An awning with lights in the arms – is it worth it?

Look at the photo above. The sun is gone, the deck would normally be in the dark, and instead the whole area is lit from above by the awning itself.

The lights are built into the arms – a strip of LED running along each one. There is no extra fitting on the wall and no cable hanging down. When the awning is rolled in, you hardly see them.

Why bother with lights in an awning?

Most people buy an awning for the sun. Then they find out they use it just as much in the evenings: a barbecue that runs late, a glass of wine after the kids are in bed, a bit of shelter when a shower comes over. Without light you end up sitting in the dark or running an extension lead out the patio door.

With lights in the arms you open the awning, switch the lights on with the same remote, and the deck turns into another room.

A few things worth knowing

The lights are part of the awning – they are fitted when the awning is made, not added afterwards, so decide before you order. They run off the same power supply as the motor, so it is worth planning the socket or spur with your electrician. And think about the colour of the light: warm white sits nicely with timber and brick, cooler white looks more modern.

If you want to see more models or get a free site survey, have a look at these awnings in Ireland, including the cassette version with LED lighting shown above.