Garage doors tend to be one of the biggest features on the exterior of a home, but they are still one of the design elements of a home that are often ignored. Decorative hardware is another inexpensive addition that can turn a plain, utilitarian garage door into a stunning feature that increases your curb appeal. Decorative hardware can take the form of elaborate handles, fashionable hinges or carriage-style straps, and adds character, visual interest, and charm to what is otherwise a utilitarian feature. Even small details, such as matching the hardware to your home’s architectural style, can work wonders in creating a cohesive, attractive exterior design.
Improving Your Home’s Resale Value
Aside from improving the visual appeal of your house, decorative hardware can also raise its market value. When it comes to home sales, buyers are keenly aware of the details that give a home that feel of being more finished and cared for — including a showy garage door with pretty hardware. Good, tasteful hardware makes a statement that lasts, particularly in areas focused on curb appeal, such as the front of the house. With decorative hardware, your home can look welcoming and finished, which buyers love and will lead to a higher perceived value of the property.
Functional Purpose of Profile Mouldings
Not only does quality garage door decorative hardware enhance aesthetics, but it also serves functional purposes. These hardware pieces are built to last and work hard, letting your garage door function as it should while also looking beautiful. Durable materials like wrought iron, stainless steel, or brass will outlast your outdoor weather. Moreover, various hardware parts like handles and hinges enhance the function of the garage door, which helps open or close it seamlessly. Asking for hardware with work and design means your hardware adds a decorative and functional purpose to the environment.
Garage Door Decorative Hardware: A Brief Description
Handles and Pulls with Decorative Patterns
Upgrading decorative handles and pulls is among the most affordable and dramatic upgrades for garage doors. Hardware, with its functional aspects, has also become the dominant design element that integrates with the door, creating an attractive finish to the overall door appearance.
Various Styles (Traditional, Modern, Rustic, etc.)
You can find decorative handles and pulls to suit your home's design aesthetic. Classic and vintage homes will love traditional designs which feature elegant, timeless shapes and intricate detailing. On the other hand, modern handles are often streamlined and minimalistic, with a preference for materials like stainless steel or matte black in order to give a clean and contemporary feel. Wrought iron or bronze handles and pulls in distressed finishes fit in with the warm, cozy feel of homes with rustic or farmhouse vibes.
Statistics (Brass, Steel, Wrought Iron, etc.)
When it comes to decorative handles and pulls, the material selection can make a great difference to the overall appearance. Brass knobs are popular for their eternal appeal and golden tone, and steel offers a more practical and cool finish. Wrought iron is perfect for those looking for a rustic or vintage touch and offers both strength and an ornamental look. The material you choose should match the finish of your garage door and the details of your home.
They Should Blend Well with the Style of Gadget
One well-chosen handle or pull can highlight the garage door and give a sense of continuity to the design elements of your home’s exterior. Whether it is a large statement handle for a rustic entryway or a sleek pull for a modern garage, the hardware should complement the door’s color and material — and the architectural style as a whole. Decorative handles support the aesthetic and can also provide a visual connection between the garage and the main entry points of the house.
Hinges and Strap Sets
Decorative Hinges: Function and Aesthetic
Decorative hinges serve two main functions: they allow the garage door to operate smoothly and add to the door’s aesthetic. Whereas regular hinges are usually tucked away and austere, decorative hinges fight to be noticed and add an old or classical flair. The hinge placement and design can mirror that of old-world garage doors, and will also give the door a heftier, stylish appearance.
Using Strap Sets to Imitate Carriage-Style Doors
Great for homeowners wanting to bring the nostalgia of vintage carriage doors to life, strap sets are also an excellent choice. These long, decorative straps affix to the surface of the door and give an aesthetic appeal as a contrast to the door’s primary panels. Strap sets offer a truly rustic look so that they mimic the natural look of old barn or carriage doors, creating an impressive effect to your home's exterior.
Door Color and Style: Matching Hinges
If you choose decorative hinges or strap kits, you need these to coordinate with the color and style of your garage door. Darker doors work well with brass or bronze finishes, whereas lighter-toned doors might want to consider black or steel hardware. Choosing hardware that enhances the color of the door helps keep the design balanced and cohesive.
