DIY Window Awning: A Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Shade and Style

Windows are an essential part of any home, providing natural light and views of the outdoors. But for some, the intense sunlight that pours through can be overwhelming. Whether it's to help reduce glare on a computer screen, protect furniture from fading, or keep a room cooler, a DIY window awning may be the perfect solution. In this post, we'll take you through a simple, step-by-step process to create your custom window awning.

Materials you'll need:

Measuring tape

Fabric of your choice (preferably weather-resistant)

Dowel rods (2)

Brackets (2-4)

Sewing machine and thread

Scissors

Screws and wall anchors

Level

Cordless drill with drill bits

Pencil

Eye hooks (2-4)

Nylon cord

Optional: Clear vinyl sheet for rain protection

Step 1: Measure and plan

Start by measuring the width and height of your window. You'll want the width of your awning to be slightly wider than the window itself, and the length depends on the desired drop or coverage. When planning the drop, consider the angle needed to provide adequate shade. For this project, let's say we want an awning with a width of 60 inches and a drop of 30 inches.

Step 2: Cut and sew the fabric

Select a fabric that is both durable and weather-resistant. Outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella or canvas are ideal choices but be creative based on your preferences and aesthetic. Cut your fabric to match the measurements you took in step 1, adding an extra 4 inches to the width and drop for hemming (so, 64 inches wide by 34 inches long).

Sew a 2-inch hem along all four edges of the fabric, making sure to leave a pocket or channel at the top and bottom wide enough to fit the dowel rods.

Step 3: Assemble and install the brackets

Depending on the size and weight of your awning, you may need 2 or 4 brackets. Place the brackets on the wall above the window, leveling them and marking the desired locations with a pencil. Drill holes for the screws and anchors and then secure the brackets to the wall using the appropriate hardware.

Step 4: Insert dowel rods and attach cords

Feed the top dowel rod through the channel you sewed into the top hem of the fabric. Attach eye hooks to both ends of the top dowel rod, ensuring they are securely fastened. Thread the nylon cord through the eye hooks, tying off one end of the cord to the top eye hook and leaving the other end loose.

Step 5: Attaching the fabric to the brackets

Using the cord you threaded through the top eye hooks, lift the fabric and dowel rod assembly onto the installed brackets, ensuring the cords are securely anchored and able to hold the weight of the fabric.

Step 6: Attach the bottom dowel rod and adjust tension

Feed the bottom dowel rod through the bottom channel of the fabric. Attach additional eye hooks to the ends of the bottom dowel rod if needed, and connect the loose end of the nylon cord to the bottom eye hooks. Adjust the tension of the cord to create the desired angle for the awning, and tie off the cord securely.

Optional: Add rain protection

If you want to add rain protection to your awning, cut a clear vinyl sheet slightly larger than the dimensions of your fabric. Sew it to the top of your fabric, allowing a 2-inch overlap on all sides. This will create a barrier between your fabric and rain, helping protect your awning from water damage.

And that's it! Your custom DIY window awning is now complete. By following these steps, you've created an attractive, functional addition to your home that will provide shade and style. The possibilities are endless for customizing this project based on the fabric, hardware, and overall desired look. Happy crafting!