When adorning and personalising your outdoor space, awnings and canopies are usually two of the first items designers suggest. They are versatile, provide shelter, protect from direct sunlight, and can be suitable whether it is a home or a business.
But despite their utility and popularity, many use the terms awning and canopy interchangeably. And when tasked with designing their outdoor area, they can’t choose between the two. So, what exactly is the difference between an awning and a canopy? What should you choose for your space? In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions in detail to help both homeowners and business owners make more informed decisions!
What Is an Awning?
Awnings, also called overhangs, are protruded structures that are fixed to the top of doors, storefronts, and patios. They are usually, but not always, rectangular in shape and fitted with a fabric. The frame of an awning is made from wood or metal depending on the design and requirements.
The most distinguishing feature of an awning vis-a-vis a canopy is that it is a permanent fixture that is, mostly, attached to a building. It is there during the summer months and it is there during the winter months. It can’t be moved around.
What Is a Canopy?
Canopies, much like awnings, are structures that are excellent at providing protection from direct sunlight, rain, and wind. Unlike awnings, however, they are free-standing structures that are largely independent of other buildings and structures around them.
This quality means that manufacturers have far more leeway in how they design canopies, and that’s why you have far more options and can choose from a variety of styles and shapes when you go with canopies over awnings. Round and rectangular canopies are generally the most popular due to their utility and excellent protection from weather.
Awning vs Canopy: What Is Right for You?
Both canopies and awnings aim to provide shelter and protection from the elements. But that’s not all. Both canopies and awnings excel at different things. Knowing these can help you choose between a canopy or awning.
- If you want to create a space away from buildings, choose canopies: Awnings need to be fixed to buildings to function, but canopies don’t have this restriction. So, if you want to design a homely space in your garden, like a place to gather in your home or business that is outdoor and spacious, or simply don’t have space to install an awning, then canopies are an excellent choice. They will be an excellent addition to your garden, they will make your business feel more welcoming, and they offer the flexibility you need if you don’t have space to install awnings.
- If you want to protect the indoors from sunlight, choose awnings: Do you want to regulate sunlight indoors? Want a way to enjoy time on the patio and need protection from the summer weather? Wish you could put your balcony to more use? In each and every one of these instances, an awning is the right choice! It provides excellent protection from direct sunlight, rain, and wind to indoors, patios, and balconies.
- Canopies are excellent for outdoor events: Whether you want to organize an outdoor party, a book fair, or a temporary shop, canopies are the right choice. Not only are they permanent fixtures, but they also can be easily moved and relocated. So, it makes the event planning far simpler. Awnings don’t lend themselves to be easily used in these circumstances.
- Awnings are excellent for stores: If you are running a business, you need a way to display your store’s name and logo and make an impression on visitors and passersby. There are very few better ways to do it than an awning. It makes your store name and logo high, prominent, and readable all while being affordable to install.
Whether it is awning or canopy, if you want it to be high-quality, durable, stylish, and affordable, you should check out our excellent line at Awning Depot. From our excellent garden awnings to our storefront awnings, each one is designed with great care.
Awnings and Canopies FAQ
What Is a Permanent Awning Called? A permanent awning is called a fixed or stationary awning. These are attached to the building’s exterior and can’t be easily disassembled, moved, or replaced. This also marks a primary difference between an awning and a canopy since the latter is free-standing and can be easily moved around.
Do Awnings Protect From Rain? Yes, one of the primary reasons awnings are installed is to protect from the weather. This not only includes rain, but direct sunlight, snow, and sometimes even wind. However, if it is particularly rainy or stormy in your area, you should make sure you buy a robust awning or a retractable awning to protect it from bouts of tough and unpredictable weather.
