A well-chosen awning can completely transform a garden or outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for extra shade, a quiet spot to relax, or a way to extend your living space outdoors, a thoughtfully designed awning brings both function and flair to a garden. But to really make the most of it, an awning should feel like a natural part of the outdoor space. Here, we share some simple and practical design tips to help blend your awning with your garden. These ideas will help you create a stylish and cohesive look.
Start with Your Garden’s Style
Before choosing an awning, take a good look at the overall style of the garden or outdoor space. For a modern garden, clean lines and neutral colours work best. Think sleek, streamlined awnings in shades like grey, black, or white. On the other hand, if your garden has a more traditional or rustic feel, perhaps opt for softer tones like cream, olive green, or striped patterns that give a classic touch. By matching your awning to the garden’s personality, it will feel like a natural extension of the space.
Think About Colour and Fabric
Awnings come in a wide range of colours and fabrics, so choose one that complements your home and garden. Earthy shades like olives, taupes and terracotta work well if you have a lot of greenery in the garden. Navy blue, burgundy, or bright green can add a pop of personality if the garden features lots of bold shades. UV-resistant fabrics are also a great choice, as the awning will be working hard to shade the patio in the warm summer heat. These materials won’t fade as easily and can withstand sun, wind, and rain, perfect for year-round use.
Match with Your Garden Furniture
Another simple yet effective way to create a cohesive garden look is by coordinating the awning with existing outdoor furniture. For example, if you have wooden benches or rattan seating, choose an awning in a fabric that matches or complements those tones. If your patio set includes cushions or throws, look for similar or contrasting colours that work well together. This subtle coordination helps bring the whole space together and gives the garden a more polished and cohesive feel.
Frame the Space with Plants
To help an awning blend naturally into the garden, use plants to soften the edges of the structure. Tall potted plants, climbing vines, or surrounding flowerbeds can all be placed nearby to help the awning feel more integrated. Surrounding it with greenery looks great and adds to the feeling of being immersed in nature even while sitting in the shade.
Well-Placed Lighting
To enjoy an awning in the evening, lighting is also key. Soft, warm lighting can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere under the awning. Consider adding string lights, wall-mounted fixtures, or even solar-powered lanterns. Lighting enhances the look of the awning area and makes it more functional, perfect for late-night dinners or relaxed evenings with friends. Speak to one of our experts about integrating lights and heaters into the awning itself.
Choose a Size That Suits the Space
Awnings come in all shapes and sizes, so choosing one that fits your garden’s scale is important. A large patio awning can offer plenty of coverage for outdoor dining areas, while a smaller awning might be perfect for a reading nook or morning coffee spot. Avoid going too big or too small, an oversized awning can overwhelm a modest garden, while a tiny one might not provide enough shade or shelter. A professional installer, like the team at Cambridge Awnings, can help measure up and choose the right fit for the space.
Bringing it All Together With Cambridge Awnings
Blending an awning into an outdoor space doesn’t need to be complicated. With a bit of planning and an eye for design, you can choose an awning that enhances the garden layout and aesthetic. Whether that means matching colours, echoing furniture style, or adding soft lighting and plants.
At Cambridge Awnings, we specialise in helping homeowners across Huntingdon and beyond to find the ideal patio awning for outdoor spaces. From modern designs to traditional touches, we offer tailored advice and professional installation to ensure your new awning fits into the existing garden footprint. Contact us today or visit our website to explore our range and get expert help creating the ideal outdoor retreat.