Just because you’re a local business doesn’t mean your establishment can’t have the same sort of commanding visual presence as the Big Boys. There are awning design ideas that pack plenty of punch for even the smallest boutique or office. In some ways, you can be even more creative with your awning design ideas, because you aren’t necessarily restricted by rules imposed by a non-local corporate headquarters.
And even if you’re small and local but part of a regional or emerging national franchise, there are lots of awning design ideas that will blend perfectly with those home-office requirements. The truth is, business awnings are so versatile, you can have virtually anything you want.
If you can dream it up, a professional full-service awning company can build it.
Some awning design ideas can make your place look bigger.
Stretching your awning across the entire storefront rather than just over your window makes even the narrowest exterior appear more cohesive and more imposing. It gives your business greater “presence.” Angle or curve your awning around the corner – a look that’s especially catchy if your entrance is right at the apex.
Another way to make your small storefront appear larger is with a taller awning. You’ll get more façade coverage and more area on which to display your name or other graphics, and you can spiff up a flat-faced uninteresting exterior.
Some awning design ideas can make your place look better.
If you have plain institutional-looking glass entry doors, give your doorway and any adjoining windows a major facelift with an arched entrance awning. The contrasting shape is much more eye-catching.
Even simple awning ideas can do wonders for individual windows – at street level, but also on higher floors. You’ll generate more visual interest and give your exterior a handsome, coordinated appearance.
Many awning design ideas offer snazzy detailing. Design your awning with an unusual shape, or a retro look to fit any past decade. Match your fabrics to the shades of your stonework, or choose a colorful contrast, depending on the tone of your business. Add a scalloped or cut-out-edge valance to soften an otherwise austere awning.
Consider ornamental wrought iron framing that’s exposed on the sides, with a fabric covering. Or, instead of fabric covering, use translucent panels in an unexpected color such as darkish green, with stainless steel framing to achieve a contemporary-but-warm look. Or how about something in copper?
Some awning design ideas promote your business.
Awnings make your business easier to find. Add your name and street number along valance. And don’t forget the visual importance of endcaps, if your awning has them, for helping people up and down the street see your name or number at a distance so they can home in on your location. Add graphics that spell out or visually depict your products or services.
Do something different from your neighbors, but not something that doesn’t fit into your local business neighborhood.
Some awning design ideas are purely practical.
Coverage that projects out over sidewalk provides much-appreciated shade and weather protection for pedestrians. Use louvered metal to filter natural light but create a very different look. Build a canopied walkway from the curb all the way up your front steps — or down to your lower-level entrance.
All great awning design ideas start with a few basics.
Before you start designing, you have to know:
- Your awning’s purposes — signage, branding and marketing, decoration, weather protection.
- Location-specific challenges such as extreme wind, grime or other environmental factors.
- Whether you want your awning to retract or be fixed year round.
Your professional awning expert can help with every detail, from design through installation. Give them a call, and get ready to find the awning design ideas perfect for your local business.
Photo Credit: stevendepolo via Flickr