How to Choose the Right Awning for Your Home

Adding an awning to your home is a great way to enhance outdoor comfort, reduce energy costs, and boost curb appeal. But with so many styles, materials, and customization options available, how do you choose the right one? At Ogden Awnings & Covers, we help homeowners find the perfect awning to suit their needs, style, and budget. Here’s a step-by-step guide to choosing the best awning for your home.

​1. Location – Where Will Your Awning Go?
The first step in selecting an awning is determining where you need coverage. Do you want to shade a patio, deck, porch, window, or entryway? Each location may require a different type of awning:

• Patios & Decks: Retractable or fixed awnings provide shade for outdoor living spaces.
• Windows & Doors: Fixed awnings help reduce heat inside your home and protect entryways.
• Carports & Driveways: Large fixed awnings or freestanding structures offer vehicle protection.

2. Style & Edges – Matching Your Home’s Aesthetic
Awnings come in various styles, from modern flat panel designs to classic scalloped edges. Consider what complements your home's exterior:

• Traditional homes often look best with decorative, scalloped, or striped awnings.
• Modern homes pair well with sleek, straight-edged awnings in neutral tones.
• Commercial properties may benefit from bold designs and company branding.

At Ogden Awnings & Covers, we offer customizable styles to fit any home or business.

3. Material – Fabric vs. Metal
The material of your awning impacts durability, maintenance, and overall appearance.

• Fabric Awnings: Available in various colors and patterns, fabric awnings offer a softer look but may require more maintenance. Popular options include canvas, acrylic, and polyester.
• Metal Awnings: Made from aluminum or steel, these provide long-lasting durability and are ideal for fixed awnings.
• Polycarbonate Awnings: A great option for modern homes, offering UV protection with a sleek, lightweight design.

4. Color – Complementing Your Home’s Exterior
Choosing the right awning color is essential for aesthetics and energy efficiency.

• Lighter colors reflect sunlight and help keep spaces cooler.
• Darker colors add contrast and depth but may absorb more heat.
• Neutral tones (beige, gray, taupe) blend well with most exteriors.
• Bold colors can add personality and curb appeal to your home.

Tip: If you're unsure, go with a color that matches your home’s trim or roof for a cohesive look.

5. Angle – Maximizing Shade & EfficiencyThe angle of your awning determines how well it blocks sunlight. Awnings on south-facing windows should have a 45-60 degree angle, while east- and west-facing awnings work best at a 65-75 degree angle to reduce heat exposure.
If you want adjustable shade, consider a retractable awning that allows you to control sunlight throughout the day.

6. Side Panels – Extra Protection & Privacy
Side panels can enhance the functionality of your awning by providing extra shade, wind protection, and privacy. These are great for patios, decks, and storefronts where you want additional coverage from the elements.

7. Size – Finding the Right Fit
Awnings come in various sizes, so you’ll need to measure your space carefully. Consider:

• The width of the area you want to cover.
• How far the awning should extend outward for optimal shade.
• Whether you need a custom size to fit a unique space.

At Ogden Awnings & Covers, we provide custom-measured awnings to ensure the perfect fit for your home.

8. Function – Fixed or Retractable?
Consider how you plan to use your awning:

• Retractable Awnings: Ideal for patios and decks, these provide flexibility by allowing you to extend or retract the awning as needed.
• Fixed Awnings: Perfect for windows, doors, and permanent shade solutions, offering continuous protection from the elements.

If you prefer an automatic solution, motorized retractable awnings offer convenient, push-button control.

Find Your Perfect Awning with Ogden Awnings & CoversChoosing the right awning can enhance your outdoor living space, improve energy efficiency, and boost your home’s curb appeal. Whether you need a stylish retractable awning for your patio or a durable fixed awning for your windows, we’re here to help.
Visit us at:
Ogden Awnings & Covers
190 W 33rd Street #160 Suite E
Ogden, Utah 84401
Call for a free estimate: (801) 923-5918