​When it comes to a restaurant business we know that tables and chairs equals revenue. The more space you have, the more plates you can sell. One way to increase your dining area without buying or leasing the space next door is by creating your own using a combination of shade curtains, awnings, and enclosures. 

​This might all sound a little strange at first, but once you understand how these shade structures work together to create an expanding dining area for your business, you might just want to give it a try. This type of improvement to your restaurant can give you a return on your investment. So, let’s break it down. Here’s how you can utilize these shade structures:
 
·      Patio Shades: These are simple specialty fabric outdoor curtains. You can install these using a simple pole system and draw them open or close using either a motorized or hand crank system. These curtains can be installed using your awning as the base for the frame. Patio Shades come in a variety of styles and when closed, create an intimate enclosed outdoor dining area. These are great for patios and other outdoor areas of your restaurant.
·      Patio Curtains: These are also simple and classy. Typically, enclosures are made from clear pressed vinyl sheets which create a window-like appearance. The enclosures are usually top to bottom panels made from these vinyl sheets and other colored fabrics to give a an enclosed feeling for diners to enjoy. The enclosures can be attached to an existing awning or other shade structure. The enclosures are a great way to create outdoor dining space and added seating even if the weather is cold or rainy. 

​Using patio shades and curtains allows you to set up dining space outdoors without the hassle of expansion. The curtains and shades last for years and instead of paying monthly rent on an added space, you now have more dining space without the extra lease. So, the next time you’re thinking about expansion, check out your patio or deck area and see if you can simply add some shade curtains or enclosures to create that dining space you need. 

​For more information about restaurant curtains and other enclosures, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​When we think of shade, we often imagine things like awnings, pergolas, and other outdoor structures. But did you know that interior shading known as drop shades are also excellent ways to keep your business cool and stylish?
 
Clothing stores, restaurants, and other shops can utilize drop shades to help keep the heat of the sun out while still allowing light to filter through. So what exactly are drop shades?
 
Drop shades are for either the interior or exterior of a building. Inside a business, a drop shade acts like a curtain, only it is not a solid fabric. Interior shading is a great way to help reduce the amount of solar heat gain your business gets and ultimately, help keep your business cool.

​Drop shades are typically made from a mesh screen which allows light to filter through but still helps keep out the heat and protect you and your customers from harmful ultraviolet rays. The screen can be operated by an automated system – you can control it with a push of a button – or by hand crank. The screen is typically rolled up when not in use.
 
Drop shades that are used on the outside/exterior of a business are usually seen at restaurants. The screens are typically used in conjunction with an awning and provide side shade.

​Drop screens for the interior of a business have several benefits which include:
 
·      Stylish Windows. The screens can be made to match the interior design of your shop. (Think colors or patterns).
·      Added UV Ray Protection. If your business already has an awning, the drop screen can add a layer of protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The screens are designed with specialty fabrics that block out ultraviolet rays.
·      Control. With a drop screen, you can control how much light comes through your window throughout the day. In the morning, you might want to roll up the screen. In the afternoon, you can utilize the drop screen to help provide some shade.
·      Shade and Cooling. Drop screens help keep your business cool. The added shade helps reduce the amount of heat the interior of your business absorbs from sunlight, thus keeping the temperature inside cooler. 

​Drop screens are great for any business looking to add a layer of style, creativity, and fun to the store’s interior design. For more information about drop screens and other shade structures, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com. 

​Not all homes are created or designed the same. Some have decks, some have patios, and others have large backyards, or porches. But, whatever your home has in terms of an outdoor lounge area, you should know you have a variety of options when it comes to the design and look of it.

​For starters, your deck can be shaded and made into a nice lounge area you and your family can enjoy. Shade structures add a level of class and design to your deck, patio, or backyard. You can use things like:

• Slide-on-Wire Awnings: These are great because you can control the amount of light that comes through. (Much like blinds, you can open and close the panels of the awning).
• Shade Sails: These are fun options that, like a boat’s sail, are stationary and can be layered to create a unique design.
• Awnings: These are practical and fixed shade structure options. These come in a variety of colors and styles that you can choose to match your home.
• Retractable Awnings: These are great because they can be retracted when not in use. If it’s a cloudy day and you don’t want to the awning, you can simply retract it. 

​Each shade structure has its merits. What you use is up to your taste and preference. Designing your shade structure for you deck also requires some color matching. Remember, choose a shade structure you can also match with outdoor furniture.
 
And remember, your awning or shade structure doesn’t have to be traditional. You can have it custom made. Think of curved or arched structures. Or even things like pergolas. The frame of your shade structure can also be custom made and designed. Just ask your awning installer for information and see how you can create a beautiful deck or backyard. For more ideas, check out our page on Houzz at:
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/americanawningandblind
 
Remember, the shade structure can be the starting/focal point of your deck or patio design. Using the shade structure as the color and theme framework of your plan, you can create a deck that has couches, tables, and even fire pits (as long as it’s not under the shade structure). All you have to do is use your imagination and think outside of the box.

​For more information about awnings and other shade structures, feel free to contact us at American Awning & Blind Co. by visiting us at http://www.americanawningabc.com. Or call us at 800-654-5933. You can also email us at info@americanawningabc.com.