Are you looking to make the very most of your exterior, while also being protected from the sun? How about installing a one-piece awning to provide shade on your balcony or patio?
Adjustable and retractable, the patio awning provides real protection from the sun throughout the year. It allows you to adjust the intensity of the sun, it filters UV rays and avoids overexposure to the sun to preserve your furniture, for example. And above all, it allows you to optimise the thermal performance of your home. In the summer, it helps to keep the interior cool for longer, while in the autumn, it protects you from the low sun's rays. Finally, it allows you to enjoy your patio longer into the evening, protecting you from the damp of the night, and allows you to create a unique atmosphere, using connected objects.
Discreet and customisable, an external awning harmonises easily with your façade, thanks to a wide range of models and colours. We help you choose the best retractable awning.
The built-in casing, or cassette, of the awning can be completely enclosed. Your awning will thus be protected in an optimum way from the wind and weather. The arms are stored completely inside the casing. It also looks more aesthetically pleasing.
With the one-piece awning or the articulated arm awning, the fabric and foldable arms are exposed to the weather. This type of awning can be placed under an overhanging roof, so it is always protected.
This type of awning extends into the exterior. It has two side arms located on each side of the fabric. It is ideal for smaller windows or balconies. For larger ones, a different model would be more suitable.
The awning fabric falls below the casing when the awning is retracted. The articulated arms are therefore on the outside of the cassette. Below, the casing is partially open.
As well as the central awning, this articulated awning has a valance. This is a second motorised roll awning located at the end of the patio awning, which rolls down vertically, independently of the other awning. It provides additional protection against oblique rays, especially at sunrise or sunset. Its position is ideal to preserve your privacy from prying eyes.
Located between the pergola and the awning, this new model has a fixed self-mounted structure identical to that of the pergola whose fabric is stretched across the whole structure. Often used on or under glass roof, it can also be used alone.
This step is decisive. If you have doubts, the help of a professional is strongly recommended.
Before you start, be aware that the awning projection is usually between 2 and 4 metres. Always plan for a larger fabric surface than the area to be shaded. For extra precaution, you can take these measurements at different times of the day, depending on the amount of sunshine.
Note: Standard outdoor awnings are available at between 3m and 7m wide. For aesthetic reasons and for better protection, the blind must be wider than your openings. Add around 1 metre on each side. If your openings are larger than these dimensions, the tailor-made option is possible.
Once all the dimensions have been taken, a wide choice of fabrics is available to you. Start with the type of fabric: polyester, acrylic or micro-perforated. The quality differs, as does the cost. Another selection criteria: sunlight and whether there is a strong wind in your area. Some fabrics are in fact more resistant than others and protect more effectively from the heat. The density of the fabric is an important point to take into account.
For an extended life, it is advisable to regularly dust the fabric, once dry. Cleaning with soapy water once a year will give it a new lease of life.
On the aesthetic side, depending on the fabric, you will have a choice of colours. For a classic or modern look, to fit in with the architecture, choose black, beige or anthracite grey. Or you can go for a brighter style by choosing blue, yellow, green or red. The fabric may be plain or striped. Think about matching the colour to your façade or window frame colour or any shutters.
Bear in mind - Regulations may exist in your village or if you are part of a co-ownership. It is best to ask to avoid any problems.
Daily use of the patio awning brings a real comfort. The more economical manual awning is particularly suitable for small awnings (up to 4 metres). But to facilitate use of the awning, especially if it is repeated several times a day, it may be advisable to add a motor. Daily use will be much easier. To complete your installation, consider a motor.
Wireless motors, with io-homecontrol technology, can be activated via a manual remote control. And also from a smartphone or voice assistant.
No more cranking by hand, thanks to the remote control, smartphone or voice assistant! You even have the option of programming an atmosphere on your patio in advance, by automating the exact time when your outdoor awning opens and the lights come on.
Without having to think about it by connecting the awning to a solar sensor, it will open and close automatically according to the intensity of the sun. You, and your furniture and indoor plants, will be protected from UV rays, and your home will remain cool.
The motorisation ensures that the closing process takes place smoothly. It protects the structure of the fabric for greater longevity. With its sensors, the motor automatically controls the awning according to the weather conditions, thus protecting the fabric.
Several factors influence your choice of motor: the type of patio awning, the weight, the dimensions and the technology. The way you want to enjoy your outdoor space should also be taken into account.
Somfy motors in the Sunea io range provide feedback on the status of your awning, thanks to io-homecontrol technology. That means you can check remotely whether your awning is open or closed and in real time. These motors can be connected to a central control (hub) and controlled by smartphone or voice.
Somfy’s fully autonomous sensors automatically close or open your awning according to the weather conditions. For example, they automatically protect against low sun rays or heat in summer. A way to improve your daily life while enjoying thermal comfort.
And finally for a warmer atmosphere on your terrace or balcony even at dusk, opt for an awning with an integrated lighting system. The lighting can be easily installed in the arms of the awning, on the cassettes or on the front profile.
Several lighting options are available to you: LED spots or LED ribbon lighting including Philips Hue Lightstrip. Available in different colours, you can play with the intensity of the colours to obtain functional lighting or something more decorative.
You can also add music to accompany your evenings with a Sonos speaker. All these connected devices are compatible with our TaHoma switch home automation box, and can be controlled from the dedicated TaHoma mobile app or via voice assistants. Perfect to create personalised atmospheres with lighting and music, to make the most of the moment.
Installing and motorising an outdoor awning cannot be improvised if you are not a handyman. We strongly advise you to contact an expert installer.
Find an installer near you
Can’t find what you're looking for? Need some help?
Stay updated on Somfy news, offers and more!