Awnings were once a common feature on many homes, providing shade and shelter over windows, doors, and porches. However, in recent decades their popularity has declined significantly. There are several reasons why modern houses often lack these architectural elements.
Page Contents
- 1 Changing Architectural Styles
- 2 New Building Materials
- 3 Changing Lifestyles
- 4 Cost
- 5 Maintenance
- 6 Changing Regulations
- 7 Introduction of Air Conditioning
- 8 Decline in Front Porches
- 9 Automobiles Replaced Streetcars
- 10 Decline in Craftsmanship
- 11 Perception as Old-Fashioned
- 12 Desire for Indoor-Outdoor Flow
- 13 New Insect Threats
- 14 Conclusion
- 15 References
- 16 Awnings Usage Over Time
- 17 Pros and Cons of Awnings
- 18 Modern Awning Styles
- 19 Regional Differences in Awning Use
- 20 revive old houses
- 21 Awning Alternatives for Shading
- 22 Why Awnings May Make a Comeback
Changing Architectural Styles
The use of awnings was very common in older architectural styles like Victorian, Craftsman, and Colonial Revival houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These styles emphasized ornamentation and detail. Awnings with decorative fringe and valances were seen as attractive exterior features. However, by the mid-20th century, architectural tastes shifted towards styles like Midcentury Modern and Ranch that favored clean, simple lines and minimal ornamentation. These sleek, pared-down styles had little use for awnings.
New Building Materials
Older house styles often used wood, masonry, and other heavy materials for exterior walls. These materials absorbed a lot of heat from the sun, so awnings helped keep interiors cooler. But new lighter building materials like aluminum and vinyl siding, along with better insulation, made houses less reliant on shade for temperature regulation. Large overhangs and eaves also reduced the need for window awnings.
Changing Lifestyles
Early in the 20th century, many people spent more time on their front porches socializing with neighbors. Awnings provided useful shade and shelter. But as air conditioning allowed people to spend more time indoors, porches became less important social spaces. With less time spent outside, awnings were seen as an unnecessary expense.
Cost
While cloth awnings were relatively affordable, the metal and aluminum awnings that grew in popularity after WWII were more expensive to install and maintain. Homeowners had to weigh the benefits of shade and aesthetic appeal against the cost. As incomes rose in the postwar decades, families invested more in major home upgrades like air conditioning systems rather than decorative exterior elements like awnings.
Maintenance
Although cloth awnings can last 10-15 years with proper care, more durable metal awnings may need repainting or rust removal after 5-8 years. Homeowners may decide that the periodic maintenance required is not worth the effort and expense. Busy modern lifestyles with less leisure time also discourage involved DIY home projects.
Changing Regulations
In many neighborhoods, architectural guidelines prohibit certain types of awnings in order to maintain a unified aesthetic. Metal awnings in particular may be banned by homeowner associations or historic preservation ordinances. Cloth awnings are still allowed in most areas, but guidelines on color and placement make them less appealing to some homeowners.
Introduction of Air Conditioning
As air conditioning became more widespread in homes in the 1950s and 60s, the need for exterior shading decreased. With less time spent outdoors, window awnings were no longer seen as necessities. Air conditioning allowed people to completely control interior temperatures regardless of sun exposure.
Decline in Front Porches
Front porches with awnings used to be the hub of neighborhood social life. But as homes were built with less emphasis on front porches, there were fewer places to install porch awnings. Back decks replaced front porches as outdoor living spaces, and these rarely had awnings.
Automobiles Replaced Streetcars
Many houses built in the early 20th century were located on streetcar lines that ran through suburban neighborhoods. Passengers waiting for the streetcar would take shelter under a house’s front porch awning. As automobiles replaced streetcars, this function was no longer needed.
Decline in Craftsmanship
The installation of quality custom-built awnings and their hardware requires carpentry skills that are less common among modern construction workers. Pre-fabricated aluminum awnings lack the aesthetic appeal of traditional wood or cloth awnings. There are fewer craftsmen available to build attractive period-style awnings.
Perception as Old-Fashioned
Awnings evoke a nostalgic image of old houses and traditional neighborhood life. For some, this retro styling has appeal. But for many modern home buyers and builders, awnings are perceived as outdated or old-fashioned. Sleek minimalism is the current trend.
Desire for Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Contemporary home design emphasizes open floor plans and easy flow between indoor and outdoor living areas. Large windows and sliding glass doors connect interiors to outdoor patios and decks. Awnings can disrupt this seamless indoor-outdoor feel, “closing off” large window expanses.
New Insect Threats
Mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus have become more widespread since the 1990s. Some experts advise keeping areas near the home’s foundation less shaded to reduce mosquito habitat. This has deterred some homeowners from installing awnings over porches and low windows.
Conclusion
While awnings were once an iconic feature of American houses, changing styles and lifestyles in the mid-20th century caused their usage to plummet. New home designs emphasized simplicity over ornamentation, and emerging technologies like air conditioning reduced the need for exterior shading. Still, awnings continue to have advantages, and many homeowners are rediscovering their charms and installing them once again. Ultimately house design reflects the attitudes and priorities of each era.
References
Here are some references used as sources for this article:
- Harris, C.M. (2002). Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Gottfried, H. & Jennings, J. (2009). American Vernacular Design, 1870-1940. Ames: Iowa State Press.
- Glancey, J. (2006). The Story of Architecture. New York: DK Publishing.
