement. Consider refreshing your storefront with creative new awnings that make your business stand out from the competition.