Garage Door Knockers and Mail Slot Inserts
Hardware additions like knockers and mail slot inserts can enhance the design of your garage door in a subtle but impactful way, adding an eyebrow of detail to the otherwise homey yet drastic entry. These items also fulfill a function and help create a more personalized and welcoming appearance.
Garage Door Knockers — Not Just Functional
Not just functional for knocking to open, but a statement piece on your door. Offered in several different designs, including classic ring knockers and ornate lion-head designs, these accouterments can convey your home’s personality. They are a quick and easy way to introduce some personality and sweetness to a plain garage door.
Mailbox Designs: Integrating with Garage Door Hardware
Many homeowners opt to coordinate mailbox inserts with the decorative hardware on their garage door. This clever design decision unites two important parts of the home’s exterior—garages and mailboxes—into a single, stylish unit. Incorporating these features into a garage door makes it more convenient and stylish, whether they are classic mailbox slots or sleek mail delivery systems. The designs for mailboxes can be unified with the door hardware, giving the entrance to your home a cohesive look that mirrors your home’s style.
How to Choose the Right Garage Door Decorative Hardware for Your Home
Hardware For Door Mechanism
It should match with the style of the garage door, so consider this when choosing decorative hardware. The right hardware changes everything about the door, but mismatched, poorly chosen pieces can shatter the aesthetic harmony.
Raised Panel Doors
Raised panel garage doors offer tradition, with a more formal, structured look. For these doors, hardware that has clean lines, typically, will work best. Seek out decorative handles and hinges that provide a touch of elegance without being overpowering on the door’s design. For a sleek look, finishes in black, stainless steel, or chrome are good options.
Carriage-Style Doors
Carriage-style garage doors have a vintage appeal, and often look best when accented with hardware that mimics the look of old barn doors. Wrought iron or bronze strap sets, large decorative hinges, and heavy-duty pull handles are ideal for these massive doors. An ornamental knocker or corresponding mail slot can take the old-world, rustic look to another level.
Modern Garage Doors
It’s likely you’ve seen modern garage doors before — they tend to be sleek and minimalist with flat, glass-smooth faces. For these doors, choose hardware that is sleek, linear, and geometric. Whether you blend an on-trend matte black finish or hold to stainless steel or similar, the minimalist look will enhance the overall sleek appeal of modern doors and elevate them above simply being purely decorative.
Color and Finish Aesthetic
The color and finish of your garage door hardware matter as much as the design itself. The right finish can take your door’s appearance to the next level, while also tying it in with the rest of your home’s exterior.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Oil-rubbed bronze is a favorite finish that works well across a broad spectrum of styles, from rustic to traditional, for its rich warm tones. The sheen complements wood or dark-colored doors, lending a vintage, classic touch to the door. If your house has natural wood tones or earthy colors, oil-rubbed bronze is a wonderful choice for hardware that brings depth and sophistication.
Black
An elegant finish that goes with just about everything — particularly modern, contemporary, or industrial-themed houses — is black. Black hardware creates a striking, dramatic contrast against light-colored doors, and provides an elegant look for dark doors, too. It works particularly well for achieving a clean and minimalist look.
Chrome and Stainless Steel
Chrome and stainless steel finishes are ideal for homes with modern or industrial décor. These finishes lend a shiny, polished look that is a nice contrast to matte-colored garage doors and reflect a modern, fresh aesthetic. They are also durable and highly resistant to degradation, making them an excellent choice for regions with harsh weather conditions.
Durability of Materials and Resistance to Weather
When choosing garage door decorative hardware, it's vital that the materials selected are durable and weather-resistant. Garage doors are subjected to the elements every day, so your hardware has to handle moisture, heat, and wear over time.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is recommended due to its durability and resistance against the elements. It is rust, corrosion, and discoloration-resistant, making it a natural fit for homes in humid and/or extreme temperature regions. Stainless steel hardware maintains its thin finish over the years, so it pairs well with modern and industrial designs.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron has a vintage, classic charm and a reputation for strength. Certain materials can be lighter than wrought iron, but wrought iron is extremely strong and able to withstand harsh weather. This is a great option for carriage-style or rustic garage doors. Wrought iron can be made to last with applications of protective coating, as rust will not only fade its beauty but can be damaging and dangerous, especially in salt-air climates.
