Freestanding Awnings

Freestanding awnings are a flexible solution that allow for ample sun and rain cover without the need for mounting the awning to a wall. We offer several options for freestanding awnings to suit a range of space and budget requirements for the ideal addition to your outdoor space, whether you want space to relax and enjoy the weather in privacy or cover for al fresco dining.

Providing UV protection from the sun, as well as shelter from the wind and unexpected rain showers, freestanding awnings enable you to make the most of your garden or patio for longer and are an affordable solution that adds a touch of luxury to your space.

Aquarius Blinds have more than 30 years’ worth of experience installing awnings in SurreySussex.

How do freestanding awnings differ from other styles?

As the name suggests, a freestanding awning doesn’t need to be mounted to the wall, so the framework of the awning forms the base. They’re a popular style to use in open spaces as well as poolside, on lawns and patios, and for commercial settings such as bars and restaurants. Freestanding awnings allow for versatility and maximum airflow surrounding the awning for comfort when you’re enjoying time outdoors.

What are the benefits of freestanding awnings?

Freestanding awnings are more durable than pop-up tents or canopies and offer the opportunity for a bespoke finish with our range of custom fabrics. With a freestanding awning, you have protection from the elements which enables you to use your garden whatever the weather and extends your living space without the need to install a permanent structure.

They’re easy to assemble and because they’re not fixed, you have the option of moving them whenever you want to create different relaxation areas in your garden. Freestanding awnings are particularly well suited to properties where it’s difficult or impossible to fix an awning to, such as an uneven façade or an inadequate substrate.

The sturdy aluminium frames of our freestanding Markilux awnings ensure that the awning can support itself in windier weathers without the need for additional weight, and with water-resistant fabric that’s designed for outdoor use, they’re suitable for rain showers as the water will run right off. We also supply textiles that deliver UV protection and transparent fabrics that provide protection from the sun without impacting the view.

Types of Freestanding Awnings

Markilux Syncra

A stylish freestanding frame system that can extend up to 7 metres in width as a single unit, the Markilux Syncra is suitable for a wide variety of settings. Suitable for all Markilux awnings, this frame system can be used as a single or double awning system and can be ground sunk or used as a freestanding system. With a range of frame colours to choose from, this German-engineered awning is stylish and functional. The Syncra provides generous shade and stability, and can be fitted with folding arm awnings or Markilux pergolas, depending on your needs.

  • Durable aluminium frame
  • Choice of 7 frame colours
  • Top cover board to remove the gap between awnings
  • Choice of ground sunk or freestanding system
  • Compatible with all Markilux awnings

Markilux Planet

The Markilux Planet is a freestanding frame suitable for use with folding arm awnings, providing continuous shade as the sun moves throughout the day. It’s the ideal awning for providing maximum privacy and shelter from the elements, while still enabling you to enjoy the weather and fresh air. Great for homes and commercial settings, it is a wonderful choice for areas where it’s difficult to provide shade such as beer gardens and leisure areas. The Markilux Planet can be manually operated or motorised using a remote control for added convenience.

  • Compatible with all Markilux awnings
  • Provides shade areas up to 610cm x 300cm, or 510cm x 350cm
  • Can be rotated up to 335 degrees
  • Can be used for domestic and commercial applications
  • German engineered
  • Choice of fixed and rotation mechanism
  • Range of frame colours to choose from

Our range of German-made Markilux awnings are perfect for tailoring your outdoor space to your needs and tastes, enabling you to enjoy your garden or patio year-round while also enhancing the look of your property. We offer a great selection of fabrics to choose from and frame colours to create a bespoke product that’s versatile, practical and stylish. Any property owner, whether residential or commercial, can enhance the look of the property with a freestanding awning and customise the space with accessories such as heating, lighting and barriers.

To learn more about the freestanding options we have available or to book a home visit, get in touch with us today and we’d be delighted to assist you.

