If you’re thinking about upgrading your garage door, there’s a timeless style that’s making a big comeback—carriage house garage doors. These beauties bring an old-world charm while still offering all the strength, insulation, and automation we expect from modern doors. At Overhead Door Company of Bellingham, we love helping folks choose the perfect garage door for their home, and carriage house doors are one of our all-time favorites. Let’s talk about why they’re such a smart (and stylish) choice.
What Is a Carriage House Garage Door?
Back in the day, a carriage house was a separate building where people stored their horse-drawn carriages—basically, an early version of the garage. The doors on those carriage houses typically swung open like a pair of barn doors.
Today, when we talk about carriage house garage doors, we mean modern garage doors that look like those traditional swing-out doors—but they roll up like a regular garage door. So, you get the vintage look without giving up the convenience of a modern system.
Timeless Curb Appeal
These doors add a charming, elegant look to any home. They’re especially great for craftsman, cottage, farmhouse, or colonial-style houses, but they can complement just about any design.
Tons of Custom Options
Want something bold and dark? Light and cozy? With windows or without? You can choose from:
Wood or wood-look materials
Decorative hardware (like hinges and handles)
Window inserts and glass types
Paint or stain finishes
Modern Performance
Even though they look classic, carriage house garage doors can come insulated, wind-rated, and fully compatible with smart openers. You won’t be sacrificing function for looks.
Boosts Home Value
Curb appeal matters when it comes time to sell your home. A beautiful carriage-style garage door can seriously boost your home’s overall appearance—and that can mean a better resale price.
Materials That Work Well for Carriage House Garage Doors
You don’t have to use real wood to get the wood look (unless you want to!). Today’s carriage house doors come in a variety of materials:
- Steel: Durable, affordable, and can be designed to mimic wood grain.
- Wood: Gorgeous and traditional, though it requires more maintenance.
- Fiberglass: Lightweight and resistant to cracking, rust, and dents.
- Composite: Made to look like real wood but with way less upkeep.
Each material has its pros and cons, so it’s worth chatting with one of our team members to figure out what fits your home, climate, and budget.
Are Carriage House Garage Doors Right for You?
Let’s break it down simply.
YES, if you:
Love a vintage or farmhouse look
Want to upgrade your curb appeal
Need a fully functional garage door with modern safety and insulation
Maybe Not, if you:
Prefer sleek, ultra-modern aesthetics
Want a totally minimalist exterior
Of course, even modern homes can sometimes rock a carriage-style garage door with the right design. We’ve seen it work beautifully!
Carriage House Garage Doors vs. Traditional Garage Doors
What’s the big difference? It mostly comes down to looks. Standard garage doors tend to be flat or have raised panels, and they’re all about clean lines. Carriage house doors often have decorative hardware, crossbuck patterns (like an X or Z shape), and rustic finishes.
Both styles can be insulated. Both can be quiet. Both can work with remote or smartphone openers. So it really comes down to style and vibe.
Insulation and Energy Savings
Did you know your garage door can make a big difference in your home’s energy use? Especially if your garage is attached to the house, an insulated carriage house garage door helps:
- Keep heat in during winter
- Keep cool air in during summer
- Lower your energy bills
- Add a bit of soundproofing
We can help you choose the right R-value (a measure of insulation) for your door depending on your local weather needs here in Bellingham.
Customization Options
Your garage door can be as unique as your home. At Overhead Door Company of Bellingham, we offer:
- Custom finishes to match your trim, siding, or front door
- Glass panel choices, including clear, frosted, and decorative
- Hardware upgrades like vintage handles, faux strap hinges, and more
You can even pair your new carriage house garage door with a smart opener for full control right from your phone. That means no more wondering, “Did I close the garage?”
Maintenance Tips
Carriage house garage doors are built to last, but they still need a little TLC to stay in great shape.
Here are some simple tips:
- Wipe down the exterior every few months
- Check the weather stripping for wear
- Lubricate hinges and rollers once or twice a year
- Get a yearly professional inspection for safety and spring tension
Why Choose Us?
At Overhead Door Company of Bellingham, we’ve been helping homeowners across Whatcom County for years. We know our stuff, and we make the process easy and stress-free.
When you work with us, you get:
- Friendly, local professionals
- Expert installation
- Honest recommendations
- Quick service and real answers
Whether you’re replacing a beat-up door or planning a full makeover, our carriage house options are hard to beat.
What makes a house a carriage house?
Traditionally, a carriage house was a separate building used to store horse-drawn carriages. These buildings often had barn-style doors and a rustic, charming appearance. In modern times, a “carriage house” can refer to a garage or home styled to reflect that historic architecture—with similar design elements like crossbuck doors and antique hardware.
What is meant by carriage house?
A carriage house is a term used to describe a building or garage that replicates the style of the old structures that once housed carriages. Today, it’s a design trend that evokes vintage charm while offering modern functionality in features like overhead operation and insulation.
Why do they call it a carriage house?
The name comes from the original purpose of the structure—housing carriages before cars were invented. These were usually outbuildings with wide doors and storage space. The design and name have carried through history and are now used for stylistic purposes.
What is the difference between a carriage house and a garage?
A traditional garage is usually attached to the home and has a plain, functional appearance. A carriage house may be separate or attached, but the key difference lies in the style. Carriage house doors often mimic barn doors and include vintage accents, whereas standard garages have modern panel doors.
Carriage house garage doors bring classic style, strong performance, and curb appeal together in one great package. Whether you want that cozy, country-style look or something custom-fit for your home’s vibe, we’re here to help.
Call (360) 734-5960 today to explore our carriage house options or schedule a free consultation!
Your perfect garage door is just a phone call away.
