3 Awning Design Ideas for Franchise Owners

One of the reasons awnings are such a fabulous addition to your business is that they’re so versatile. They can perform many jobs, and they can create almost limitless looks. There are almost as many different awning design ideas for franchise owners as there are different types of franchises.

That means there’s an awning design that can immediately establish your franchise brand and, at the same time, set your store apart from its business neighbors. An awning design that’s a perfect fit for your physical location and a perfect reflection of your merchandise or services.

These three idea categories will get you started thinking about what’s right for you. If you need more inspiration, a professional awning expert can be your best friend. You’ll want a company that understands franchise awning design, of course. That way you’ll get plenty of practical advice as well as great ideas, so your awning design can become a good looking and long-lasting reality.

1. Awning design is usually functional.

Think of your awnings as superior signage. Add your name and address, your logo or other graphic elements specific to your franchise so it’s easy for potential patrons to spot you from afar. Awning design can be like having a silent doorman, too. It marks your entrance so it’s easy to find and makes customers feel welcome.

Awnings provide shade from the sun and protection from rain and snow. The right awning design can even keep your windows cleaner and your interior cooler when it’s hot outside.

Materials for franchise awnings can be industrial-looking metal or softer, more colorful fabrics. And while traditional fabric awnings are most common for franchise stores, you can consider tension membranes, pergolas, etc. to add style and a very different look. Lighting is also important, to keep your awnings working hard for you even after dark

2. Sometimes awning design is purely decorative.

Think of your awnings as exterior window treatments. They can be tall or short, but shallow, placed above your windows like a valance. Awning design can actually be most any shape, not just the traditional sloped style. Rounded awning design can match the shape of arched windows or create the distinctive look over your entrance. Or you can use awnings as color accents to show off snazzy architectural details or pick up your official company colors.

Do your delivery or service vehicles have a promotional visual “wrap”? Awning design can incorporate that same look, to reinforce your branding in a most interesting way.

Functional or just for fun – and most awnings combine a bit of both — good awning design never goes out of style. And quality materials and workmanship ensure your awnings remain stylish as long as you expect them to.

3. You can augment your awning design with “accessories.”

Permanently-attached awnings provide a consistent look, branding your franchise store day and night, all year round. But for many franchise operations, adding seasonal and offsite awnings can enhance usability of outdoor areas. That expands your marketing and your ability to generate revenue.

Think in terms of free-standing shade structures, kiosks, mobile carts or retractable awning extensions. Think about add-ons such as café curtains to surround your outdoor dining area. Or removable walls that help protect patrons from rain, breeze or bugs. They can be mostly clear, to maintain a great view, if you have one. And

Know these things before you plan your awning design:

  • Franchise requirements. An awning professional well-versed in interpreting franchise specifications can fit them to your location.
  • Building codes or special business district guidelines.
  • Weather or other local conditions your awning will face.
  • Your neighborhood “look.” You want to stand out, but not like a sore thumb.

You’re probably already thinking about some great awning design ideas. With the right choices, you’ll have awnings that create distinctive curb appeal for your business and spark customer interest to venture inside.

Photo Credit: Stew Dean via Flickr