How can you create an inviting space for customers under your awning?

In the somewhat changeable weather of autumn, one of the first steps to drawing customers into your pop-up establishment is obviously to ensure that they’re properly protected from the elements – and that’s where our commercial awnings come in handy here at The Awning Company.

What’s more though, even once you’ve already successfully drawn in footfall, creating a comfortable, welcoming space under your awning can significantly enhance the customer experience and encourage people to stay longer at your business – whether you run a pop-up café or restaurant, or even a motorsport hospitality area. And if you’re wondering where to start in creating an inviting space, here are a couple of ideas to spark some inspiration!

Maximise comfort with furniture

Choosing the right furniture is crucial for creating an inviting outdoor space. Comfort plays a major role in keeping customers happy and encouraging them to hang around. So with that in mind, it’s a good idea to consider durable, weather-resistant furniture that doesn’t compromise on style. For example, outdoor sofas with plush cushions can offer a relaxed and homely atmosphere, making it more likely for customers to enjoy their time.

For cafés and restaurants, it’s essential to have tables and chairs that are easy to clean and maintain. Stackable chairs made from materials like aluminium or rattan are excellent choices, as they are lightweight and can endure the UK’s often unpredictable weather. If your business is more retail-focused, you might want to consider even more casual seating options, such as benches or stools, where customers can rest while browsing.

While you’re at it, you’ll want to ensure that the furniture you choose complements the aesthetic you want for your establishment. Sleek, minimalist designs may be suitable for a modern, urban setting, while more traditional, wooden furnishings might fit a cosy, rustic environment. Ultimately, a good rule of thumb is to think about the message you want to convey, and let your furniture choices reflect that.

Use lighting to create ambiance

Lighting is a vital aspect of any outdoor space – pop-up establishments included – and just as it does at home, here it plays a significant role in setting the right mood. Proper lighting can transform your space, making it warm and inviting even if it’s wet (or dark) outside. For example, depending on what kind of atmosphere you’re going for, string lights or fairy lights hanging under your awning can create a soft, enchanting atmosphere, while LED strip lights along the edges add a contemporary and stylish touch.

Of course, if you’re operating into the evening, you’ll also need proper lighting for both practical and safety reasons, too. Outdoor lanterns, wall-mounted fixtures, or overhead lights are all great options to ensure that your space, is well-lit without being harshly so. (On that note, you might want to consider using energy-efficient lighting to help reduce costs and minimise your environmental impact.)

Also, it’s not a bad idea to think about the warmth of the lighting, too. Warm-toned bulbs can create a cosy environment that encourages customers to stay longer. Combining various types of lighting – such as overhead lights for visibility and soft, accent lights for ambience – can go a long way to helping you achieve the right balance between functionality and atmosphere.

Add greenery for a welcoming touch

Another straightforward and effective way to make the area under your awning feel more inviting is to incorporate plants and greenery into your outdoor space. Plants can soften the harder edges of a commercial setting and contribute to a more relaxing environment for your customers.

Potted plants, hanging baskets, or planters around the perimeter of your awning are all excellent options for this, helping to enhance the visual appeal of the space while creating a natural barrier, giving your customers a sense of privacy while they enjoy the outdoors. One popular approach is to choose plants that thrive in shaded areas and require minimal maintenance, such as ferns, ivy, or lavender. These low-maintenance options add a touch of greenery that makes the space feel more lively and engaging.

Combine shelter and branding with your awning

And of course, it’s important not to forget about the awning itself! As well as providing shelter from the sun, rain, and wind, it also serves as an opportunity to showcase your brand. A well-designed awning featuring your business’s logo, colours, or distinctive patterns can help reinforce your brand identity while offering practical protection for your customers.

If you’d class your brand as a more modern for example, a minimalist awning with simple lines and subtle branding may be ideal. For a more vibrant or traditional business on the other hand, bold colours or vintage patterns might be a better fit. Ultimately, it’s all up to you – just make sure not to underestimate its outward appearance as a factor which can sometimes make all the difference as to whether it will draw people inside!

If you’re looking to get branded awnings installed for your fleet, you’re in exactly the right place.

Motorsports and equine and mobile tech are just a couple of our key sectors here at the Awning Company, and we have a long history of delivering flawless solutions for our customers across the North West. Feel free to take a look at our bespoke GH Awnings to see what we can do for you – and if you have any questions or need any advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 01204 544 900, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!