A well-designed commercial awning is more than a practical shade structure—it’s a vital part of your business’s visual identity. The right awning grabs attention, draws in foot traffic, and reinforces your branding. Whether you’re opening a new storefront or refreshing an older façade, these four essential design elements will help you create an awning with Carroll Architectural Shade that regularly appeals to new and returning customers.
Business Name and Logo
Your commercial awning should clearly display your business name and logo. These elements help you make a memorable first impression and ensure passersby know exactly who you are. A high-quality awning offers a canvas to showcase your brand’s style—whether you prefer clean, modern typography or bold, eye-catching logos. When your branding is consistent across your storefront, signage, and awning, you build recognition and trust with your audience.
Color and Style Coordination
Color plays a key role in your awning’s impact. Choose hues that align with your brand identity but also contrast well with your building exterior so your awning stands out. For example, a coastal café might opt for cool blues and whites, while a high-end boutique might prefer rich burgundy or deep green. The style of your awning also matters—stationary awnings offer a traditional and sturdy look, while retractable options offer flexibility with a modern feel. Dome (Bullnose), shed, or arch styles can help frame your entrance beautifully.
Functional Messaging
One of the most important design elements of your commercial awning is the incorporation of functional messaging. Your awning can do more than display your name—it can communicate useful information at a glance. Consider including your business hours (especially if you’re open late), phone number, website, or key services. If you operate 24/7 or offer walk-up or outdoor service, those messages can be clearly printed on the front or valance of the awning to capture customer interest as they pass by.
Strategic Placement
Where you place your awning matters just as much as what it looks like. An awning over the main entrance naturally draws customers in, but you can also use awnings to highlight secondary entrances, outdoor seating areas, or product displays. Awnings can even create additional branding opportunities along the sides or corners of your building, depending on your location and foot traffic patterns.
A Commercial Awning with Purpose and Style
When you thoughtfully incorporate these four design elements in your commercial awning—branding, color/style, messaging, and placement—you turn your awning into a powerful business asset. At Carroll Architectural Shade, we specialize in creating custom commercial awnings for businesses throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. Let us help you design an awning that brings style, function, and visibility to your storefront.
CONTACT CARROLL ARCHITECTURAL SHADE TODAY
Through our combined locations in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., Carroll Architectural Shade provides innovative craftsmanship, superb service, competitive pricing, and unfailing attention to detail for customers throughout Maryland and Virginia.
Our highly skilled craftsmen design and custom manufacture shade products in-house, including commercial awnings, residential awnings, retractable awnings, roll-up curtains, aluminum awnings, and flat metal canopies. Founded in 1958 by James Carroll Sr., and still family-owned by his sons today, Carroll Architectural Shade remains committed to delivering top-quality craftsmanship and service.
Visit our website to see how we can serve you and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.