Light Control with a View
Drop arm shades (also known as window awnings) offer a unique combination of efficient sun protection and outward visibility. Unlike vertical screens, drop arm shades project outward, creating a shading canopy that allows for natural airflow and unobstructed views.
Why Choose Drop Arm Shades?
Adjustable Projection Angle
Precision pivot arms allow for projection angles from 0° to 170°, giving you complete control over sunlight penetration at any time of day.
Superior Interior Cooling
By shading the glass before solar heat penetrates, drop arm shades can reduce indoor temperatures significantly without the need for constant air conditioning.
Enhanced Airflow
The inherent gap between the canopy and the window promotes natural ventilation, keeping both the interior and exterior areas fresh and cool.
Glare & UV Reduction
Protect your furniture, flooring, and eyes from harsh UV rays and glare while maintaining a clear view of your landscape.
Concepts & Applications
Home Offices
Eliminate screen glare and maintain a comfortable workspace temperature without losing connection to the outdoors.
Kitchen Windows
Shade your prep area and manage heat during the afternoon sun while keeping your view of the garden.
Small Balconies
The perfect solution for apartment living where space is at a premium but sun protection is essential.
Engineered Versatility
High-performance components designed for the variable British Columbia climate.
Intelligent Shade Management
Motorized drop arm shades powered by Somfy respond to your environment automatically:
- ✓Sun sensors for automatic extension
- ✓Wind sensors for protection in gusty conditions
- ✓Individual or group control
- ✓Smartphone operation via TaHoma
- ✓Precise intermediate positioning
Effortless control for a more comfortable home environment.
Performance Textiles
Our textile collection includes breathable acrylics and performance meshes that allow you to see out while keeping the sun's heat and glare at bay.
Why Five Eight Twelve?
We deliver specification-grade window shading solutions tailored to your building's unique requirements:
- •Expert consultation on light & heat management
- •Precision measurement & custom fit
- •Certified Somfy automation specialists
- •Durable European-sourced components
- •Dedicated after-sales maintenance & support
A Clear Solution
"Drop arm shades are the unsung heroes of interior comfort. They manage heat and light so effectively that most clients wonder how they ever lived without them."
You Might Also Be Looking For
Drop-arm shades have modern siblings and indoor cousins. Here's the map.
Next stepZip Screen Systems
The modern vertical screen: fabric locked in side channels against wind.
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CompareBox Cassette Awnings
Projected shade for patios rather than windows.
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CompareInterior Window Shades
Solve glare from the inside where exterior mounting won't work.
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Same familyExterior Shade Screens
The full exterior screen lineup side by side.
Explore >Buying Guides & Expert Advice
Deeper reading from our knowledge base to help you choose the right solution.
Retractable Awnings in Vancouver and BC | A Complete Guide
Retractable awnings give you on-demand shade and weather protection without the permanence of a fixed structure. This guide explains the types available in BC, how they handle Vancouver's climate, what they cost, and how to choose the right system for your home or patio.
Read guide →GuideThe Best Shade Solutions for a West-Facing Patio in Vancouver
West-facing patios in Vancouver face strong direct sun from mid-afternoon through evening in the summer. This guide ranks the shade solutions that actually work for that exposure, with pros and cons of each for BC's climate.
Read guide →GuideSomfy vs Gaposa | Which Shade Motor Should You Choose?
Somfy and Gaposa are the two motor brands we install most often. Both are tier-one products, but they differ in ecosystem, smart-home integration, and typical pricing. This guide helps you pick between them.
Read guide →Your Design Dreams Delivered.
Ready to plan your project?
Consult with our experts to find the perfect Drop Arm solution for your home.
