Modern Vs. Contemporary Garage Doors

Identifying Two Unique Garage Door Styles 

Modern vs. Contemporary styles don’t need to be head to head when the latter is still shaping a distinct identity. What exactly is a modern style garage door versus a contemporary style garage door anyway?

‘Modern’ and ‘Contemporary’ are often used interchangeably due to their overlapping similarities. However, the main distinction between a modern and a contemporary style garage door is how they define a space. When you partner with DC Garage Door & Services, we install both commercial and residential applications. Let us know your garage door goals, and if modern or contemporary doors are part of your exterior-enhancing dreams!

Modern Style Garage Doors

Modernism took hold of the world’s attention in the 1800s after the ornate Victorian and  embellishment era. Growing cities and the industrial boom sprouted the desire for simplified forms and reinforced materials like concrete, metal, and glass. Given cost-effective materials, architects could create large windows, flat roofs, and even add a pop of color if they so desired. 

Modern style garage doors reflect how architects revolutionized their focus on function instead of appearance. Scan for modern styles on the outside of people’s homes and throughout their interior design for clean lines, minimal decorations or accessories, and cloudy whites, greys, or charcoal hues. Constantly being updated, the modern style can take on many renditions for your home. 

Contemporary Style Garage Doors

Contemporary style garage doors are the most present, dynamic out of the garage door styles available. While contemporary doors are most synonymous with describing modern style garage doors, there is a slight distinction of modern versus contemporary garage doors. Some noteworthy influences for contemporary design are the digital revolution, information age, environmentalism, and globalization.

While postmodernism was still at peak during the 1970s, contemporary style began to take shape. Spotting a contemporary design can be tricky as it borrows from many other styles. Following modernism and its deeply rooted emphasis on “less is more”, the contemporary style is also purely functional, and constantly evolving. 

Modern Vs. Contemporary and Their Synonymous Details 

First there was modern style, then came contemporary design. The latter is still forming an identity at present, but in time, we will be able to look back on contemporary design as a style of a certain age. 

You may have found that there are many similarities that modern and contemporary garage doors share:

• Historically emphasizes industrial materials
• Clean lines
• Minimalism
• Innovative materials
• Functional design
• Available in mostly neutral colors

Modern Vs. Contemporary– Maybe A Little Bit Of Both?

Clean lines and functional features characterize both a modern and contemporary garage door. A full-view glass garage door, for instance, is widely considered a modern style garage door. However, specific characteristics about contemporary style detailed earlier would perfectly describe the expansive glass panels reinforced by charcoal-colored aluminum on a full-view glass garage door.

Per definition of modernism’s guiding philosophy, “form follows function”, modern style elements often overlap with contemporary style. As with interior design, it’s perfectly fine to blend your favorite qualities of modern and contemporary style for your garage door. 

For planning what your garage door installation is going to look like, many people decide to match the exterior style of their home that cohesively blends and boosts curb appeal. Others decidedly want their garage door to stand out, and choose a bold primary color to pop against a world of earth tone neutrals. The choice is yours to make!

Consult With DC Garage Door & Services, Inc For Your New Garage Door!