Want to boost your home’s curb appeal with old-world charm—without replacing your entire garage door? You’re in luck. With just a few handcrafted details, you can turn a plain modern garage door into a bold, custom carriage house-style feature that looks like it belongs in a Western estate or colonial ranch.

At Old West Iron, we specialize in heirloom-quality iron hardware that brings history back to life—right down to the bolts and straps. Here's how to get the carriage look without the custom build.

Step 1: Start with a Paneled or Faux Wood Garage Door

The base of a carriage style garage door typically mimics wooden swing-out doors—even if the door actually lifts overhead. Look for one with:

• Horizontal or vertical paneling

• Faux wood finishes or textures

• Divided windows across the top (optional but authentic)

Already have a smooth or flat door? That’s okay. You can still add visual depth and detail with the right hardware.

Step 2: Add Decorative Hinge Straps

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This is where the transformation begins. Real or faux hinge straps create the illusion of traditional swing-out carriage doors, even if your garage lifts overhead.

At Old West Iron, our iron hinge straps are hand-forged and available in classic styles like spade, fleur-de-lis, and arrow-tip—designed to withstand weather while adding serious character.

Placement tip: Install straps horizontally across the top and bottom panels, or vertically near each side for a more authentic double-door effect.

Step 3: Install Decorative Door Pulls or Ring Pulls

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No carriage-style door is complete without bold, old-world handles. Install a matching pair of forged iron door pulls or ring pulls on the center seam to complete the look.

While they’re decorative on roll-up doors, our pulls are made with real function and weight—so they don’t just look authentic, they feel authentic too.

Step 4: Accent With Clavos (Decorative Nail Heads)

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Clavos, or decorative iron nail heads, were a staple of Spanish and frontier design—and they’re a perfect way to add detail and depth to your garage door makeover.

Use them to:

• Outline each panel

• Accent hinge straps or pull plates

• Mimic traditional joinery from historic carriage doors

Choose from round, square, pyramid, or hammered styles in black, bronze, or natural iron finishes for an aged, lived-in look.

Step 5: Finish the Look With Escutcheons or Lock Plates

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Escutcheon plates and keyhole covers add the final layer of realism, suggesting an old-school locking mechanism even if your door is automated.

Pair with ring pulls, or mount a plate dead center as a focal detail. Our plates come in a variety of shapes and textures—including Spanish Revival, Gothic, and Victorian styles—to match the era you're emulating.

Your Modern Garage, Reinvented

You don’t have to live in a centuries-old home to enjoy the timeless style of wrought iron and traditional craftsmanship. With the right layout and a few hand-forged iron accents, your garage door can tell a story all its own—one rooted in strength, history, and character.

Want to create your own custom combination?
Explore All Garage Door Hardware at Old West Iron »

FAQ

Q: What is a carriage style garage door?

A: A carriage style garage door is any garage door that's decorated to look like a carriage house door.

Q: Aren't the hinge straps too heavy for a garage door?

A: They shouldn't be! We only sell straps for garage doors in 1/8" thickness so that the weight of a thicker gauge doesn't become an issue.

Q: Can you make the handles/straps/door knockers thinner to accommodate my door?

A: Contact us! Some of our products can't be customized, but many of them can be changed and made in a size that works for you.

Maddison Mellem
Writing from the forge at Old West Iron