Nothing ties the vintage look of a home together quite like a cohesive exterior. However, if your garage is either a recent addition or simply doesn’t match the aesthetic of your home, it can disrupt the overall design. A mismatched, overly modern garage door can feel out of place and detract from your home’s charm.
One brilliantly simple and cost-effective solution is to transform your garage door into a carriage house style masterpiece. Inspired by the classic charm of old carriage houses, this style exudes warmth, character, and elegance. Best of all, achieving this look can be a 100% DIY project!
Not sure where to begin? Don’t worry! Below, we’ll go over each essential component you’ll need to turn your plain garage door into a stunning carriage house style feature.
Faux Hinge Straps
The first step in creating a carriage house aesthetic is adding faux hinge straps. These decorative elements mimic the appearance of the hinges used on traditional carriage-style double doors. They’re the key to bringing authenticity to your garage door’s look.
Features and Customization
- Versatile sizes: Faux hinge straps come in a range of sizes, ensuring you can find an option that perfectly suits your garage door.
- Varied styles: Select from simple, sleek designs or ornate, detailed hinge straps depending on the level of elegance you'd like to achieve.
- Color and finish options: Opt for traditional black iron, antique bronze, or even a matte finish to complement your home’s exterior.
Installation is straightforward and can be done with just a drill and a little patience. Place the straps symmetrically on the top and bottom corners of your garage door panels to complete the look. This touch alone makes a significant impact!
Door Pulls
While your garage door doesn’t require functional door pulls, they are an essential decorative element for reinforcing the carriage house illusion. Traditionally, large, functional pulls were used to open carriage house doors manually, and this detail helps recreate that historic charm.
Placement Tips for Authenticity
To achieve the most authentic look, install two door pulls side by side in the center of your garage door. Picture a large set of double doors with these pulls being used to draw them closed. Many use door knockers/ring pulls as faux door pulls to complete the vintage look. This placement creates a striking visual centerpiece.
Style & Material Options
- Choose from sleek modern pulls, rustic iron fixtures, or vintage-inspired pieces to complement your door's overall aesthetic.
- Popular finishes include wrought iron, brushed nickel, and antique brass.
Door pulls are easy to install with standard tools, and they immediately elevate your door’s design.
Clavos
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, clavos are small, decorative metal studs often used in traditional and rustic designs for an extra layer of detail. When applied to your garage door, clavos add texture, depth, and a touch of craftsmanship that harkens back to old-world style.
Creative Ways to Use Clavos
- Space them evenly along the edges of the door panels to outline the structure.
- Place them strategically around faux hinge straps or door pulls to enhance the cohesive design.
Clavos come in a variety of shapes, including round, square, and even star-like patterns. Their finishes often match hinge straps and door pulls, creating a unified look across all the elements of your carriage house door.
Quick Tip
When attaching clavos, ensure they’re evenly aligned for a professional finish. This small detail makes a big difference in achieving a polished appearance.
Rosettes
For those looking to add an extra layer of elegance, decorative rosettes are the perfect choice. Rosettes are grander than simple clavos and bring historical detail that truly elevates the carriage house aesthetic.
Where to Add Rosettes
- Place them at the intersections of your door panels for a symmetric, balanced design.
- Use them sparingly to highlight other design elements or as accents to tie the entire look together.
Why Choose Rosettes?
Rosettes come in intricate designs, often with floral or geometric patterns that channel vintage ornamentation. This makes them an especially great option for homeowners who want their garage door to become a stunning focal point.
By combining rosettes with hinge straps, pulls, and clavos, you can achieve a dimensional, layered visual effect that’s full of charm.
Final Touches to Complete the Carriage House Look
With these essential elements in place, you’re just a few finishing touches away from completing your carriage house transformation. Consider adding the following details for an extra-special finish:
- Custom paint or stain: Choose a warm wood tone or neutral color to mimic traditional carriage doors.
- Windows: Opt for vintage-inspired window inserts, such as arched tops or diamond-pattern panes.
- Lighting: Install wall-mounted lantern-style lights on either side of your garage door to enhance the vintage ambiance.
These extras will complement your door design and make your garage truly stand out while blending seamlessly with your home’s exterior.
Bring Your Vision to Life
Creating a carriage house style garage door doesn’t have to require a large budget or professional expertise. By focusing on key details like faux hinge straps, decorative pulls, clavos, and rosettes, you can create a stunning, timeless design entirely on your own.
If DIY isn't your strong suit, or you’d like help selecting the perfect elements for your garage door upgrade, reach out to us! We’re here to guide you every step of the way to ensure your vision becomes reality.
Start small, experiment with styles, and watch as these details bring new life, character, and sophistication to your home.
Maddison Mellem
Old West Iron
p- (844) 205-7266
f- (844) 205-7267