Suzan Redjeb
Suzan Redjeb
2023-06-19
Aquarius Blinds provided an exceptional service from start to finish. The fitters, Kristian & Luke, were meticulous working to the highest standard. The rest of the team, Andrew, Rees and Abby all a pleasure to deal with. Would highly recommend Aquarius Blinds to friends and family.
ilevel ilevel
ilevel ilevel
2023-06-15
Got our new electric blind fitted yesterday, very good service and done in time and all cleaned before leaving. The service from Aquarius is always brilliant - that's probably why this is the fourth item we have got from them. Can't recommend them enough
James Park
James Park
2023-06-07
Blinds look great and work great and were installed on time and very professionally. I can wholeheartedly recommend using this company.
mark pinder
mark pinder
2022-10-29
I had 6 x electric window roller blinds fitted, Aquarius provided excellent service through from estimating to fitting. very happy customer.
David Ogilvie
David Ogilvie
2022-09-19
We have recently had an awning installed by Aquarius. From start to finish the service was most professional and efficient. From the Surveyor's visit through the Receptionist's calls & to the Installers. Everyone was friendly, slick and knowledgeable. We are very pleased. The components are from Germany and bear out the reputation of German manufacture. Everything was explained in detail before, during and after installation. We highly recommend Aquarius.
Kenneth Kane
Kenneth Kane
2022-09-01
We can’t emphasize enough how delighted we were with the entire experience we had with Aquarius. From initial contact through to installation this company is professional, knowledgeable and guided us through every phase of the project. Initially we came to them looking for a skylight blind for a large 2.5x2.5 piece of glass to assist with privacy and temperature control. Having met them and gained complete confidence we also moved forward with 650x300 large Markilux awning. This seemed a daunting element given size and weight etc – but they made us completely comfortable that it could be a great solution. During the initial conversations they took the time to get to know our project and gave us a thorough feedback on available options and what they believed was the optimal approach. This consultation process should not be undervalued as we also approached other vendors that did not want to make this effort is getting to know us. This hands on approach gives the sense you are dealing with a bespoke project manager but at the same time they have the experience of a large operation. The onsite visits allowed us to put various options on the table to discuss as there was not just a hard coded sell and move on attitude. Rather they wanted us to get the best possible solution we could find. They coordinated fluidly with our builder and had direct communication as to technical needs such as supporting structured and electricals. Had they not done this directly it could have led to wasted time and money (which they saved us on both). From fabric colours to support brackets – there was no detail left to chance and they were very granular in showing us how it would mesh best with our other fixtures. All of this in the end ended up enhancing the overall look and feel and blending in perfectly. From ordering to arrival we were kept updated as to lead times and coordinating this with other parts of our building project. All correspondence (emails, phone calls) were met with quick and clear responses which allowed us to focus on other areas of the build. The installation team were world class. Punctual, courteous, hardworking – all the attributes that you hope for at the critical juncture that can define the overall success. They spent a significant amount of time ensuring we were happy with the angles and various aspects that could otherwise be overlooked. We had a comprehensive training and information session with them which again filled us with the confidence that they were invested in wanting their brand to be stamped alongside this product. We have had amazing response from our neighbours on both the skylight blind and what has become the showpiece of our garden – the awning. It has allowed us to enjoy hot summer afternoons and evenings in the comfort of our back patio. Elements like the Shade Plus (very cool) also provide amazing relief to our ground floor kitchen in keeping it from direct sunlight and has had a great impact on our energy consumption. All I can say is – give this company an opportunity and you will not be disappointed.
peter kirk
peter kirk
2022-08-31
Great experience from initial contact to installation. Had previously attempted to purchase an awning from another company but the service was dreadful. Glad I chose Aquarius.
Marsha Beresford
Marsha Beresford
2022-08-12
I have received excellent service from Aquarius for over 6 years they have installed both internal and external blinds. The latest installing a large 4 x 7 m garden awning. They are prompt efficient and I have recommended them to all my friends who have also used them.
David Camis
David Camis
2022-04-03
If you are planning on getting an awning, then this is the place to come. We decided to get one and shopped around. Aquarius was definitely the most competitive on price. We went to their showroom and could see the one we wanted in action. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Andrew came and measured up. Very efficient from start to finish. Done a great job on installing, so thank you Andrew and your team on a great job.

Freestanding Awnings Gallery