Retractable Awnings
& Canopies

What Is a Retractable Awning?

An awning is a secondary covering attached to the exterior wall of a building, typically constructed from canvas, polyester, or vinyl fabric stretched over an aluminum or steel frame. When that frame includes a retraction mechanism — either manual or motorized — it becomes a retractable awning, giving you the ability to extend or retract coverage on demand.

Canopies are closely related but typically feature support columns that extend further from the building, making them ideal for hotel entrances, restaurant patios, outdoor dining areas, and commercial walkways. Beyond weather protection, both awnings and canopies double as powerful branding tools — displaying your business name, logo, and address to every passerby.

Benefits of Retractable Awnings

• Reduce outdoor temperatures by up to 20°F beneath the canopy, creating comfortable outdoor spaces even in summer heat
• Lower your air conditioning costs by blocking direct sun from entering windows and doors
• Protect interior furnishings, merchandise, and flooring from UV fading
• Extend your usable outdoor dining or retail space year-round
• Create a weather-resistant covered entrance that keeps customers and staff dry
• Add a polished, professional look to any storefront or building facade
• Available with motorized controls for effortless operation at the touch of a button
• Durable, fade-resistant fabrics available in hundreds of colors and patterns to match your brand

Types of Awnings We Make

BMS Signs manufactures a wide range of awning styles to suit any application:

• Retractable Lateral Arm Awnings — The most popular style for storefronts and outdoor dining areas; extends and retracts along the width of the building
• Fixed Frame Awnings — Permanently extended awnings ideal for building entrances and areas requiring constant coverage
• Dome & Bullnose Awnings — Classic rounded shapes for traditional storefronts and residential buildings
• Canopy Awnings with Columns — Freestanding or wall-mounted canopies for restaurant patios, hotel entrances, and drive-through applications
• Window & Door Awnings — Smaller-scale awnings for individual windows, doorways, and residential applications
• Motorized Awnings — Remote-controlled or smart-home-integrated awnings for maximum convenience

Our Fabrication Process

Unlike dealers who simply resell imported awnings, BMS Signs manufactures our awnings in-house at our Brooklyn facility. That means we control every aspect of the process — from the initial measurement and design to the final frame fabrication and fabric printing. Our team handles the complete installation, including any required permits and hardware.

We work with commercial-grade fabrics from leading manufacturers, available in canvas, solution-dyed acrylic, and vinyl-coated polyester — all UV-resistant, mildew-resistant, and built for the demanding New York City climate.