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Awnings buying guide

Yvonne kneel product designer holding roman blindAuthor Yvonne KealProduct Management SpecialistWritten 12/02/2021Updated 01/07/2026
Large dark green awning covering a patio

Your complete awnings buying guide

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “what is an awning?” and if it’s right for your home, this guide covers everything you need to know. We’ll explain how awnings work, what to consider before buying and how to choose a design that complements your home.

From parties to playdates, family gatherings to home working, the right awning can completely transform how you use your space.

Two grey retractable awnings extended over a spacious patio, shading loungers and seating outside a modern brick house.

What is an awning?

An awning is a retractable canopy that extends from the outside of your home to provide shade and protection from the elements. Typically installed above patios doors or windows, awnings create a comfortable outdoor area that can be used throughout the day.

Hillarys awnings are all made from durable, UV and weather-resistant fabrics that offer protection from both sun and light rain.

A green retractable awning shades a patio with wooden furniture outside a brick house, near a green fence and garden plants.

Why an awning can transform your outdoor space

Awnings are a practical, stylish way to extend your living space outdoors. By creating a shaded, more sheltered area, they help you make better use of your garden all day long.

Our made-to-measure awnings are designed to fit your space perfectly, with widths from 2m up to 6m and projections from 1.5m to 3m. Your advisor will help position it for the best possible coverage.

Finding a style that feels like you

When choosing an awning, it’s important to think about both function and style.  An awning should feel like a natural extension of your home, so it’s worth thinking about how it complements your existing decor and colour palette.

Verona Ardoise awning close up shot

Frame and finish

Complete the look with a choice of classic white or contemporary anthracite grey hardware. For a more personalised finish, custom cassette colours are available to help coordinate your awning with windows, doors and exterior décor.

Muted sage‑green striped awning extended over the same patio area in a garden setting.

Fabric options

From understated plains to bold stripes, our awning fabrics offer something for every style. Choose from a wide range of colours and designs to complement your home, with durable, fade-resistant fabrics made to look great season after season. 

Grey retractable awning extended over a tiled patio, shading an outdoor dining set beside a brick wall and built-in barbecue area.

Finishing touches that shape the look

The details make all the difference. Choose from four valance styles, each with a standard 20cm drop, to complement your awning. Opt for a straight edge for a clean, contemporary finish or a scalloped design for a more traditional look. 

Patio with grey rattan furniture beneath a large retractable awning, set against a brick house at sunset.

Staying comfortable into the evening

Awnings do more than provide welcome shade on sunny days. Optional integrated LED lighting creates a warm atmosphere after dark, while optional heating helps you stay comfortable outdoors for longer as the temperature drops.

  • "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, @HOUSEWITHBLUESHUTTERS - INTERIOR DESIGNER

Cream house opening to a garden patio with a dark awning shading a wooden dining set, bordered by planting and a lawn.

Discover our exclusive Country Living collection

For a timeless look and feel, explore our exclusive Country Living collection of awnings. Inspired by classic British homes and gardens, this collection features beautifully curated fabrics in soft, nature-inspired tones and heritage stripes.

Whether you’re styling a cottage garden or a contemporary patio, the Country Living collection will bring warmth, character and charm to your outdoor space.

Two people sit on patio chairs, chatting under a blue awning. The area has potted plants, blue shutters, and a small table with refreshments. White walls provide a bright backdrop.

Create flow between indoors and out

Awnings work best when your outdoor space feels like a natural extension of your home. Coordinating garden furniture, colours and finishes with your interior style helps to create a more cohesive look.

By choosing complementary fabrics, your awning can tie everything together, whether you prefer a contemporary aesthetic or something more classic.

Hand using remote to operate a patio awning, with outdoor table setting and brick wall in the background.

Smart features for easy living

All our awnings are motorised as standard, making them really easy to open and close using a remote control.

Add a Somfy hub and you'll be able to control your awning via an app on your phone or even voice command through an Amazon Alexa or Google Home device.

  • "I was amazed how quick the installation was; the team took lots of care inside and outside our home and after some initial adjustments they were out of the house within an hour and a half. Obviously, the best part was learning how to control the awning with the remote control!"

    SALLY CULLEN - INTERIORS STYLIST

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