With the end of the year in site, and only 42 days to New Year (36 till Christmas) we take a look at what trends we expect to see for awnings in 2022
One of the main trends for 2022 will be all about the options
Consumers will continue to invest in lighting, heating, side screens etc – anything to enhance the comfort of being outdoors and to enable the space to be used all year round, even when it’s chilly, dark or breezy.
It is, therefore, also expected that consumers who already have patio awnings will look to upgrade or replace existing items for maximum effect.
Consumers also want flexibility with their options; take lighting and heating as an example. They want their lighting to be dimmable to set the scene / mood i.e. dimmed lights for a romantic meal, or full lights for a family gathering. The colour is important, with 3,500k (warm white) being the most popular choice. Fun fact – 5,000k is considered too white and anything lower than 3,000k too yellow/orange.
Consumers often want their heating to be zone controlled, so different areas can be heated based on the requirements of the people under the awning.
They also want these options to work in conjunction with other garden elements, such as perimeter (border) lighting, so will purchase receivers that allow these items to work off the same handset as the awning, and they are likely to opt for app control to allow for convenient operation of all said items from their smartphone.
Rise in popularity in Anthracite Grey hardware (metalwork) is expected to continue
This is due to:
- its contemporary and streamline look
- being lower maintenance (doesn’t show dirt like typical white hardware)
- forward planning on other home improvements (such as replacement windows and doors which will be changed from white to grey)
- looking more expensive than traditional white
Silver to slate grey tone fabrics will continue to be the most popular
This is due to;
- it’s timeless look – works with any outdoor space
- complimenting the popular anthracite grey metalwork
- not showing the dirt like lighter colour fabrics
Awning design – in particular, shape and durability level will change
Consumers will opt more for flush fitting awnings for a seamless addition to the façade and squared edge designs rather than the previously common rounded design, as they prefer the simplicity and cleaner lines provided by squared edges.
Higher wind speed rated awnings ensure that the awning will withstand strong breezes and gusts of wind and consumers will opt for materials that are not only water resistant but additionally, clean themselves, so higher grade materials with self-clean effect coatings will be selected over typical fabrics.
Last but not least
In the Easter of 2022, we will be making quality awnings affordable not just for the high mid-high end of the market, but for the mid-lower end of the mid market, for consumers who want a quality system that will stand the test of time and with the elements detailed above.
We can’t say too much until launch, but this will open up a whole new market for awnings that wasn’t previously available.
