How to Add Character to Your Garage Door

From the perspective of curb appeal, your garage door is a very important feature on your home. It’s a large area on the front or side façade of your property, and its condition and aesthetics can really impact the overall value of your home. Even if you don’t need to buy a new garage door or perform maintenance on your existing door right now, there are still many ways that you can add character to it. This doesn’t have to be an expensive process, and a little bit of effort can go a long way.

Paint

Most homeowners don’t realize that they can paint their garage door. You can simply match the existing color and provide your door with a fresh coat, or you can choose to completely change the color. The color of your garage door should complement the rest of your home. Most homes have a garage door that matches the front door or the existing trim pieces. The last thing that you want to do is paint your garage door black if you have brown trim on the rest of the house, so take note of your existing color scheme to ensure it matches or coordinates.

Also, it’s important to make sure that you’re using a type of paint that’s suitable for a garage door. While your curb appeal may be improved upon applying a coat of paint, that paint could quickly peel and look like an eyesore if you didn’t opt for the right product. Acrylic latex exterior house paint is a good product to consider. There are also paint brands that make paint specifically for garage doors.

Decorative Carriage Garage Door Hardware

Carriage garage doors open and close by swinging in and out of the way, but some garages simply have a door that looks like a carriage door but functions like a traditional variety that moves up and down. When you have a carriage-style door, there are usually windows and hardware on the front. You can really improve the overall curb appeal of your home and garage door by replacing your hardware. This is a relatively affordable process, but it makes a big difference.

Add Windows

You can add windows to your garage door even after it has been installed. Garage door windows are a great way to increase the aesthetic appeal of your home while also allowing light into the garage itself. Garages tend to feel very enclosed and dark. Windows are a great way to brighten and open up this space. Ensure that you have an experienced professional completing this project for you. The windows need to be straight, cut properly and installed correctly to prevent any kind of moisture from making its way into your garage.

Pergola

You’ve probably seen a pergola installed on a back patio or porch in order to provide a little bit of shade and increase the function of an outdoor area, but have you ever seen a small pergola installed over the front of a garage door? This is a fun project that can really make your home stand out. You’re not going to be creating a full-size pergola on your front façade. Rather, it’s a couple of feet of pergola that will extend out into your driveway. It’s essentially a little border on the front of your garage door. You can choose the color of your pergola to accent the rest of your house. Some people choose white to match the trim and the existing doors. You could also choose to stain the wood for a more rustic feel. Some people like to have climbing plants grow up the pergola for an even more charming look.

Lighting

Garage door lighting adds character to your garage, but it also adds to the overall safety of your garage. A well-lit exterior tends to be a deterrent for criminals that want to cause trouble. They’re more likely to move on to another dimly lit house on your street. A really nice option for lighting around your garage door is recessed lights that are installed under the eaves of your home. You could also have light fixtures installed on either side of your garage door as part of the siding.

If you would like to find out more about the different ways that you can add character to your garage door and increase the value of your property, reach out to our team here at Commonwealth Garage Doors. We can help you make some minor changes to your existing door that will add character, but we can also help with the selection and installation of a brand-new door.