A History Of Awning And How It Has Evolved

Awnings can be traced back to early civilisations in Ancient Egypt and Syria. At the time, awnings were made from woven materials like reeds and rushes to shade market stalls and homes from the harsh sun in West Africa and Western Asia. They provide the much-needed shade while still providing good ventilation.

The concept of awnings eventually made its way to Ancient Rome during the Roman Empire, where large canvas awnings provided shade for public spaces like the Colosseum. These awnings were also the first retractable awnings in history, named “velarium” after the Latin word for sail, as it shared the same canvas material as sails.

Mid-1800s

Just like how cultural exchanges happen has started to become widespread across the globe, the concept of awnings became more prevalent in the early to mid-1800s. While they were not popularly used for personal spaces, they can often be seen in front of business storefronts.

Awnings in the mid-19th century were made from cotton duck canvas that was draped over and supported by iron plumbing pipes that could be bent or shaped any way people wanted. This innovation happened thanks to industrialisation, which made awnings affordable, durable, and adaptable.

Late-1800s

While the Roman Empire pioneered retractable awnings, it only became popular in the late 1800s. Industrialisation allowed more and more materials and mechanisms to be used to create retractable awnings that were easy for the masses to use. 

The most common mechanism for retractable awnings in the late 1800s was the rope and pulley system, used to pull in and push out the canvas material. The introduction of retractable awnings at the time allowed business owners to adjust shading whenever needed.

Early Modern Awning

Only in the 20th century did awnings finally become more common, seen in various commercial and residential spaces. Retractable awnings were normalised and became more affordable, so more and more people had access to investing in awnings.

With modernisation and technological advances, materials like vinyl, polyester, and acrylic were introduced as tougher and more durable options than earlier inventions of awnings. They were less likely to suffer wear and tear, which made them a great investment as they were more affordable, accessible, and long-lasting than before.

Today's Contemporary Awning

Now, awnings are no longer a rare sight. They can easily be found everywhere, from commercial and residential to industrial spaces. Additionally, the technological advancements of the 21st century are constantly improving to develop more durable, reliable, and practical shading solutions.

Awnings now come in various shapes, sizes, designs, colours, and materials to create the awnings of your dreams. Compared to centuries ago, homeowners or business owners now have more options than ever before. Despite its widespread use across the globe now, its purpose has remained the same: to provide shade against rain and shine while outdoors.

If you're looking for custom awning designs in Malaysia, contact France Fabric today!

Are you impressed with the fascinating evolution of awnings and want one for your home or business? Look no further than France Fabric Awning, one of Malaysia’s trusted fabric awning suppliers. Specialising in supplying and installing custom-made fabric awnings, we’ve got you covered with our wide selection of high-quality awnings.

We offer you the best level of quality and craftsmanship for your awning to provide your space with long-lasting visual appeal and functionality. If you can’t find a design or colour that appeals to you, you can trust us to custom-design your awnings to bring your ideas to life.

Make the right choice, and let France Fabric help you make your dream awnings come true. Contact us today!