Surely I've left it too late to buy an awning? (https://www.etienne.org.uk/Awnings/)

It's a question we hear towards the end of every summer.

And the answer is no.

In fact, August and early autumn can be one of the most sensible times to start planning an awning.

Not because we're expecting you to suddenly develop an enthusiasm for sitting outside in December, but because you have just spent several months discovering exactly what happens to your patio and windows when the sun comes out.

You know where you needed the shade

Think back over the last few weeks.

Was there a part of the day when sitting outside became uncomfortable?

Did strong sunshine reach straight through the patio doors?

Did you move the garden furniture around looking for shade?

Or did you simply end up going back indoors?

Those are useful things to know when planning an awning.

The correct width, projection and position aren't simply about covering a certain number of square metres. They should relate to how the sun reaches your property and how you intend to use the space underneath.

That is much easier to judge while this summer's experience is still fresh in your mind.

An awning isn't just for a heatwave

The obvious reason for fitting an awning is shade.

But people often discover that they use theirs far more frequently than expected.

On a warm but not particularly hot day, it creates a more comfortable place to eat outside.

When the sun is low, it can reduce glare.

When sunlight is pouring through large patio or bifold doors, the awning can shade the area before that direct sunshine reaches the glass.

And with options such as integrated lighting and heating available on suitable awning systems, the outdoor space can remain useful beyond the very hottest weeks of summer. Luxaflex currently offers awnings with optional LED lighting and heating, for example.

Ordering now means you're planning rather than reacting

The first really hot weekend of spring is when thousands of people suddenly remember that they wanted an awning.

Planning earlier means you can make the decision properly.

You have time to consider:

Size and projection – how much shade do you actually need?

Fabric – which colours and patterns complement the property?

Cassette style – how discreetly would you like the awning to sit against the house when retracted?

Operation – manual or electric?

Controls and sensors – would easier operation encourage you to use the awning more often?

Lighting and heating – do you want the patio to work later into the evening?

A made-to-measure awning is part of the property, so it's worth getting those details right.

And electric operation makes a genuine difference

It can sound like a luxury until you have used it.

With an electric awning, extending the shade doesn't require winding a handle whenever the sun appears. It becomes something you can use quickly and easily as conditions change.

That matters because an awning only helps if you actually use it.

Etienne is currently offering a free electric upgrade on selected awning models, making this a particularly good time to discuss the options available.

Terms and selected models apply, so speak to us for the current details.

What about British weather?

An awning isn't intended to replace a permanent roof, and sensible use remains important in poor weather.

But that doesn't make it a product you only use five days a year.

The Met Office recorded exceptionally warm conditions through June and July 2026, with a prolonged UK heatwave spell running from 30 June to 5 August.

Perhaps the more useful question isn't:

“Will next summer be hot?”

It's:

“When the next warm spell arrives, would we enjoy our garden more if we had proper shade?”

For many homeowners, this summer has already answered that question.

Made-to-measure awnings in Chesterfield, Buxton and the Peak District

At Etienne Curtains & Blinds, we can advise on the appropriate awning size, fabric, position and operating system for your home.

We provide a made-to-measure service throughout Chesterfield, Buxton, Bakewell and the wider Peak District, with our showroom at 55 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield.

If you've spent this summer thinking, “we really should get some shade out here”, you haven't missed the opportunity.

You may actually have chosen the best time to start. https://www.etienne.org.uk/contact/