No products found
An awning changes how you use the outside of your home, giving cool, usable shade over a patio, deck or window. In Australia, a good awning is one of the simplest ways to reclaim the outdoors through the warmer months.
Choosing the Right Awning for Your Space
Choosing an awning comes down to where it goes, how much shade you need and the weather it must stand up to. A folding arm awning over a patio commonly spans 3m to 4m wide with a projection of around 2.5m to 3m, while window awnings should match the frame plus a little overhang. Retractable and folding arm designs extend for shade and roll away for winter sun, whereas fixed awnings offer permanent, sturdy cover for windows and doorways. Quality shade fabrics typically stop around 90 to 98 percent of UV rays, and larger awnings can use a hand crank or a motorised option with wind and sun sensors.
Key Materials to Look for in an Awning
- Polyester canvas: affordable, water resistant shade for everyday use.
- Acrylic canvas: stronger fade resistance through long, bright summers.
- Powder coated aluminium frames: a rust resistant structure that suits coastal air.
- Mesh and shade cloth: airflow while still blocking most UV.
- Wind rating: check the stated limit, since it governs how the awning must be used.
- Operation: hand crank for simplicity, motorised with sensors for larger spans.
What You Will Find in This Collection
Our collection covers retractable awnings, fixed and folding arm designs, window awnings and freestanding shade options across a range of widths and fabrics, all with a luxury feel without the heavy price tag. Set one up and the space beneath is ready for an outdoor lounge or a relaxed alfresco meal.
Styles to Suit Your Space
Folding arm awnings in neutral tones suit contemporary homes, traditional window awnings add character to period facades, and freestanding shades offer flexible cover for courtyards. Pair the shaded area with an outdoor dining set, warm it with outdoor lighting, and keep the space tidy with an outdoor storage box for cushions between uses.
Ordering with Allure Home Collections
Every awning ships from our Australian warehouse with fast local delivery and honest pricing, with no inflated recommended retail prices to discount against. Send us the width of the wall or window you are covering and we will confirm which size suits before you order. From our family to yours.
Awning Questions, Answered
What size awning do I need for my patio?
A folding arm awning of 3m to 4m wide with a projection around 2.5m to 3m comfortably shelters a typical dining setting for six.
Are retractable awnings better than fixed ones?
Retractable awnings let you enjoy summer shade and welcome winter sun, while fixed awnings give permanent cover and steadier rain protection.
Will an awning hold up to the Australian sun?
Quality awnings use UV stabilised acrylic or polyester canvas that typically blocks around 90 to 98 percent of UV rays, with a rust resistant powder coated frame. Check the individual listing for the fabric rating on the model you are considering.
Can I leave an awning out in wind or a storm?
No. Retract a folding arm awning when wind picks up or before you leave the house, and never leave one extended overnight or in a storm. Wind damage to an extended awning is the most common cause of failure, and it is not covered by warranty on most products.
Can an awning stay out in the rain?
Light rain is fine on most water resistant fabrics, but water pooling in the fabric puts real load on the arms. Give the awning a slight pitch so water runs off, and retract it in heavy rain. Let it dry fully before rolling it away, since damp fabric develops mould.
Do I need approval to install an awning?
Small retractable and window awnings usually do not, but fixed structures, anything near a boundary and anything on a heritage listed or unit titled property can. Rules differ by council and by body corporate, so check with your local council before committing to a fixed installation.
Can I install an awning myself?
Smaller window awnings are within reach for a confident DIYer. Folding arm awnings are heavy, carry real load through the brackets and need fixing into solid structure rather than cladding, so most people use a tradesperson. Any motorised model needs a licensed electrician for the wiring.
What is the difference between polyester and acrylic canvas?
Polyester costs less and sheds water well, but colour fades faster under constant sun. Acrylic holds its colour far longer and breathes better, which matters over a patio you use daily. For a north or west facing wall in Queensland, acrylic is usually the better long term buy.
How do I clean an awning?
Brush off loose leaves and dust regularly, then wash with mild soapy water and a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Avoid pressure washers and harsh cleaners, which strip the water resistant finish. Let it dry completely before retracting.
What are motorised wind and sun sensors?
A wind sensor retracts the awning automatically when gusts pass a set threshold, which is genuinely useful if the house is empty during the day. A sun sensor extends it as light intensity rises. Both are worth considering on larger spans where manual retraction is a two person job.
