Shades of elegance

___

Published Date 4/9/2025

Long before air conditioning, window film, and double-glazed windows, there were awnings — simple solutions to the relentless sun beating down. Often elegant in their manner of display.

MyKeeneNow’s Kimberly Berk explains how awnings once graced both homes and storefronts, providing effective protection from the sun's blinding light and heat. “While their popularity declined with the rise of modern cooling systems, awnings are now making a well-deserved comeback,” she reports, adding that they are proving to be as relevant and useful today as they were in decades past.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, awnings served primarily practical instead of aesthetic purposes. People relied on them to maintain cooler indoor spaces as they served to block direct sunlight from entering through windows, significantly reducing indoor heat buildup while keeping homes more comfortable. They also protected rugs and other interior items from fading due to prolonged sun exposure.

Beyond their functional benefits, creatively designed awnings added a touch of class and charm to buildings, allowing property owners to express personal style while enjoying the practical advantages of shade and heat protection. Porches, storefronts, and windows transformed into welcoming, shaded retreats thanks to these clever coverings.

Today, awnings are resurging for remarkably similar reasons. As homeowners seek energy-efficient, cost-effective ways to enhance their living spaces, awnings can act as a first line of defense against solar heat, shading windows and doors to prevent sunlight from warming your home while reducing the need for air conditioning. This translates to lower energy bills and a reduced environmental footprint.

Compared to large-scale shading systems like pergolas, awnings provide an affordable way to achieve similar benefits, appealing particularly to homeowners seeking budget-friendly options that don't compromise on effectiveness and never go out of style. Today’s awnings come in a stunning array of colors, patterns, and materials, making it easy to find designs that complement any home's architecture. From classic striped fabric to sleek contemporary options, the possibilities for customization are endless, having evolved significantly since their early days. Advanced options include solar-powered models offering automated convenience through features such as automatic extension and retraction, some with remote control.

Some types of awnings are designed specifically to provide shade for outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and porches. Others focus on keeping your home's interior cool by shading specific windows. These are ideal for rooms receiving brutal sun exposure while adding charming touches to your home's exterior, and many homeowners incorporate both types to maximize comfort and energy savings. Before adding awnings to your home, however, check with your homeowner’s association (if you have one) to see if you are free to add them to your home’s exterior.

In our increasingly sustainability-focused world, awnings offer a simple yet meaningful way to reduce energy use and enhance living comfort. They serve as thoughtful nods to the past, reminding us of times when practical solutions were crafted with care and style.

MyKeeneNow, TBWS

• < Prev
• Next >

All information furnished has been forwarded to you and is provided by thetbwsgroup only for informational purposes. Forecasting shall be considered as events which may be expected but not guaranteed. Neither the forwarding party and/or company nor thetbwsgroup assume any responsibility to any person who relies on information or forecasting contained in this report and disclaims all liability in respect to decisions or actions, or lack thereof based on any or all of the contents of this report.

American Home Lending USA, LLC - NMLS ID: 71983. To verify licensing, visit NMLS Consumer Access (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Equal Housing Lender.

Jeff Beck

President

NMLS: 19488

American Home Lending USA, LLC

240 S Buchanan St, Edwardsville IL 62025

Company NMLS: 71983

Office: 618-310-0091

Cell: 618-806-2281

Email: jbeck@ahlusa1.com

Web: https://www.americanhomelendingusa.com/