Awnings are used all over the world to provide privacy and protection from the weather. There are a large range of awnings (Markisen) on the market, some of which are designed to fit above windows and doorways, and others which are made to attach to exterior walls. Awnings have been around for a very long time, and still play an important role in the 21st century.
Awnings can be constructed from a range of different materials, with different things used for both the understructure and the covering. Different materials are used for different applications, with some awnings just installed for shade and others installed to act as an outdoor living space. Large awnings are often used as a way to create space outdoors, and are attached to exterior walls and along side walks as way to create shade and privacy.

The term awning is often used very broadly, and a large variety of different shade coverings can be referred to as awnings. Traditional awnings were placed above windows and doorways for shade purposes, while modern variants are used more often as a way to extend space. For example, many home owners install awnings on the walls of their home to provide large shade settings, with semi permanent awnings also available for use in gardens and courtyards. Many restaurants and businesses also utilise awnings as a way to expand space, with many awnings also acting as signs and billboards as well as weather protection. Outdoor living is getting more popular all the time around the world, and lots of people are installing awnings as an affordable alternative to patios and pergolas.

Many of the new awning designs feature operable arms which are retractable in nature, allowing people to manipulate the level of shade and sun coming into an environment. Retractable awnings have been popular in Europe for some time, and are now becoming much more popular in the United States and other countries. The majority of retractable awnings work with internal motors and remote control mechanisms, although it is still possible to purchase old fashioned versions that use a crank mechanism. Awnings are widely used in modern society, both to provide shade and to enable outdoor living and entertaining.