That garage-to-house door gets used more than the front door in a lot of homes, so it deserves a little love. Here are my favorite garage entry door upgrades that make the space feel finished, organized, and downright inviting.
Install a Keypad Deadbolt
For a busy household, I’m a big fan of a simple keypad deadbolt on the garage entry door so nobody’s hunting for keys with grocery bags. I added one for a client and they told me it became their favorite “daily life” upgrade.
A few choices to try:
- Electronic Keypad Deadbolt Lock: Secure your entry effortlessly with this keypad lock, eliminating the need to fumble for keys with full hands.
- Entry Door Handle Grip Set: Upgrade your door’s aesthetic with a sturdy matching handle set that complements your new keypad deadbolt perfectly.
- Heavy Duty Door Mat: Keep mud and dirt out of your home with a durable mat designed to withstand high-traffic garage entries.
Paint It a Classic Neutral
When I want a quick win, I paint the garage entry door in a clean white, warm greige, or soft gray and it instantly looks intentional. I’ve done this in a single afternoon and the whole transition space feels brighter and calmer.
You might like:
- Interior/Exterior Door Paint Kit: Refresh your entry easily with a comprehensive kit containing high-quality rollers, brushes, and trays for smooth application.
- Satin Finish Greige or Soft Gray Paint: Choose a durable satin-finish paint in a neutral tone to brighten the space and resist daily wear.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze Door Hardware Set: Complete your door’s makeover by swapping out old handles for a modern, contrasting hardware set for instant impact.
Go Bold With a Statement Color
I once painted a garage entry door a deep, moody green and it made the door feel like a real “entry,” not a random utility opening. If you keep the trim simple, that pop of color reads crisp instead of chaotic.
Check these products out:
- Deep Forest Green Exterior Paint: Transform your door instantly with a rich, durable color that adds depth and curb appeal.
- Matte Black Door Handle Set: Upgrade your hardware to sleek matte black to create a modern contrast against bold paint colors.
- Natural Coir Door Mat: Anchor your new entryway look with a textured natural mat that complements vibrant door colors.
Add a Simple Window Lite
I love a half-lite door here because it borrows light without turning your entry into a cave. In my own projects, I pair it with obscure or frosted glass so you get brightness without feeling exposed.
A few relevant products:
- Frosted Window Privacy Film: Apply privacy film to existing glass panes to let light in while keeping prying eyes out instantly.
- Half-Lite Entry Door Slab: Upgrade your dark entryway with a new wood door featuring an upper window to brighten the space.
- Matte Black Door Handle Set: Complete the modern farmhouse look with a sturdy, matte black entry handle that contrasts beautifully with wood.
Try a Shiplap Door Wall Moment
I’ve run shiplap right up to the trim around a garage-to-house door, and it instantly reads modern farmhouse. It’s a small area, so it’s one of my favorite “big impact, low material” upgrades.
Try these:
- Primed MDF Shiplap Plancks: Instantly create that modern farmhouse look by easily installing these primed shiplap boards on your walls.
- Matte Black Door Hardware Set: Upgrade your existing handle and lock with sleek matte black finishes for a high-contrast update.
- Natural Jute Door Mat: Welcome guests warmly and add texture to your entryway with a simple, durable natural fiber rug.
Add a Transom for Extra Light
A small transom window above the garage entry door is one of my favorite upgrades for dark hallways. I helped install one in a remodel, and it made the space feel taller and more welcoming instantly.
Useful items to consider:
- Transom Window Sash or Frame Kit: Install a simple transom window above your existing door to brighten up dark hallways and entryways effortlessly.
- Matte Black Door Levers: Upgrade your door hardware with sleek matte black levers to perfectly complement the modern farmhouse aesthetic.
- Natural Jute Indoor Doormat: Place a textured jute rug by the door to add warmth and catch debris from the garage.
Try a Dutch Door Split
A Dutch door as your garage entry door is surprisingly practical when you want airflow while keeping pets or kids safely separated. I’ve built the split-and-latch setup before, and it adds instant charm—just double-check safety and code needs for that location.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Dutch Door Bolt Latch: Secure the top and bottom leaves of your door together easily with this sturdy, classic hardware mechanism.
- Black Dummy Strap Hinges: Add rustic charm instantly by installing these decorative strap hinges that mimic the look of forged iron.
- Entry Door Handle Set: Upgrade your entryway’s style and security with a robust handle set that complements traditional wooden aesthetics.
Skin It in Reclaimed Wood Planks
For a real wow factor, I’ve clad a plain garage entry door with thin reclaimed wood planks in a clean vertical pattern, sealed smooth so it won’t catch sleeves. Done right, it looks like a custom door straight out of a high-end mudroom, but it’s totally DIY-friendly.
Items that may come in handy:
- Peel and Stick Reclaimed Wood Planking: Instantly transform your flat door surfaces with easy-to-apply adhesive wood panels for an authentic, rustic texture.
- Clear Matte Polyurethane Wood Sealer: Protect your new wood surface from moisture and snags while maintaining a natural, low-sheen finish.
- Modern Matte Black Door Handle Set: Upgrade your hardware to a sleek, contemporary handle that creates a striking contrast against natural wood tones.
