In North Idaho and Eastern Washington, we treasure our outdoor spaces. This region of the country has a surfeit of beautiful vistas filled with mountains, rivers, lakes, and skies dotted with dramatic cloud formations. But let’s face it; as much as we love being outdoors, our seasons don’t always cooperate with the calendar. The Inland Northwest is famous for having about 12 seasons, with bursts of warm sun in February, snowy days in May, or our favorite: all four seasons in one day. Summers are short and glorious, and spring and fall are unpredictable. That’s where awnings can save the day.
At Best Blinds & Awnings in Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, and Lewiston, we work with homeowners across the region to help them get more use out of their decks, patios, and porches both earlier in the year and later into the season with smart, stylish awning solutions.
5 Ways an Awning Can Help You Enjoy Being Outside
Here’s how the right awning can help you enjoy the outdoors longer without sacrificing comfort or protection:
1. Shade That Makes Summer Comfortable
When July and August heat up in places like Post Falls or Liberty Lake, patios can become unusable by mid-afternoon. Awnings provide instant relief by blocking direct sunlight, reducing surface temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, reading on the patio, or watching kids play in the pool, an awning lets you stay cool and comfortable without having to retreat indoors.
2. Shelter from Spring Showers and Fall Drizzles
Rain in April or October doesn’t have to shut down your outdoor plans. A high-quality retractable or fixed awning provides enough coverage to keep your space dry, so you can still enjoy a cup of coffee outside or grill some steaks, even when it’s drizzling.
This is especially useful in transitional months when the weather quickly flips from sunny to overcast (an all-too-common occurrence across Idaho and Washington). You can roll out your awning when needed and retract it when the skies clear up.
3. UV Protection for People and Furniture
Extended time outside should come with peace of mind. Awnings don’t just keep you cool; they block harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn and fade outdoor furniture, rugs, and decks. This matters when homes have west-facing patios that are hit with intense afternoon sun. Installing an awning adds comfort and protects your investment in outdoor furnishings.
4. Wind-Resistant Options for Inland Northwest Weather
North Idaho is no stranger to gusty afternoons, especially in open areas like the Rathdrum Prairie or Spokane Valley. Today’s awnings are built ruggedly, with options like wind sensors, reinforced arms, and heavy-duty fabrics that stand up to real-world weather. We offer manual and motorized retractable awnings, so you can adjust coverage easily as conditions change throughout the day.
5. More Time Outside Without the Glare
When the sun is low on the horizon in spring or fall, glare can make outdoor dining or relaxing less pleasant. Awnings help block horizontal light while still letting in fresh air, making your patio feel more like an outdoor living room. You can also add side panels or vertical drop screens to gain even more shade and wind protection.
Extend Your Outdoor Season Without Breaking the Bank
Compared to building a covered patio or enclosing a sunroom, an awning is a fast, affordable way to extend your time outdoors in almost any season. Whether you want a permanent structure or a retractable option that disappears when not in use, we’ll help you find the right fit for your home and lifestyle.
Local Experts. Custom Solutions.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we’ve been helping families in North Idaho and Eastern Washington create more usable outdoor space for years. We offer custom awning solutions designed to match your home’s exterior, built to withstand local weather, and installed with precision by a team that knows the region.
Ready to enjoy your outdoor space earlier in spring—and later into fall? Contact Best Blinds & Awnings today for a consultation.