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A History Of Awning And How It Has Evolved

Jan 18, 2024
History Of Awning And How It Has Evolved

Awnings have been around for far longer than you might think. Throughout history, awnings have always been appealing aesthetically and as reliable protection against rain and shine. Just like how many of us now see awnings as a functional yet beautiful addition to any outdoor space, many people centuries ago thought the same way, too.


The history of awnings is heavily influenced by the modern and technological advancements of the period, creating a unique evolution that still offers natural and reliable protection against environmental factors. In this article, explore how awnings have evolved over time to become what we know as awnings today.


Early History

Awning Early History

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

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!

26 Apr, 2024
Have you ever wondered how fascinating awnings are, how they’ve stood the test of time as necessary architectural structures even with rapid modernization? Awnings have remained timeless and relevant throughout history, going through various iterations to provide shade. Their constant evolution to adapt and enhance a space is how they continue to exist to this very day. Whether it’s a residential area or a commercial space, an awning feature will always elevate the space with its timeless charm. These simple yet captivating structures seamlessly blend form, purpose, and aesthetic appeal, offering a unique look that transcends functionality. If you’re keen to know more about awnings, this article uncovers the 7 fascinating facts and remarkable details that make awnings more than what meets the eye. Not All Awnings Are Made Of Fabric Contrary to common belief, not all awnings are made of fabric. While it’s true that many awnings that we encounter today are made out of fabric, awnings come in various shapes, sizes, styles, and materials that extend beyond traditional textile materials. A few examples of unconventional materials used in awnings are metal, polycarbonate, acrylic, vinyl, and glass, offering more durable and affordable options. These materials highlight the versatility of awnings as a means of protection against rain, shine, and various other elemental factors, which is how they continue to stay relevant for centuries. Awnings Have Been Around For A Long Time Awnings can have a modern look to them, especially when styled right, but did you know they have been around for centuries? Its history can be traced back to as early as Ancient Egypt, where awnings were made out of woven reeds propped up by wooden sticks over windows and market stalls. Awnings were also there during the rise of the Roman Empire, where retractable awnings were first recorded to exist. An example of a notable space where these awnings were used is over the Colosseum. These awnings were called “velarium”, named after the Latin word for sail, as their awnings were made with the same canvas as sails. Installing Awnings Will Increase Property Value Investing in awnings isn’t just about enhancing outdoor spaces; it’s a strategic move to increase your property's value. The installation of awnings boosts curb appeal and adds practicality and aesthetic charm. These versatile shade solutions create additional functional spaces, making your property more attractive to potential buyers or tenants. Awnings offer a seamless blend of style and utility, contributing to an overall upscale appeal. As a cost-effective improvement, they present a wise investment, attracting those seeking both comfort and a visually appealing exterior. Awnings Can Be Mounted Almost Anywhere Awnings aren’t just timeless; they’re also versatile. The versatility of awnings knows no bounds, as these adaptable structures can be seamlessly integrated into any space. Their unique design and mounting options allow for installation in nearly any location, from windows and doors to patios and decks. You can even opt for retractable awnings if you want! They effortlessly enhance both residential and commercial settings, offering shade and style wherever needed. Whether attached to walls, ceilings, or freestanding structures, their flexibility ensures a tailored solution for every environment. Their adaptability provides functional benefits and opens up a world of design possibilities, making awnings a dynamic addition that can be effortlessly incorporated into any architectural landscape. You Can Save On Utility Bills With Awnings Beyond the aesthetic appeal of awnings, they also serve as energy-efficient shields as they reduce the reliance on air conditioning during hot days. Strategically placing these shade solutions significantly reduces the sun’s direct impact on your home, curbing indoor temperatures and easing the use of your cooling systems. The result is clear: this cost-effective solution can help you save on utility bills. Awnings help regulate the indoor temperature of any building, providing a cool and comfortable environment while lowering energy consumption. Awnings Only Became Popular In The 1800s As cultural exchanges became increasingly widespread across the globe in the 1800s, so did the impact of awnings, where more and more parts of the world discovered awnings. With the rapid growth of industrialisation in the 19th century, more diverse materials were introduced to create awning structures that were more affordable and accessible to many. Awnings in the 19th century were first made from cotton duck canvas propped up by iron plumbing pipes that could be bent or shaped in any way. In the late 19th century, awnings became more prevalent in various communities, where the rope and pulley system was first introduced as a mechanism for modern retractable awnings. Awnings Are Environmentally Friendly Opting for awnings goes beyond as a means of sun and rain protection; it’s a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious individuals. Awnings act as natural energy savers, reducing reliance on air conditioning by shading windows and minimising indoor temperatures. Awnings is an eco-friendly solution that diminishes energy consumption, lowering utility bills and carbon footprints. Additionally, the materials used in modern awnings are often designed with recyclability in mind, further reducing environmental impact. By embracing awnings, you not only enhance your living spaces but contribute to a greener, more sustainable future, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. If you're looking for custom awning designs in Malaysia, contact France Fabric today! Are you impressed by the fascinating facts about awnings and want one for your outdoor space? Look no further than France Fabric Awning ! As one of Malaysia’s trusted fabric awning suppliers, we’ve got you covered with our wide selection of high-quality awnings, specialising in supplying and installing custom-made fabric 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!
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