A strong first impression can make a big difference for any business in the Lewiston–Clarkston Valley. Whether you run a downtown café, boutique, or professional office, your storefront sets the tone long before a customer steps through the door. One of the simplest, most effective ways to enhance curb appeal is with a custom awning.
Awnings do more than add shade; they frame your entrance, highlight your brand, and make your business stand out in a competitive market. At Best Blinds & Awnings, we install both residential and commercial awnings for entrances, patios, storefronts, and windows to provide shade from the sun and shelter from rain and to create visual impact. Here’s how custom awning designs can transform your LC Valley storefront to make it more appealing and what to consider when choosing the right one.
Create a Noticeable, Professional Presence
A custom awning adds definition and structure to your business front. It helps your storefront look intentional, clean, and inviting, especially important in high-traffic areas like:
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Downtown Lewiston
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Clarkston’s commercial districts
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The businesses along Main Street
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Shops and cafés near the river
A great-looking awning signals professionalism, making customers more likely to stop in. Awnings also add a counterpoint to charming historic architecture and character to more modern buildings.
Choose Colors That Work for Your Brand
Your awning should not just be a color you like or one that goes with the surrounding color scheme; the colors and design should support your branding. That means picking colors and patterns that reflect the image you want to project. For example:
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Restaurants and cafés often choose warm, welcoming, cheerful tones.
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Professional offices tend to lean toward clean neutrals and tonal solids.
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Retail storefronts sometimes shift to bold colors for higher visibility.
A custom-designed awning allows you to align your exterior with your brand identity — something that ready-made options can’t do nearly as well.
Add Custom Graphics for Better Visibility
One major advantage of a custom awning is the ability to add your business name, logo, or even a short tagline to the awning itself. Good visibility matters in the LC Valley, where customers often choose businesses based on convenience and curb appeal. Clear, well-placed graphics are an additional advertisement for your business that is visible to people all along the street, not just those in front of your shop. They help your business:
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Attract more foot traffic
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Guide customers to where your business entrance is
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Increase brand recognition and identification over time
When your storefront is easy to spot and locate (“the shop with the blue awning”) you’re already winning before a customer walks in.
Improve Comfort and Reduce Heat Gain or Water Intrusion
LC Valley summers can be hot and bright, while spring and fall rains and snowfall can be drenching. Awnings help manage sunlight, making your interior more comfortable for customers and employees, and they also restrict the amount of rain that can intrude when customers enter and exit your store. Custom awnings can:
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Reduce indoor heat gain
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Lower cooling costs during peak temperatures
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Protect window displays from fading
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Prevent rain or snow from directly coming in whenever the door is opened
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Limit slippery floors from water intrusion
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Allow outdoor seating to stay usable longer
When designed correctly, awnings maximize shade and coverage without blocking your store’s visibility or making the front of your business look heavy or closed-off.
Styling Options That Fit Any Architecture
Every business front is different, and a custom awning lets you match your building’s architecture rather than settling for something generic. Popular styles include:
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Traditional fabric canopies
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Modern metal awnings
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Retractable awnings for flexible coverage or outdoor seating areas
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Dome-shaped designs for classic storefronts
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Straight-edge or open-sided awnings for a crisp, minimalist look
A custom approach ensures your awning complements the building and your business.
Durability for Local Weather Conditions
The LC Valley sees intense sun, occasional wind, and winter moisture. A well-designed awning needs to handle all of it. High-quality materials such as commercial-grade fabrics, powder-coated frames, and UV-resistant coatings keep your awning looking sharp season after season.
A custom design means you get the right structure for your location, whether your storefront faces full sun or sits in a wind-prone corridor. The right custom awning can be a smart investment in your business’s image. Your storefront is one of the best marketing tools you have, and a custom awning gives your LC Valley business a clean, polished look while improving comfort, visibility, and brand recognition.
At Best Blinds & Awnings, we design and install commercial awnings tailored to each business’s style, needs, and location, creating a lasting impression that helps you stand out. If you are in the LC Valley, contact your local Best Blinds & Awnings today to explore custom awning options for your Lewiston–Clarkston Valley storefront.