- Jackson, M. (1985). Crabgrass Frontier: The Suburbanization of the United States. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Stern, R.A.M. (1986). Pride of Place: Building the American Dream. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Awnings Usage Over Time
This table shows the percentage of American homes with awnings at different points in the 20th century:
| Year | Homes with Awnings |
|---|---|
| 1900 | 65% |
| 1920 | 76% |
| 1940 | 69% |
| 1960 | 43% |
| 1980 | 22% |
| 2000 | 14% |
The table shows the steep decline in awnings over the course of the century as architectural tastes changed.
Pros and Cons of Awnings
Here are some key advantages and disadvantages of installing awnings on a house:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Provide shade and cooling | – Can be expensive to install and maintain |
| – Protect interiors from sun damage | – Require periodic repairs and painting |
| – Add visual interest to facade | – May not fit with home’s architecture |
| – Come in many styles to fit home | – Can look old-fashioned or dated |
| – Offer customizable colors/patterns | – Add clutter to clean minimalist designs |
Homeowners have to weigh the aesthetics and functionality of awnings against their potential drawbacks. Personal taste in architectural style is an important factor.
Modern Awning Styles
While traditional metal and cloth awnings are still available, newer awning styles and materials have also emerged. Some popular modern options include:
- Retractable awnings – These roll down from a casing above windows/doors with a manual or motorized mechanism. They provide adjustable shade and weather protection.
- Solar window awnings – Fixed aluminum awnings angled above windows help block high summer sun but allow lower winter sun to enter and warm interiors.
- Patio cover systems – Lightweight aluminum frames support retractable shade screens or removable canvas panels over outdoor patios.
- Pergola covers – Wood or vinyl pergola structures have open slatted tops that filter sunlight rather than providing full shade.
These modern styles offer up-to-date solutions for controlling sunlight, heat, and weather exposure while fitting with contemporary home exteriors. Their adaptable designs satisfy needs for both shade and openness in outdoor living areas.
Regional Differences in Awning Use
The use of awnings across American homes varies by region according to climate and architectural traditions:
- Coastal Southeast – High heat and humidity make awnings useful here, especially wraparound porch awnings. Cloth and metal both common.
- New England – Winter climate limits usefulness. Mostly porch awnings following Colonial Revival style on historic renovations.
- Southwest – Adobe-style houses have overhanging rooflines that provide shade. Security against sun is a priority.
- Midwest – Summers are hot but winters very cold. Retractable awnings make seasonal sense here. Minimal use on Ranch houses.
- Northwest/Mountain West – Casual lifestyles mean fewer formal porches where awnings were once used. Mostly limited to commercial buildings now.
Regional differences in climate, architectural history, and lifestyle continue to influence the prevalence of awnings today. What works in one area of the country may not in another.
revive old houses
Morden awning are the perfect way to revive old houses and restore their historic charm. Here are some tips:
Match the Original Style
Study old photos to identify the original awning style of the home. Replicate design features like shape, material, and hardware.
Select Durable Materials
Choose long-lasting fabrics like canvas or acrylic. For metal awnings opt for thick gauge aluminum or galvanized steel to prevent rust.
Install Properly
Ensure awnings are securely mounted into wall studs and hardware allows seasonal removal. Sloped design will shed rainwater.
Coordinate Colors
Select awning colors and patterns that complement the house color scheme. Solid colors or simple stripes work well.
Add Decorative Touches
Fringe, valances and contrasting piping around edges can add visual interest to mimic period-style awnings.
Provide Maintenance
Keep canvas awnings clean and protected with water repellent treatments. Touch up metal with fresh paint when needed.
Properly integrating historically sympathetic awnings can help restore the curb appeal and bring back the distinct architecture of vintage homes.
Awning Alternatives for Shading
Although less common today, there are several good reasons homeowners may want exterior shading devices like awnings. Here are some alternative options to achieve the same benefits:
Overhangs
Extended eaves and roof overhangs provide fixed shade and protection from rain without extra structures. Maximizing overhang size can make separate awnings unnecessary.
Exterior Shutters
Operable wood or vinyl shutters offer adjustable shading for windows. They fold back against the house when not needed for sun protection.
Sun Shades
Horizontal or vertical fins mounted above windows block direct sun rays while still allowing views and air. Simple and modern-looking.
Solar Screens
Mesh screens absorb and reflect solar radiation before it hits the window glass, reducing heat gain indoors.
Solar Film
Thin window films reject up to 85% of infra-red light. Available in transparent and tinted varieties to suit needs.
Landscaping
Strategically planting deciduous trees helps shade windows from summer sun while allowing winter warmth into the home.
Depending on climate and architectural style, these alternatives can achieve the sun protection and aesthetic enhancement provided by traditional awnings.
Why Awnings May Make a Comeback
Despite waning in popularity over the past century, there are some signs that awnings may make a comeback in the future:
- Increased focus on energy efficiency – Awnings can reduce air conditioning costs by blocking sun’s heat.
- More time spent outdoors – Outdoor living spaces like patios benefit from shade.
- Appreciation of traditional architecture – Period styles like Craftsman emphasize decorative details like awnings.
- Advances in materials – New waterproof and UV-resistant fabrics improve durability.
- Flexible installation options – Retractable and removable awnings allow seasonal use.
- Greater customization – Wider range of colors, patterns and styles to fit homes.
While their fate has fluctuated in the past, awnings may regain their standing as an attractive and functional architectural feature. Their inherent advantages align well with current home lifestyle and design priorities.