Why choose a patio awning?

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.

 

How to choose the right patio awnings your backyard?

 
  • Step 1: choose the type of patio awning depending on your wishes and needs
  • Step 2: take the correct measurements for your new awning
  • Step 3: select the fabric for the awning
  • Step 4: choose the right motor for your electric patio awning
  • Step 5: customise your installation
  • Step 6: choose a control type that suits your lifestyle
  • Step 7: install your patio awning

What type of awning is best?

Step 1 : choose the type of patio awning depending on your wishes and needs

There are several different types of awning to protect you from the sun all year round.

Full cassette 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.

One-piece awning

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.

Tilting awning

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.

Semi-cassette awning

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.

Awning with drop down valance

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.

Pergola with roll up canvas (rail guided system)

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.

Step 2 : take the correct measurements for your new awning

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.

  1. Begin by determining the area you wish to be in shade.
  2. Take into account the installation height of the awning and the height under the lintel.
  3. Then measure the awning projection when it is opened. This means when the awning is fully open.
  4. The space between your eaves and the lintel is also to be taken into consideration. If you are opting for a valance, take the desired measurement from the ground.

 

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.

Step 3: select the fabric for the awning

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.

  • Polyester fabric: is the least expensive, but also the least resistant over time. It is a good option if you only need occasional protection. For a polyester fabric, the weight (which determines the quality in particular) should be between 240 and 270 g/m².
     
  • Micro-perforated fabric is very resistant. First to sunlight, which it reflects in large part. In addition, the colour is long-lasting and the fabric very resistant. Micro-perforated fabric is particularly easy to care for. It is imputrescible (in other words, it does not get mouldy) but not waterproof. The weight is around 360 g/m².
     
  • An acrylic fabric provides very good protection against UV, which it filters to 80%. The colours hold in the long term because the fibres themselves are dyed. Water slides off it and the fabric is imperishable. The weight is between 250 and 270 g/m². You can also opt for premium quality with a 300 g/m² weight.

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.

Step 4 : choose the right motor for your electric patio awning

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.

The advantages of an electric one-piece awning are numerous:

Improved comfort

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.

Better sun protection

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.

A longer-lasting awning

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.

Awnings automation

Altus 50 RTS

What type of motor is best for your outdoor awning?

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.

Discover More

Step 5: customise your installation

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.

Find our more about our sensors

Step 6: choose a control type that suits your lifestyle

How would you like to operate your awnings?

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TaHoma switch

Patio awning motors can be coupled to the TaHoma switch smart control. Compatible with many products from different brands, it allows you to remotely control all your connected devices from the mobile app.

If you are not at home when a storm is raging, use your smartphone to close your awnings in one tap. If you have installed a wind sensor, it will automatically close your awning and send a confirmation to the TaHoma application that it is closed.
Discover TaHoma® switch
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TaHoma app

Thanks to the TaHoma app that comes with our home automation boxes (TaHoma switch or Connectivity kit), you can manage your awnings and other smart home products (lights, security system, sensors...), whether you are at home or away.
 
Find out more TaHoma® app
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Voice assistant

The compatibility between our home automation boxes and Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and many other partners, you can enter the connected world and trigger configurations with your voice.

It only takes one word to manage your awnings and accessories such as lighting or music. 
Find out more about voice control
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Controls

Opt for one of our Situo remote control to operate your awning. If you have a lighting system integrated, the Situo 5 variation remote control allows you to adjust the intensity of the lights using a central thumb-wheel.

Another possibility is the Nina remote control. Easy and intuitive to use, this remote control allows you to set up configurations thanks to its programming function.
More about our Situo remote control range
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Wall mounted switches

For those who don't want to lose their remote control, you can opt for a wall mounted such as a Smoove or a Wall switch io.

If you have only one patio awning, the Smoove wall control is perfect. If you want to operate more than one instalaltion, the Wall Switch io control is a three-button switch that can be installed inside or outside on the façade. You will then be able to activate your awning and exterior lighting, as well as your entrance gate, from the same control point.
Discover our wall switches for awnings

Step 7: install your patio awning

Installing and motorising an outdoor awning cannot be improvised if you are not a handyman.
We strongly advise you to contact an expert installer.

Always a dealer in your vicinity

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