Unless you have been shopping for homes or garage doors, you may not have stopped to consider the different styles of garage doors. While in the past the lower cost overhead panel styles of aluminum doors were most common, today, one of the most popular options is a return to the carriage house style garage doors.
In general, the carriage house doors are designed to resemble the old doors that were used on estates when the owner was driven around in a carriage by a team of horses. These were most often tall doors that had some paneling, or a rail and stile pattern across the front, typically in a small, repetitive pattern. Often there was a series of small, square windows on the top of the panels to let in light to the interior.
Also, because this was long before overhead doors were a consideration, these doors met in the middle and swung outwards to open. While traditionally rectangular in shape, today there are arched carriage house style garage doors that are a great match with many types of architectural designs.
Today’s Options
In addition to just the shape of the top of the door, there are many different options to consider in the carriage house style garage doors of today. You will find different types of wood and finishes the classic pattern on the front of the door or with a more streamlined and minimalist look.
There are also various options for the small panes of glass, also known as lites, which are featured on the top third of the door. These can be shaped to form arches, left in the small squares or eliminated from the design to create a solid look to the door.
While the traditional types of carriage doors opened from the middle and swung out, it is also possible to opt for these doors that will open automatically. This allows all the convenience and safety needed while still giving a traditional look to the garage and the home.
