If you own a small home, you know it can look boxy and lack the curb appeal that larger, more elaborate homes often have in abundance. Thankfully, if you add awnings to your home strategically, you can increase entertaining space, curb appeal, and comfort. 

Use a Door Awning to Create a Welcoming, Protective Entrance 

Small homes can lack curb appeal because they often have a very basic architectural style. Luckily, you can add instant personality and charm with a door awning, which will provide dimension to the flat facade of your small home. Awnings also add to the visual appeal of your home because they are typically made from a durable and easy-to-clean outdoor fabric that comes in a wide array of colors and patterns.

In addition to improving your home's exterior aesthetic appeal, an awning will offer protection from the weather. No longer will you have to stand unprotected from the driving rain or the sun beating down on you while you unlock the door. You can also add a backlit awning for extra entryway light and security. 

Use Window Awnings to Moderate Your Home's Heating and Cooling Expenses 

Because they’re made from the same materials as door awnings, window awnings also add detail to the small home. But they also provide protection from the heat of the sun. According to the United States Department of Energy, an awning can lessen summer solar heat gain via southern-facing windows by up to 65 percent — and it’s 77 percent via western-facing windows. This means awnings could significantly reduce your cooling costs during the summer. 

If you also want to harness the power of the sun to help heat your home during the colder months of the year, consider a retractable awning. With the touch of a button, you can extend or retract your awning, which will allow more flexibility than a standard awning. 

Use Window Awnings to Protect Interior Furnishings 

Your windows let in a lot of heat, but the sun does other damage over time — it fades your furnishings, artwork, draperies, flooring, and wallpaper. These are the things that make a house a home and are costly to replace. Window awnings will block a lot of the sun and prevent or lessen the UV damage it can do, preserving your home's interior. 

Use a Large Awning to Create an Outdoor Entertaining Space 

Small homes typically have a single living area, often with an eat-in kitchen rather than a separate dining room. This tiny footprint can make entertaining difficult. A survey by Houzz found that 30 percent of small homeowners who upgraded their home in the past two years renovated their outdoor space to extend their living area. Small homes with a patio or deck can increase entertaining options. So when your little house feels too small, you'll have an outdoor space to escape to.

To get the most out of your deck, however, you may want to invest in a stationary awning. This will help protect your wood deck from harmful UV rays. More importantly, it can protect your skin from sun damage. With a patio awning, you will be able to use your new outdoor entertaining space year-round as it will protect you from the elements. 

If your small home also has a porch, you can turn that into new living space as well. A porch awning will protect you from inclement weather and provide privacy.

If you would like to discuss how awnings can help make your small home more visually appealing, usable, and energy-efficient, contact Lexington Tent & Awning Company today.