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Patio awnings and pergola awnings buying guide

by Yvonne Keal

Product Management specialist

Published: 12/02/2021

Updated: 10/05/2023

Lots of our customers tell us they want to extend their entertaining space into the garden so they can enjoy the outdoors at all times of day. Retractable awnings and pergola awnings are an ideal solution to do just that.

We have a huge range of colours and finishes to complement the style of your home and décor, from boutique style plains or continental stripes with a choice of shaped or straight hems. Plus, customisation options including integrated lighting and heating for extra comfort.

Read our expert advice on the things you need to consider when buying an awning or pergola awning and find out more about the options available to help you enjoy fuss-free outdoor entertaining. 

HIL 24 PERGOLA WEB IMAGE ATTENBOROUGH NAPLES LIGHT GREY

What is the difference between awnings and pergola awnings?

Awnings are the go-to choice for garden living. They extend outwards to provide shade over your patio space, creating a comfortable area for outdoor dining, relaxing or playing. Pergola awnings offer the same great benefits, but have permanent posts making them better for larger spaces and giving your garden a more premium look.

Every awning is made to your exact specification, in any width from 2m up to 5.5m, with a projection from 1.5m to 3.5m. Pergola awnings span up to 6m in width and 5m in length, ideal for outdoor areas where larger coverage is needed. Your advisor will make sure your awning or pergola awning is the right size and optimally positioned to give you the greatest amount of shade. They'll also talk you through all of your options to customise and elevate your awning or pergola awning – from heating, lighting to frame colours.

Make it your own

As well as a choice of fabrics, heating and lighting, we offer a range of accessories and features to help boost the performance of your awning or pergola awning, so you get the most out of your outdoor space all year round.

 

Brackets
We provide a range of bracket options, which means our awnings are suitable for installation on most building types. 

 

Frame colour
The arms and brackets of our awnings plus legs of our pergolas are available in a choice of white or anthracite grey. We also offer custom colour options for cassettes, so you can match it to your windows and doors.

 

Valance shapes
We offer four shapes of valance, each with a standard drop of 20cm. You can choose from a straight hem for a contemporary tailored look or go for a scalloped hem for a more traditional street café feel. 

Mo Hussen - Hillarys customer and popular interior design enthusiast. Follow Mo on Instagram @mo.and.the.jungle.shelf
With our new awning, outside feels like more than just a patio. It gives that pub garden feel so as well as a garden I’ve got that entertaining space. I’m already thinking about the parties I'm going to be hosting.
Mo Hussen - Hillarys customer and popular interior design enthusiast. Follow Mo on Instagram @mo.and.the.jungle.shelf
SUNSHADE MATERA Plus SMART LED

Choosing the right product for adequate shade

Choosing the right shade solution for your patio depends on how much coverage you need. Because the sun moves position throughout the day, you need to make sure that you go for something large enough to provide shade at all times.

If you've a larger area that requires shade, pergola awnings are best as they're designed to cover a much bigger space.

Our specialists carry out a full technical survey to ensure that once fitted, your awning or pergola awning will be positioned perfectly.

 

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Consider matching with indoor furniture

Lots of people now see their garden as an extension of their home and choose furniture, planting schemes and hard landscaping that complements the style of their interior décor.

Our awnings and pergola awnings are available in a range of plain and striped fabrics to suit all styles and tastes. You can even select the shape of your hem.

Choose a straight hem for a contemporary tailored look or opt for a scalloped hem for a more traditional street cafe feel. 

Suzie Tipple - Hillarys customer and interior designer. Follow Suzie on Instagram @housewithblueshutters
Our awning does it all. It protects us from the sun which means we can eat, work and exercise comfortably, and in the evenings the heaters keep this space wonderfully cosy.
Suzie Tipple - Hillarys customer and interior designer. Follow Suzie on Instagram @housewithblueshutters
Awnings

Invest in intelligent weather technology

Our awnings and pergola awnings are sturdy and build to last with premium materials. UV resistant awning fabrics undergo rigorous testing and are specially treated to maintain their colour and vibrancy for longer.

Our standard awnings come with safe and secure vibration sensors.

The sensors react to changes in weather, so your awning will begin to retract automatically in adverse conditions. You can also add a solar sensor, which will roll out when the sun shines to provide shade on bright sunny days.

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