Signs and canopies

Shop awnings and blinds

A shop awning is a fabric cover on a folding or sprung frame, fixed above a shop window or door, which can be extended for shade and shelter and retracted when not in use. Shop blinds are the traditional form, often set into a box in the fascia.

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Striped traditional awning over a bakery window

When is this the right choice?

Awnings suit cafes, bakers, delis, greengrocers, florists and any shop with a sunny front, because they limit sun damage to stock and give customers shelter. They also add a branded surface at street level. A traditional canvas blind suits period frontages, while a folding-arm awning suits modern units. Either needs enough height over the pavement and a strong fixing.

What are the options?

Traditional shop blindA canvas blind on a sprung roller in a fascia box, with lath and arms, suits period shopfronts.

Folding-arm awningSpring-tension arms push the cover out with no front posts, on a modern open bar or semi-cassette.

Full cassette awningThe fabric and arms close into a protective case when retracted.

Dutch canopyA curved fabric canopy on a folding frame. It can be hard to get consent for, particularly in conservation areas.

Motorised awningA tubular motor with a remote can be paired with a wind sensor.

Printed valanceBranding on the hanging front edge keeps the name visible when the awning is out.

How much does a shop awning cost?

Shop awnings usually cost £895 to £3,495 ex VAT per awning, supplied and fitted. Width, projection, frame type, fabric and motor choice set the range. Printed branding, wind sensors and a fascia box for traditional blinds add to it, as can repairs to the wall where the awning fixes. Consent costs are separate. A written quote follows once the wall is checked.

Guide prices exclude VAT. Your written quote is fixed after survey.

What is the specification?

Product standard	BS EN 13561 for external blinds and awnings
Cover	Solution-dyed acrylic canvas or coated polyester
Clearance	Set by the highway authority, commonly 2.3 to 2.75 m above the pavement
Operation	Manual winding handle or tubular motor, with optional wind sensor
Frame	Powder-coated aluminium or galvanised steel
Typical lead time	3 to 6 weeks from signed order (typical range)

How does the job run?

Check height and wall
We measure the clearance to the pavement and the strength of the wall or fascia.
Choose fabric and style
You choose the frame type, colour and any printed branding from fabric samples.
Check consents
We look at planning, advertisement and highway rules for your frontage.
Fit and set
Brackets are fixed, the awning is hung, and the pitch, tension and any motor limits are set.

Common questions

Do I need planning permission for a shop awning?

Often yes in England, since an awning can change the appearance of the frontage, and lettering on it can need advertisement consent. Highway approval can also apply. Listed buildings need extra consent, and rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so we check before ordering.

How high must an awning be above the pavement?

It depends on the highway authority, but 2.3 to 2.75 m above the pavement is common, measured to the lowest point of the awning or valance. Most also want a clear gap from the kerb. We check with your authority before we set the position.

Can an awning stay out in the wind?

No, awnings should be retracted in high wind, as most are designed for shade and light rain. Wind sensors can retract motorised models automatically. BS EN 13561 gives wind resistance classes, so ask which class applies to your product.

Can I put my logo on an awning?

Yes. Logos and names can be printed or sign-written on the cover or valance. In England, advertising on an awning can count as a sign, so check the advertisement rules, particularly on listed buildings or in conservation areas. We send a proof before the fabric is made up.

Will an awning protect my stock from the sun?

Yes, it reduces the direct sun reaching the window display, which helps limit fading, and it can keep the front of the shop cooler. Results depend on the direction of the frontage and the projection of the awning. A light-coloured cover lets in more daylight.

Which materials go with this?

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