Brass and Bronze
Brass and bronze are both durable materials that also have an attractive and classic appearance. Although they are naturally corrosion-resistant, aluminum will tarnish and develop a patina with time, providing them a vintage look. These materials are the perfect framework for homeowners who love a natural, aged look. Depending on how shiny you want them to be, regular maintenance may need to be performed to keep them that way.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a lightweight, weather-resistant material suitable for modern and minimalist door styles. It does not rust like steel, so it’s suitable for humid or coastal surroundings. Aluminum accessories are usually anodized or powder-coated for extra protection from the elements, resulting in long-lasting performance and aesthetics.
Selecting durable, weather-resistant materials for your garage door hardware is not only a smart move for the aesthetics of your home’s exterior; it also ensures that the hardware remains functional and beautiful for years to come.
How to Install Garage Door Decorative Hardware: DIY vs. Professional
Easy DIY Installations
October 8, 2023 - Decorative hardware for garage doors is often installed for aesthetic purposes to enhance the overall appearance of the door. Many types of hardware, such as handles and hinges, are designed for easy installation with a few basic tools.
How to Install Simple Decorative Hardware:
Collect Your Tools and Materials
You will need screws, a screwdriver, a drill, a measuring tape, and a level. Some decorative hardware may include screws and instructions, so check the package.
Step - Know Where to Cut
To measure where you want to put your handles or hinges, use the measuring tape. When installing, make sure the placement of the device is balanced on both sides of the door. Use a pencil to mark the places accurately.
Pre-Drill Holes
To prevent damaging the door, use a drill with a small bit to drill pilot holes where you’ve marked the placement for the screws. This ensures the screws go in straight and the hardware remains secured.
Attach the Hardware
Align the handles with pre-drilled holes and insert screws to hold them. For hinges, place the decorative pieces on the door and screw them in too. Ensure everything is aligned by using a level.
Tighten the Screws
Once the hardware is in place, use the screwdriver to tighten all screws and ensure the pieces are fastened.
Final Touches
Once the hardware is installed, step back and evaluate it. Ensure all alignments and placements are exact. Make any necessary adjustments, and then give your newly decorated garage door a final polish.
When DIY Works Best:
DIY is suited for simple hardware like decorative handles, pulls, and regular hinges. If the hardware design lacks intricacy or heavy-duty materials, then this is an ideal choice for homeowners who want an affordable, efficient upgrade to their garage door.
When to Call A Professional
Though many home-improvers will feel confident installing simple hardware independently, there are times when it’s worth paying a professional. Certain decorative hardware installations, particularly those that involve intricate patterns or larger pieces, may need specific knowledge or equipment.
When to Hire a Professional:
Complex or Intricate Designs
If the decorative hardware involves elaborate strap hinges, custom knockers, or large handles, it can take precise measurements and installation techniques that might be difficult to pull off correctly without expertise. Professional installation will ensure that all hardware is aligned and secure.
Heavy Duty Hardware
Some garage door hardware, specifically used for more heavy-operating doors such as larger handles, multipiece hinge sets, or decorative hardware for bigger doors, requires professional tools and experience for correct installation. Professional installers ensure that the hardware is properly affixed without damage.
Custom or Specialized Designs
If you have a custom garage door or special decorative hardware that needs careful placement when installing, hiring a professional is a good idea. A professional installer will appreciate the design nuances and make sure the hardware complements the door’s individual features.
Structural Modifications
For example, if the installation requires making holes or attaching hardware to places that do not have pre-drilled holes, it is recommended to get a professional installer. They can also identify if any adjustments need to be made without affecting the garage door's integrity.
The Advantages of Having It Professionally Installed
Why Hire a Pro
Professional installers have experience and know-how when it comes to ensuring the right installation of your appliance or hardware.
Precision
They have tools and techniques that help them to place correctly and as a result make fewer errors.
