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Whether you’re building a new home or updating your existing one, choosing the right garage door style can have a major impact on curb appeal—and might even boost your property value. With so many options available, from farmhouse styles to sleek, modern garage doors, making a choice can be overwhelming.
Mischel Schonberg, public relations manager at Clopay, says, “Consider the architectural style of the home: is it traditional, modern, transitional, Craftsman, farmhouse, coastal cottage?” She also suggests paying attention to “other design elements on the house, like the size and shape of the windows, painted or stained accents, and the front door style.” Repeat those details when designing the garage door so it complements the rest of the house, she advises.
Ready for some inspiration? Here are 12 garage door designs to help you find the perfect match for your home. These different types of garage doors show how a practical necessity can become a standout architectural feature.
1. Modern Horizontal Planks
Horizontal planks create a warm, eye-catching look on this contemporary garage door. Though they look like rich wood, they’re actually made of low-maintenance composite that gives the appearance of wood without the hassle of upkeep. The wall sconces on each side add both style and function.
“Modern doors with clean horizontal lines and sleek windows are ideal for contemporary homes,” says Schonberg. If you’re worried about maintenance, she adds that “weather-resistant materials like aluminum and faux wood composite require less upkeep than natural wood.”
2. Classic Carriage House
These carriage house doors bring historic charm with their X-pattern design and decorative windows. The warm wood tones perfectly match the stone elements of the home, creating a cohesive traditional look.
“Carriage house doors add distinctive charm and look right at home on a traditional, farmhouse, Craftsman, or a cottage,” explains Schonberg. Learn more about different types of garage doors.
3. Traditional Panel With Windows
These classic panel doors with windows mix traditional style with modern function. The black finish creates striking contrast against the brick house while matching the shutters and front door.
“Traditional doors are often raised or recessed panel steel and go with most home styles,” Schonberg points out. This durable metal is also budget-friendly. Schonberg says, “Steel is the most affordable option and most door styles are made in this material.”
4. Farmhouse Chic
This white farmhouse-style door has a clean white finish that works perfectly with the home’s neutral colors, while the X-pattern and windows add character. It brings timeless charm to this contemporary home, adding to the existing aesthetic of the architecture. The symmetrical design with upper windows allows natural light to enter the garage while maintaining privacy.
5. Craftsman-Inspired Design
These garage doors showcase natural wood and feature classic craftsman elements with windows in the upper section. The exposed wooden beams above create a cohesive look that celebrates natural materials.
If you’re considering investing in a wood garage door, it’s important to understand their maintenance requirements to figure out if they fit with your climate and lifestyle.
6. Red Arch-Top Design
These eye-catching arch-top doors make a statement with their rich color and elegant curved tops. The decorative hardware makes them look like manual garage doors from historic carriage houses. The warm red creates contrast against the gray stonework while matching the front door.
The arched design adds architectural interest and softens the typically rectangular shape of garage openings. Make sure to choose a garage door opener that works well with specialty doors like these.
7. Contemporary Flat Panel
This sleek, modern double garage door has a minimalist design with its flat panels and bold black finish. The clean lines create a sophisticated look that perfectly suits this modern home’s geometric style. The overhang above creates an integrated carport effect.
Trying to figure out which garage door is right for you? Check out our buyer’s guide for the best garage door options.
8. Rustic Barn-Inspired Design
These barn-style doors bring countryside charm to any home. The vertical wood planking with horizontal supports creates an authentic barn look, while black hardware offers nice contrast against the warm wood. The natural finish shows off the beautiful wood grain.
Schonberg says, “Sometimes owners use the garage door as a bridge to blend two styles.”. Want this rustic look while keeping your garage warm? Look into insulation options that maintain the barn-door style while improving energy efficiency.
9. Classic White Paneled Design
This timeless white paneled door perfectly suits the cottage-style home. The crisp white color matches the home’s trim and contrasts nicely with the green siding. The windows let in natural light while simultaneously adding visual interest.
This versatile design works well with colonial, Cape Cod, cottage, and traditional homes, offering classic appeal that never goes out of style.
10. Diagonal Wood Pattern
These craftsman doors showcase beautiful wood with a rich brown finish and distinctive diagonal planking. The matching pair of single-car doors is an interesting alternative to the more commonly-seen double garage door.
While wood is trickier to maintain than steel or composite, for many homeowners, the authentic appearance of real wood justifies the additional maintenance requirements.
11. Contemporary Glass Panel
These modern doors feature a stylish mix of glass panels and dark metal framing. The full-glass design floods the garage with natural light while making a bold architectural statement. The dark frames perfectly match the home’s modern elements.
Many manufacturers offer glass options ranging from clear to frosted to tinted, allowing homeowners to balance visibility with privacy needs.
12. Sunburst Pattern Wood Design
This unique garage door showcases a dramatic sunburst pattern that turns a functional element into a work of art. The radial design creates visual movement, while rich wood tones add warmth.
Schonberg recommends using a digital visualizer tool, where “homeowners can upload a photo of their home and try on different door styles to find the look they like best and then customize it with windows and finish color.” This can help you picture how a garage door might look on your own home.
