Awnings are a great addition to any home exterior, as they can add style and a fun punch of colour to an otherwise drab exterior wall. Functional awnings also provide shade for an outdoor seating area, and protect windows from excessive sunlight and strong wind and rain. If you've never shopped for awnings for your home before, note a few tips on how to select the right option, for both style and outdoor comfort.

For many homes, the stylistic and utility differences between external and internal shutters are widespread. External shutters are the type that are placed on the outside surface of the window to provide protection against exterior elements. Internal shutters are also designed to protect the window frame, but mostly from internal factors and outside elements such as the sun's rays. In addition to these utility differences are the stylistic variations for internal and external shutters.