Time-Saving
If you are not great at working with complex hardware, you should hire a professional so that you don’t waste time going online and watching videos on how to install products and still fail, and so you can use your upgraded garage door sooner.
Long-Term Durability
Because your hardware is properly secured, a professional installation can ensure that it’s not going to become loose a few years down the road.
When to Hire Someone to Install the Appliance
If you have especially quirky design in mind, or you’ll be putting up a lot of heavy or custom hardware, hiring a professional can alleviate the headache that comes with knowing everything is done properly, professionally, and safely. They also ensure that the hardware will work well and match your garage door’s overall appearance.
By understanding when you can handle a DIY installation and when it makes sense to have a professional take care of a job, you can make the right decision for adding decorative hardware to your garage door and ensuring the best look for your home for the long haul.
Different Styles of Garage Door Decorative Hardware
Classic and Traditional Outcomes
In accordance with classic and traditional style, garage door decorative hardware provides timeless appeal, making it appropriate with a wider range of home exteriors. These designs often lean toward elegant and understated details and complement each other in older homes and those with a more traditional aesthetic.
Core Characteristics of Classic and Old Hardware
Elaborate Details
Traditional hardware usually features intricate designs, like floral patterns, scrollwork, and geometric motifs, which suit homes built in a classic architectural style.
Brass and Bronze Finishes
Traditional hardware often features rich, warm finishes such as brass and bronze, which give a stately and elegant look that adds to curb appeal.
Carriage-Style Components
One of the hottest elements in this field is carriage-style components. Decorative hinges, handles, and knockers that evoke old barn doors can impart a stately vintage ambiance to the garage while still being functional.
Evergreen Style Statement
These designs go well with old home styles, be it Colonial, Victorian, or Mediterranean, making it the right choice for homeowners who wish to transform their garage door with a tasteful yet evergreen look.
Best For:
- Houses of a classic or traditional appearance.
- Homeowners who love ornate, vintage-inspired hardware designs.
Modern and Contemporary Styles
Modern and contemporary garage door hardware is ideal for homeowners looking for a sleek, high-tech aesthetic. Minimalistic, streamlined, and sheer, these designs are particularly well-suited for homes with a contemporary motif.
Modern and Contemporary Hardware — Key Features
Minimal Designs
Modern hardware tends toward clean lines and geometric shapes, often opting for simple rectangular or square handles and hinges. There’s style, but it’s subtle — and functional.
Matte/Polished Finishes
Typical matte black, brushed steel, or chrome finish designs. These finishes go well with clean, smooth garage doors and suit minimalist architectural styles.
Streamlined Design
The latest hardware is designed to be every bit as functional as it is attractive, with sleek finishes that are easy to care for and built to withstand the elements.
Strong Contrast
Modern hardware is often very simple, and this provides strong contrast, particularly against garage doors in neutral or light colors. It grabs attention but not in an overwhelming way.
Best For:
- Houses with modern or contemporary architecture, like mid-century modern, industrial, or minimalist exteriors.
- Homeowners who like sleek, understated design that emphasizes modern functionality.
- Those who want a clean, sophisticated garage door appearance.
Rustic and Vintage Styles
Rustic and vintage garage door decorative hardware adds warmth and character to your home’s exterior. Ideal for farmhouse or cottage-style homes, these designs provide nostalgia and authenticity, simultaneously raising the charm level of your garage door.
Rustic and Vintage Hardware Key Features
Weathered Finishes
Rustic hardware often has a weathered or aged finish, with distressed metal, wrought iron, or antiqued brass creating an authentic timeworn appearance.
Artisan Effects
Vintage and rustic hardware may have artisanal details such as rivets, nails, or hand-forged components that contribute to the unique, one-of-a-kind nature of the pieces.
Carriage House Style
In keeping with the rustic type of hardware, the traditional high carriage house look has oversized, strap-style hinges, oversized handles, and decorative knockers. These designs are meant to mimic carriage houses and barns to add a bit of vintage allure to the garage door.
Natural Materials
More natural materials such as wood and metal are often components of rustic garage door hardware, and provide an earthy, natural feel that is great for homes in rural, country, or suburban settings.
