Affordable patio awnings

Do you have a patio that could use a little stylish shade? Then a patio awning is exactly what you need. Trust you, a patio awning will enhance the curb appeal of your home. The patio awnings at vidaXL come in stylish shades in a variety of colours and sizes. A patio awning is like a cool, comfortable extension of your living space while also protecting your outdoor areas from the elements. The patio awnings at vidaXL are affordable, as we believe that everyone should be able to create a beautiful outdoor living space. 

By installing our patio awnings, you are not only providing yourself with shade and shelter from the rain and sun, but you will also protect your doors and windows from snow, sun and rain. Explore our full selection of patio awnings at vidaXL on this page.

The role of awnings

Awnings provide protection from the elements while also adding a stylish element to your outdoor area. Therefore, patio awnings come in various styles, sizes, types and materials, so you can find one that suits your exact needs. Outdoor shelters help minimise or completely block out the sunlight. 

You can also get patio awnings that provide shelter from the wind and rain. Furthermore, because they offer protection from the sun, it also means you are protected from harmful UV rays. Patio awnings also give you some privacy so you can enjoy your morning coffee or dinner without curious neighbours popping over.

Patio awnings can also help maintain the interior temperature of the building, as window and door awnings cast a shadow onto the windows and walls, which prevents the heating from spreading from the outside in. This could potentially help lower your electricity bill.

Types of awnings

When it comes to awnings, there are different types, and you need to choose the one that suits your outdoor space and needs the most. Let’s take a look at the different types of awnings:

• Retractable awnings. These types of awnings can operate as both manual or motorised. It’s important that you get these secured safely by a professional. Depending on the material you choose, you will get a very resistant retractable awning.
• Window awnings. These usually come in the form of a roller shade with two straight vertical arms hinged at the joint, retractable and extendable. 
• Door awnings. These work the same way as window awnings.
• Patio awnings. Patio awnings allow various adjustments to block out the sun from many directions, and they can be operated either manually or automated.

All you have to do is choose the one that fits your outdoor space the most. Furthermore, patio awnings come in various fabrics. Here, you will find everything from woven acrylic to laminated fabric. It is important that the fabric is appropriate for outdoor use and it’s resistant to both the elements and fading. 

For instance, PVC materials offer good sheltering from wind and rain, but they're not the greatest material for hot days as PVC material tends to accumulate heat as opposed to repelling it. Canvas and mesh, on the other hand, are great materials for hot summer days as they provide UV Protection while also keeping the heat out at the same time.

Design ideas for patio awnings

As mentioned, patio awnings are both a stylish and practical addition to any outdoor space. They are elegant design features, and they can be a true fashion statement in any well-designed home. Whether you have a minimalistic style, a French country style or a British cottage style, you will find a patio awning that suits your style.

Generally, the size, type and style of your patio awning will add curb appeal to your house while also protecting both your and any outdoor furniture. Whether you attach your patio awnings to your window or door, it will look stunning. Add some beautiful outdoor furniture, a couple of plants, some flowers and some soft cushions and fluffy throw blankets, and you have the most beautiful patio. 

Care and maintenance of your patio awnings

Now that you have invested in a patio awning, it is important that you take good care of it, so it lasts you as long as possible. We recommend that you brush the underside of the awnings once a month, followed by rinsing it with water. You can use a garden hose to rinse the awnings. 

Moreover, regular maintenance also includes a good cleaning once a year. This cleaning should be done with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush. It is also important that you keep any surrounding trees trimmed, so branches don’t stain or damage the fabric. Lastly, we also recommend that you regularly check your patio awnings for rust, as it could lead to the deterioration of the structure. 

Benefits of retractable awnings

When it comes to investing in awnings, there are generally three factors you want to consider: value, durability and cost. Retractable awnings are an excellent option that excels on all those three factors. Now let’s take a look at some of the benefits of retractable awnings: 

• It will keep your home and outdoor space cooler. Did you know that retractable awnings can make your patio up to 20 degrees cooler? This can also help lower the indoor temperature of your home by as much as 15 degrees which can save you quite a bit on the electricity bill.
• Convenient and attractive. You can easily extend or retract them with just the touch of a button. Retractable awnings are also much more stylish than traditional stationary retractable awnings. 
• It’s worth the investment. The initial cost is not very high when you buy your awnings at vidaXL, and as mentioned above, they could help you save money on your energy bill, so all in all, awnings are worth the investment.
• It can withstand the elements. This type of awning is created to be able to withstand all the crazy weather it may be exposed to. While you should retract awnings if the weather is rough, they are designed to be able to withstand tougher weather conditions.
• Protect your outdoor furniture. A retractable awning is a great way to protect your patio furniture from sun exposure which could damage or fade your furniture over time.

As you can see, there are quite a few benefits to retractable awnings, and they might just be exactly what you have been looking for.

Patio awnings, canopy and pergola - which is the right one

There are many options when it comes to covering your patio so you can enjoy it both during the hot summer months and the rainy autumn months. Let’s take a look at awnings, canopies and pergolas, so you choose the right kind of shelter for your outdoor area. 

But first things first, we need to talk about the differences between the three. An awning is basically an extension from your home to screen the area below a window or door. You will also see awnings outside many stores to shelter clothes that are displayed on the sidewalk.

A canopy is similar. However, it rests on top of columns, and it is not attached to the house. A canopy can usually extend further than an awning. Then we have a pergola, which is also not connected to the house. It usually has more of a roof, and you can drape a cover over the pergola to provide greater protection from the sun and rain. But which one should you choose? 

If you are mainly seeking protection from the sun, you need a patio awning as pergolas won’t block the sun as they have no tops unless you add a cover. Awnings are built to protect you from the sun, and they provide plenty of shade. A canopy can extend further. However, awnings are still best for sun protection. 

Enjoy your patio in all types of weather with patio awnings

If the weather is preventing you from enjoying your patio to the fullest, then awnings are exactly what you need. Awnings provide great weather protection all year round so you can enjoy your patio, whether it is windy, rainy or sunny. This means you can enjoy your afternoon coffee even if it is raining. Or you can invite friends over for dinner even though it’s almost too hot to be outside. With a patio awning, you will always be sheltered from the elements.

Get your patio awnings online at vidaXL

Patio awnings are an easy way to add a transformative and stylish element to your outdoor space. It is a permanent structure that provides cover, shade and a whole other range of other benefits. For instance, you will now have a space for entertaining all year round. You and your guest can take cover from the rain and sun. If you style it well and choose a beautiful patio awning, it is also believed that it will add value to your property, and it can potentially reduce your energy costs. So, all in all, a win-win.

At vidaXL, we have a wide selection of patio awnings in various styles, colours, materials and designs. If you have any questions or you need help choosing your patio awnings, you are more than welcome to contact our customer service so we can assist you. Together we will find the perfect patio awnings for your outdoor area.