11 Patio Awning Ideas To Keep You Cool In Your Backyard

a collage of four patio and deck awning ideas

With clear and sunny skies for over half the year in the Midwest, shade is needed for outdoor areas like your backyard deck or patio. Asher is here to help inspire you with several patio awning ideas to keep your deck stylish and shaded this summer. 

There are many types of awnings for decks that can give your space the look and feel you want. Whether you’re looking for modern, creative, or more traditional ideas for your space, our team is here to ensure your outdoor patio is a place where everyone wants to spend their spring and summer.

Relax in the shade of your Wisconsin home with our custom awnings and solar screens from Asher Lasting Exteriors.

6 Types Of Awnings For Decks

There are several options for deck awning ideas for your space. Depending on the needs of your area and the feel you want to give it, outdoor patio awning ideas can enhance your yard or deck functionally, aesthetically, or with comfortability in mind. No matter the kind of aesthetic you want to create for your space, there’s an awning that will fit your deck perfectly.

To get you started, here are six backyard awning ideas that can transform your space:

a sunesta awning over a backyard pool patio

Retractable Awnings

Patios and decks with retractable awnings have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Not only do these awnings allow homeowners to adjust their deck’s exposure to the elements with ease, but they also provide versatility to an outdoor space. Retractable awnings are especially beneficial for the changeable weather of the Midwest, as they can be extended and rolled back when needed.

Asher’s Sunesta retractable awnings allow you to extend your living room into the outdoors, giving you endless awning ideas for your space. These customizable retractable awnings are weather-resistant and maintenance-free, ensuring your spring and summer are fun and stress-free.

a sunesta solar screen on a pergola

Pergola Awnings

Other popular modern awning ideas include the addition of pergola awnings. These are some of the most customizable awnings out there, as they provide not just shade but also a structural element that enhances your outdoor aesthetic. Whether this means integrating climbing plants, string lights, or a fun fabric, make sure you explore pergolas in your deck canopy ideas.

Shade sail covering a patio

Sail Awnings

These outdoor patio awning ideas are a stylish and modern shading solution for your space. These allow you to visually enhance your space by installing these at specific angles or configurations for the most aesthetically pleasing option. However, ensure that you account for sun direction, airflow, and other shade factors for the best protection.

a patio with a louvered roof awning over a table

Louvered Roofs

Louvered roofs are great outdoor awning ideas for innovative design and enhanced weather protection. Not only do they provide shade from the sun, but they can also protect you from the rain and other inclement weather conditions.

Louvered roofs are generally made with adjustable slats that can be moved with the flip of a switch to enhance the feel you want for your outdoor space. When these slats are closed, they are almost virtually waterproof, ensuring you can enjoy your yard in a vast range of weather.

a freestanding awning casting shade

Freestanding Awnings

Freestanding awnings can help you create shaded spaces anywhere in your garden or yard without the need for existing support structures. This flexibility, alongside the ease of installation, means the possibilities of back porch awning ideas are endless for what you want to create. These also tend to be some of the least expensive options available for your deck.

a sunesta solar screen on a backyard patio

Solar Screens/Vertical Drop Awnings

Solar screens are a sleek, seamless way to give your outdoor space protection and privacy. They are easily integrated into most types of design, and you can install them so they drop down vertically along your deck or patio, providing sun protection from nearly all angles.

5 Creative Awning Ideas To Make Your Space Welcoming

After you decide on the awning ideas for patios that resonate most with your needs and aesthetics, it’s time to make your backyard space inviting and stylish. There are plentiful ways to decorate your space, such as using different awning designs, materials, and accessories to transform it into a cozy retreat for relaxation or entertainment.

Some creative awning ideas you should consider include:

a sunesta awning over a backyard patio

Colorful Awning Fabric Choices

Incorporating colors with your home is one of the best – and easiest – ways to breathe life into your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for ways to spruce up wooden awning ideas or simply want to change the mood of your home’s exterior, installing awnings with vibrant and fun colors can transform your outdoor living space into an area where everyone wants to spend time.

a sunesta awning with a striped color pattern

Fun Awning Patterns

Beyond incorporating fun colors, you can also experiment with patterns for your patio or deck awning. While most awnings come in either solid colors or with a striped pattern, you can also look into customized patterns for your needs. Additionally, you can mix and match patterns with fun outdoor cushions, rugs, or other decor for a more cohesive look.

a sunesta awning providing shard for a patio

Unique Valance Styles

Valances are custom fabric accents that sit on top of your awning. You can utilize these as small pops of design and personality for your outdoor space, which can transform your space in a subtle but effective way. Some popular valence styles include:

  • Straight with a hem
  • Straight with a binding
  • Low wave

No matter the style – modern or traditional – you can find a valance for your style.

a pair of string lights on an outdoor pergola patio

String Lights And Lanterns

Strings lights and lanterns are a beautiful way to add ambiance to your outdoor space. You can also invest in lights that change colors so you can set the mood to whatever you want. It’s a good idea to look into weather-resistant options and make sure it can be hung on the awning itself.

a sunesta awning with hanging plants on a backyard patio

Hanging Plants

Hanging or climbing plants are a great way to bring life and green to your outdoor space. Plants provide a fresh and beautiful look to your patio or deck, and you can find plants that thrive in both shade and sun to ensure that your space looks amazing all year long.

a sunesta awning over a backyard patio and pool

Shade Your Wisconsin Patio With Asher’s Sunesta Retractable Awnings And Solar Screens

Are you looking for the best ways to shade your patio or deck and stay cool at home? Asher Lasting Exteriors is here to help. With our Sunesta retractable awnings and solar screens, we can help you extend your living room into the outdoors. Sunesta is also the brand recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, so you know that you and your family will remain protected from the sun and its harmful rays.

Get in touch with our team for more information about our products and how we can ensure that your space stays protected and beautiful for years to come. We only work with the best system so that you know you’re only getting the best results. Our over five decades of experience means you can trust us and our work. Reach out today!