Best For:
- Farmhouses, cottages, and rustic-style homes.
- Homeowners wanting to bring warmth and vintage charm to the garage door.
- People who want an aged, weathered look with functioning, handmade hardware aspects.
Care and Maintenance of Decorative Garage Door Hardware
Cleaning and Preventative Maintenance
Keeping your beautiful garage door hardware looking great is going to require routine cleaning and maintenance so that it continues to add curb appeal to your home! With time, dust, dirt, and environmental factors can impact the performance and appearance of your hardware. Here’s how to keep your hardware fresh:
Do’s and Don’ts to Keep Hardware Sparkling New:
Dusting and Wiping Down
Dust your garage door hardware regularly with a soft cloth to get rid of dirt and debris. When more thorough cleaning is required, a mild soap solution such as dish soap mixed with warm water and soft cloths can be used to gently wipe down the hardware. Do not use scouring sponges, as they may scratch delicate finishes.
Metal Hardware
For decorative accents on furniture, such as brass, chrome, and other metal finishes, a polish specific to the material can help restore their shine and protect them from tarnishing. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions on the polish to avoid damage.
Skip Harsh Chemicals
It’s best not to clean the hardware with harsh industrial cleaning chemicals that could damage the finish, especially if it is painted or coated. For day-to-day cleaning, stick to the organic stuff, like vinegar and water.
If your hardware includes glass or decorative inserts, clean them with a glass cleaner to achieve a streak-free shine. A microfiber cloth is better than an abrasive one to avoid scratching.
Preventing Rust and Corrosion
Since garage doors and their hardware are subject to the elements, rust and corrosion prevention is important, especially for metal components.
Coating Protective Sealants
Apply a protective coating, such as clear enamel spray, or a rust-inhibiting product to protect metal hardware from moisture, which can cause rust. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for applying the coating.
Regular Inspections
Inspect for any signs of rust or corrosion from time to time, particularly after a heavy rain or snow. Remove rust spots as soon as you spot them, sanding them gently and coating them with rust-inhibiting spray.
Protect from Moisture
If you are in a very humid or moist environment, it may be worth installing protective covers for your hardware to reduce exposure to the elements.
Long-Term Care Tips
Your garage door hardware not only needs cleaning, but the garage door needs to be maintained so it functions properly and looks nice for years.
Use oil on moving parts to keep them working smoothly:
Lubricating Hinges and Handles: Hinges, handles, and locks are also moving parts that can wear out with friction over time. Use silicone-based lubricants on moving parts to keep it running smoothly. Be careful not to use oil-based lubricants as they can attract dirt and grime that will make more wear and tear.
Garage Door Tracks: Although not essential hardware, the tracks on which your garage door operates also need to be lubricated regularly to assure smooth motion. That helps alleviate strain on the decorative hardware and prevents wear on the entire assembly.
Springs: If your decorative hardware has functional parts like torsion springs or extension springs, you also need to lubricate these. Look up the manufacturer’s guidance on the appropriate method to lubricate it.
Worn-out Hardware Showing Up/Weak:
All decorative hardware, even the highest quality, will eventually wear out or get damaged. In such cases, as long as replaced parts are functioning correctly, you can give both the visuals and utility of the hardware maintenance-free.
Routine Inspection: Every couple of months, do a check of your hardware for any signs of damage such as cracks, loose screws, rust, or warping. Focus on moving parts, such as handles and hinges, as these are the areas that are most likely to wear out.
How to Replace Rusted or Corroded Hardware: Often metal hardware will be extremely rusted so that it is best to just replace them. Staying in contact with rust for too long can corrode the hardware and may make the mechanism of the garage door unsafe.
Inspect for Loose Screws and Bolts: Loose screws or bolts might have gotten loosened from continuous use, so check and tighten where necessary. Loose hardware can cause misalignment, making it hard to maneuver the door or impacting the aesthetic of your garage.
When to Replace vs. Repair:
Some are easy fixes, like tightening a loose screw, while others — think badly rusted hinges or split handles — will require complete replacement. Always weigh the cost of repairs vs replacement, and contact a professional if you have questions about the safety and security of your garage door system.
