But when it comes to choosing the right size, there's a little more to consider than just the width of your patio. From how far the awning extends to where the sun hits your garden, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to find the right fit for your outdoor space.
What Do Awning Width and Projection Mean?
When looking at patio awning sizes, you'll come across two main measurements: width and projection. Here's what they mean:
- Awning width: The overall width of the awning, measured horizontally along the wall where it's fitted.
- Awning projection: How far the awning extends outwards from the wall when fully open.
For example, a patio awning measuring 4m wide with a 3m projection would run 4m along the side of your house and extend 3m out over your patio.
It's also worth knowing that the fabric itself may be slightly narrower than the overall awning width, depending on the cassette and mechanism used.
What Patio Awning Sizes Are Available?
Retractable patio awnings come in a range of widths and projections, so whether you've got a small seating area or a spacious patio, there are plenty of options to explore.
To give you an idea of what might work for your space, here are some example awning sizes:
| Awning width | Example projections | Potential use |
| 2.5–3m | 1.5–2.5m | Smaller patios or compact seating areas |
| 3.5–4m | 2–3m | Average-sized patios and outdoor dining |
| 4.5–5m | 2.5–3.5m | Larger seating and dining areas |
| 5.5–6m+ | 3–4m | Wide patios and larger terraces |
These measurements are a general guide, and available sizes will vary depending on the awning system.
At Aspiration Blinds, we offer made-to-measure awnings to help you find a size that suits your home and the space you want to shade.
How Wide Should Your Patio Awning Be?
Start by measuring the width of the area you want to shade. This might be the space directly outside your patio doors, an outdoor dining area or a larger section of your patio.
Once you've got that measurement, there are a few other things to consider:
- Patio doors and windows: Allowing some extra width on either side of your doors or windows can help provide better shade coverage.
- Outdoor furniture: Think about whether you want to shade one seating area or a wider space, particularly if your furniture is spread across the patio.
- Available wall space: Make sure there's enough room along the wall to accommodate your chosen awning width.
Your awning doesn't necessarily need to span the entire patio. What matters is that it's wide enough to cover the space you actually want to use.
How Far Should a Patio Awning Project?
Projection determines how far your awning extends out from the house, so it's particularly important when deciding how much of your patio you want to cover.
The right projection will largely depend on how you plan to use the space.
Shading a Small Seating Area
If you've got a couple of chairs or a small seating area close to the house, a shorter projection may provide all the coverage you need without extending too far into the garden.
Covering an Outdoor Dining Area
For an outdoor dining table, you'll want to think beyond the table itself. A deeper projection can help provide shade for people sitting around it, including when chairs are pulled out.
Shading a Larger Patio
If you've got a spacious patio with several seating areas, a deeper projection can help extend the covered area further into your garden.
However, the maximum projection available will depend on the awning's design, so it's worth checking which sizes can be accommodated.
How Does the Sun's Position Affect Awning Size?
Even with a perfectly sized awning, the amount of shade you get will change throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky.
That's why it's worth thinking about when you use your patio most often, as well as how much space you want to cover.
A few things to consider include:
- Which direction your patio faces: East-facing patios generally get more morning sun, while west-facing patios receive more in the afternoon and evening. South-facing patios tend to get sunlight for longer periods throughout the day.
- When you use your patio: If you enjoy eating lunch outside, your shading needs might be different from someone who mainly sits out in the late afternoon.
- Awning height and angle: The height at which your awning is fitted and the angle it extends at will also influence where the shade falls.
For example, a 3m projection won't necessarily create 3m of shade directly beneath the awning at every point in the day.
The important thing is to think about where you want the shade to fall and when you'll need it most, rather than relying on the awning's dimensions alone.
What Else Should You Check Before Choosing an Awning Size?
Alongside width and projection, there are a few practical details that can affect which awning sizes will work with your property.
Available Wall Space and Obstructions
Features such as gutters, downpipes, outdoor lights and other fixtures can affect where an awning can be installed. You'll need enough suitable wall space to accommodate the awning and its fittings.
Fitting Height and Clearance
Your awning needs to be installed at a suitable height so there's enough headroom underneath when it's extended. It's also important to consider nearby doors and windows to make sure they can still open freely.
Awning Design and Size Limitations
Not every awning width can be paired with every projection. Some retractable awnings need a minimum width to accommodate their folding arms, and the available dimensions can vary between systems.
If you'd like to explore the different options, our guide to awning styles explains what's available.
Why Choose a Made-to-Measure Patio Awning?
With so many things to consider, it can be difficult to judge the right awning size without seeing how it will fit against your home.
At Aspiration Blinds, we can help you choose a made-to-measure awning that suits your patio, taking into account the space you want to shade, the available widths and projections, and any fitting requirements.
We'll also take care of the professional measuring and fitting, so you can enjoy your new outdoor space without worrying about getting the dimensions right.
Explore our range of patio awnings or get in touch to arrange a free home consultation.