Blog>Ideas>Garage door styles: Upgrade your welcome with these top design trends
Last updated: 6 September 2023
Garage door styles: Upgrade your welcome with these top design trends
Looking to gate-crash the garage exterior design party? Take a scroll through our garage door styles, where we feature top homeowner trends to add oodles of character to your humble abode. Whether it's old-world barn charm or new-age industrial chic, there's a style out there for you.
In this article you'll find:
What type of garage door styles exist?
No matter what your budget may be, there's a garage door style on the market for you.
With various shapes, sizes, and materials – the most common materials including steel, wood, fibreglass, and vinyl – let's take a look at some popular finishes.
Raised panel: Expect to find multiple rectangular panels on this garage door, which creates popular depth and texture
Recessed panel: Similar to raised panels, recessed panels are set back into the door's surface instead, which creates an understated and clean look
Carriage house: Designed to mimic traditional carriage houses from the 19th century, these doors often feature decorative hardware and crossbucks (horizontal braces), which gives them a rustic and charming appearance
Contemporary/modern: Expect clean lines, minimalist designs, and sleek materials like glass, aluminium, and steel. They also have large windows and very few fittings for a modern and sophisticated look
Full-view/windowed: As stated, these door designs include large windows, head to toe, or otherwise. Because they invite lots of natural light, you'll find them on modern and industrial-style homes
Barn-style: These are divided by two sections that swing out or slide into themselves. They're often made of wood with crossbucks and X-shaped patterns
Hangar style bifold: Made to fold vertically instead of swing open or roll up, they're an efficient, commonly steel-based option if you have limited space
Double garage doors: Designed to accommodate two cars side-by side, these garages are typically larger than their counterparts
Many homeowners also opt to include insulation in their renovations, especially if they're converting their garage into a home office or spare room.
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Garage doors: Styles to transform your driveway
Cottage style garage doors
Evoke the cosy and charming aesthetic of cottage style garage doors. Incorporate elements like crossbucks and decorative windows for a warm and inviting appearance.
However, even if you're looking for a simple and classic design like featured, make sure it seamlessly fits your surroundings.
Cottage-style garage doors are an excellent choice for homes in the countryside (naturally), lake district retreats, or other cosy architectural styles. They'll enhance your overall curb appeal and invite a sense of comfort to your first impression.
Key characteristics include:
Crossbucks/wood panelling
Decorative window options (such as divided or decorative glass)
Materials like wood or steel with cottage-inspired finishes and colours
Related content: Broken garage door: Finding the cause and how to fix it.
Contemporary and modern style garage doors
If you're aiming for a sleek, minimalist, and cutting-edge look, choose a contemporary or modern style garage door. Timeless and elegant, their clean lines, simple design elements, and modern materials create a sophisticated and low-maintenance finish.
You'll often find contemporary and modern garage doors in homes that embrace up-to-date architectural styles. For example, mid-century modern, minimalist, and industrial aesthetics.
Why not pare it back like this cream bricked and panelled wood option? Alternatively, go all out with decorative elements such as distinctive glass panels, large windows, and steel finishes.
Key characteristics include:
Flat, unembellished surfaces without raised or recessed panels
Decorative hardware is usually minimal or absent, contributing to a clean and uncluttered look
Materials like aluminium, glass, and steel for a futuristic appearance
Large windows for natural light and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection
Neutral and monochromatic colour schemes to enhance the minimalist aesthetic
Traditional style garage doors
For an ageless and versatile look, consider introducing traditional style garage doors into your curb appeal. They mainly feature raised or recessed panels, which helps to add depth and texture to the door's design.
They also come in various materials; however, steel and fibreglass are the most common.
Due to their ability fit any aesthetic, you'll tend to find traditional garage doors adorning a wide range of homes. For example, colonial, Victorian, and modern houses.
Key characteristics include:
Raised or recessed panel designs
Neutral colours
A balanced and uniformed appearance
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Barn style garage doors
Whether you're the horsey type, the countryside lovey or a rustic champion, barn-style garage doors are something straight out of royal period drama.
They draw inspiration from traditional barn doors in the way they feature wooden construction, crossbucks, and decorative hardware. The finish is a rustic and charming appearance, which complements architectural features such as this double garage door example with the curved brick alcove and lantern lights.
Find these types of garage doors on farmhouses, rustic country homes, or mansions. The key is to incorporate a style with a structure that aims for a classic, nostalgic look.
Key characteristics include:
Split designs
Traditional wooden construction
Crossbucks/panelling
Decorative hardware
Complementary design features
Carriage style garage doors
Carriage-style garage doors are designed to pay homage to historic carriage houses. As a result, they often incorporate ornamental fittings (such as these black antique hinges) and distinctive panel designs.
If you'd like your home to incorporate a traditional aesthetic or craftsman architectural style, a carriage house style door is for you. However, even if you'd just like a classic and elegant aesthetic, these would work well.
Main carriage house style garage doors characteristics:
Decorative hardware (e.g., antique hinges)
Distinctive panel designs
High top windows
Swing doors
Related content: How to paint a garage door.
Hangar style bifold garage door
Description: Hangar-style bifold garage doors are designed to fold vertically, providing efficient space utilisation. Typically used in aircraft hangars, they can also add an industrial and unique look to residential or commercial settings.
Aircraft hangars, large storage facilities, and contemporary architectural designs that seek a bold, industrial aesthetic.
Key characteristics include:
Vertical folding mechanism
Steel frame construction
Able to accommodate wide and tall openings
Old style garage door
Old-style garage doors are all about including designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia and historical charm. Inspired by various architectural periods, these doors often have unique, vintage, and charming details.
Whether you like restored historic homes, buildings with architectural character, or you're just looking to capture the charm of a bygone era, consider adding these garage door styles to your home upgrade.
Key characteristics include:
Varied designs inspired by specific historical periods
Unique and customised details
Materials that mimic the look of the past
How much would it cost to change garage door styles?
As with anything, the final cost of a renovation project will depend on the materials used, the tradesperson's time and skill, and where in the country you live. However, expect most garage door replacements to cost you around £1,500 + labour.
Read our guide: Garage door replacement cost guide for more comprehensive information.
Here are some other guides to help you:
Did you find these garage door styles inspiring? Are you going to incorporate one into your next home renovation? Let us know in the comments! And for more ideas, how-tos and cost guides, read our blog.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job