With these maintenance and care tips, you can keep your decorative garage door hardware as a beautiful and functional piece of your home for years to come. Regular cleaning and lubricating of moving parts, along with early repair of wear and tear, will serve you well in keeping your hardware in top shape, which in turn boosts curb appeal and home value.
Where to Buy Garage Door Decorative Hardware
There are numerous decorative hardware options to choose from when searching for the ideal decorative hardware for your garage door. Whether you want a bit of convenience, some variety, or unique custom-made pieces, there is quality hardware at whatever taste or price point works for you.
Best Places to Shop for Garage Door Decorative Hardware
Best Online Stores
Decorative Hardware: Online shopping provides the opportunity to explore a wide array of styles and designs from the comfort of your home. Below are some of the best websites, such as high-quality garage door hardware.
Amazon: Amazon is a big online retailer with a large selection of garage door decorative hardware, including handles, hinges, and strap sets. You can view options in a variety of materials, such as wrought iron, brass, and stainless steel, as well as a wide price range and customer reviews to assist with the decision-making process.
Home Depot: Home Depot is known for its wide range of home improvement products, and they also carry a great variety of decorative hardware for garage doors. Their inventory is huge and includes rustic to modern styles that you can order from your home, from trusted brands. Most of their products already have detailed guides available, a boon for new buyers.
Wayfair: Wayfair is a company that sells home decor and has a wide variety of hardware available for garage doors. You can browse different styles, from vintage to modern, and easily narrow your search by material, price, and customer ratings. Additionally, Wayfair offers competitive pricing and frequent sales, so it can be an excellent option for shoppers on a budget.
Local Retailers and Small Businesses
If you enjoy getting out to shop or require assistance in determining what decorative hardware will work best with your garage door, it’s best to shop at local retailers and specialty stores. However, these stores also benefit from the advantage of being able to see and touch the hardware before buying it.
Local Hardware Stores: Neighborhood hardware retailers like Ace Hardware or Lowe's offer a variety of decorative hardware. These visits enable you to ask questions, compare various materials, and view samples of how the hardware will look on your garage door.
Lifestyle Stores: They sell a lot of home decor, and might carry decorative hardware for garage doors too. These specialty stores can offer a curated selection of unique, stylish options that you might not see at general home improvement companies.
Custom and Handcrafted Options
For the most unique and personal touch, you could use custom or artisanal decorative garage door hardware. You can choose custom options to get the specific design, print, and finish, so that it goes perfectly with your home.
Artisan and Blacksmith Shops: You can find artisans and blacksmith shops that make custom, handmade hardware for garage doors that enhance the uniqueness of your home. From fancy wrought iron hinges to custom handles, you can find masterful craftsmen who can create pieces specifically for your needs.
Etsy: This site is a wonderful place to discover handmade, unique decorative hardware. You can find many independent sellers who will do custom-made or vintage style garage door hardware, as well as custom designs or finishes. You can work directly with a seller and discuss what design, material, and finishing would work best for your vision.
Custom Design Services: Certain companies provide bespoke decorative hardware solutions, allowing you to design something tailored to your specific needs. If you want something genuinely unique, this one allows you to work with designers to produce hardware to suit your taste.
From a combination of online shops, neighborhood merchants, and tailormade stores, you’ll be able to locate the proper ornamental storage door ironwork to give your home’s curb appeal. Whether you’re looking for something simple and classic or unique, custom design, there are many options that will work for your style and budget.
Conclusion
A simple facelift by adding decorative hardware on your garage door is a quick way to boost curb appeal indoors. Garage doors come in a huge range of colors, styles, materials, and finishes, making it easy to transition your garage into the front and center of your home with something unique to you. From traditional elegance to rustic charm to a sleek update, decorative hardware provides both aesthetic and functional value and helps in enhancing durability and overall worth.
Different styles and materials are available, from ultramodern metal finishes to retro designs, so search for one that fits your home's exterior. Also, you might want to consider customizable decorations so that you can create a truly unique look that is personal to you.
Call to Action: Make a lasting impression on your home’s exterior by upgrading your garage door today with beautiful, high-quality decorative hardware!
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