The right awning does more than provide shade where you want it. It adds character, improves comfort, and expands the ways in which you can use your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to enjoy being out on your patio more often or a business owner wanting to enhance curb appeal and improve customer comfort, choosing the right awning style makes all the difference.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, with shops in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and the LC Valley, we help our Inland Northwest communities find awning solutions that match their spaces, lifestyles, and goals. Here’s a look at popular awning styles and guidance for determining which is right for your needs.
Retractable Awnings: Flexible and Functional
Retractable awnings are one of the most popular choices for both homes and businesses. They extend when you want shade and retract into a compact, finished cover when you want open sky. Retractable awnings are ideal for:
- Patios and decks
- Outdoor dining areas
- Spaces with changing sun exposure throughout the day
Why they work:
- Adjustable shade throughout the day
- Protection from sun without blocking light permanently
- Motorized options for added convenience
Retractable awnings are ideal for homeowners who want flexibility or businesses that need outdoor coverage that quickly adapts.
Fixed Awnings: Consistent Coverage
Fixed awnings provide permanent shade and protection. Once installed, they remain in place year-round. Fixed awnings are best for:
- Entryways
- Large windows
- Storefronts
Why they work:
- Provide reliable shade and weather protection
- Strong visual impact
- Minimal moving parts
Fixed awnings are a smart option for businesses or homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance solution. For businesses, awnings can be a useful landmark to tell customers where your shop is located, and can be customized with brand colors, logos, and addresses.
Window Awnings: Practical and Decorative
Window awnings are mounted above individual windows and serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. They help to:
- Reduce indoor heat
- Protect furniture, flooring, merchandise, and fixtures from sun damage
- Enhance curb appeal
Why they work:
- Block direct sunlight before it enters your home or business
- Lower cooling costs in warmer months
- Add charm and architectural detail
Window awnings are especially effective on sun-facing windows throughout North Idaho and Eastern Washington.
Metal Awnings: Clean and Modern
Metal awnings offer a sleek, contemporary look and excellent durability. Metal awnings work best for:
- Modern homes
- Commercial buildings
- Areas with heavy sun exposure
Why they work:
- Strong resistance to adverse weather like wind and rain
- Minimal maintenance
- Clean lines and modern appeal
Metal awnings are often chosen for businesses seeking a professional, long-lasting exterior upgrade.
Entry Canopies: Style Meets Function
Entry canopies provide shelter right where it matters most: at your door. You will often see handsome entry awnings on:
- Residential front doors
- Apartment buildings
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Office entrances
Why they work:
- Protect guests from sun, rain, and snow
- Reduce water and debris near doorways
- Enhance the appearance of and bring attention to entrances, making them easy to find
They’re a simple way to improve both safety and curb appeal.
Custom Awnings: Designed Just for You
Every home and business is different. Custom awnings offer great variety when it comes to:
- Size and shape
- Fabric or metal finishes
- Colors and patterns
- Branding or logos for commercial spaces
Custom designs ensure your awning complements your building and meets your specific needs.
Awning Solutions Built for the Inland Northwest
Awnings in our region must handle strong sun, seasonal winds, and changing weather. Quality materials and professional installation ensure durability and performance.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we design and install awnings that enhance comfort, improve curb appeal, and stand up to the conditions across Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Lewiston, Clarkston, and beyond. We are a local, family-owned business with deep connections to this region.
With a personal onsite visit from one of our experienced consultants, we can help you evaluate what will work best for you, taking into account:
- How much shade you need based on the orientation of the area and exposure during different seasons and times of day
- Whether flexibility or permanence is more important
- The architectural style of your home or building
- Local weather and climate conditions
When you’re ready to find the perfect awning for your home or business, contact Best Blinds & Awnings for a free consultation.