Style matters: Choosing the right garage door for your home

In Minnesota, personal style ranges from high-fashion couture to flannel and long underwear. That’s because style is a reflection of who you are. The same is true with your garage door. One of the biggest visible elements of any house, your garage door is a crucial part of your home’s overall style and aesthetic. More than landscaping or adding a new coat of paint, installing a new garage door is one of the best ways to improve the curb appeal (and value) of your home. But how do you know what will look like a trip to Orchestra Hall and what will look like a cabin weekend up north? To help you decide, here’s a look at the most popular garage door styles and how they could elevate the look of your home.

Traditional panel doors

Traditional panel doors, sometimes called raised panel doors, are the most common in Minnesota because they offer style, function and energy efficiency without breaking the bank. Traditional panel doors are often made of steel, aluminum or sometimes wood, and they come in all kinds of colors and finishes so you have a lot of options for matching the style of your home. Like other styles of garage doors, panel doors are great for our harsh Minnesota winters because they’re easy to insulate and they hold up well against snow and ice damage. If you’re looking for a classic style that offers versatility and longevity, traditional panel garage doors may be the perfect fit for your home.

Carriage style doors

DCarriage style garage doors have the charm and rustic aesthetic to bring a touch of class to any home. Decorative hardware adds attractive detailing while centered door handles give the appearance the door will swing out, when it actually opens overhead just like any other garage door. As with traditional panel doors, carriage style doors also come in a range of colors and finishes, including wood grain finishes for a truly classic look. Carriage style doors are popular with homeowners who want a country chic vibe with the convenience of a modern overhead garage door.

Contemporary doors

Contemporary style doors make a statement. Typically featuring more glass and steel than other styles, contemporary doors offer clean lines to complement more modern and contemporary homes. Frosted glass is a popular option that can bring additional light into the garage without compromising safety and security. Contemporary door designs are incredibly unique, so you’ll want to make sure your door matches the overall aesthetic of your home. But if you have a modern home, a contemporary garage door can be the perfect addition to truly make your home stand out.

Garage door windows and customization

No matter which style of door you choose, windows are likely an option (this will ultimately depend on the particular door model you choose). Adding windows to your garage door can dramatically change the look as well as add function by letting in more light. This is great if you plan to use your garage for more than storage. But if you’re worried your garage might end up looking like U.S. Bank Stadium, never fear. Small windows allow you to add style and natural light without additional security concerns.

Windows are just one way to customize your garage door. Doors of all styles present options for different materials, colors and finishes. By experimenting with all these elements, you can find a garage door that truly matches your personal style and the style of your home.

Finding the perfect match

We know it can be hard to picture your new garage door without actually seeing it installed. That’s why we offer a unique customization tool that allows you to upload a picture of your own home and experiment with different styles to see what looks best. Our Reliable Garage Door technicians are also experts at matching styles and they can bring our mobile showroom right to your driveway, so you can check out various styles in person. We’ll make sure you find what you’re looking for and choose the right garage door style to elevate your home.