Gladiator overhead storage with bins and various items in a garage

IDEAS TO DESIGN YOUR GARAGE

Designing an already-built garage is challenging, but it can also be fun and rewarding. If you’re about to undergo this type of project, you need to consider the primary goal of your space, the size you’re working with, and the style of your home. Then, you can start reviewing storage options and finding the design ideas that are most appealing. 

This guide explores different garage styles to inspire you to make a clear plan that will help you get started.

A garage wall organized with Gladiator storage solutions like bins and hooks. The hanging items include skates, tennis rackets, balls, a helmet, and a hockey stick. A garage wall organized with Gladiator storage solutions like bins and hooks. The hanging items include skates, tennis rackets, balls, a helmet, and a hockey stick.

ALL PRODUCTS IN THIS ARTICLE

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE DESIGNING YOUR GARAGE

Here are a few key factors to consider before designing your garage.

Design Goals

Start by setting a clear goal for your garage.

Do you want a clean and efficient space to store your gear and tools? Or are you looking to transform your garage into a gym, work area, or entertaining space? Determining what you want out of your garage before designing it will help you save time and build a more cohesive space.

Garage Goals

The next factor to consider is the size of your garage. With a two or three-car garage, you will have ample space to work with.

A one-car or smaller garage might not have a ton of space, but it can still become the extra room you’re looking for. You may have to work with limited design options and should look into which items can help maximize the space, such as overhead storage.

In a garage, items including boxes and bins are stored in a Gladiator overhead storage. In a garage, items including boxes and bins are stored in a Gladiator overhead storage.

Home Aesthetics

Lastly, consider the style of your home. One option is to extend the aesthetics of your home to your garage. Another option is to have your garage adopt a different style altogether.

IDEAS FOR GARAGE INTERIOR

After determining the purpose of your garage, it’s time to review your storage options. You’ll need storage that complements your space both functionally and aesthetically.

Maximizing Space

If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, you should choose items that may help maximize your storage, such as wall organization and overhead storage. Gladiator® wall organization uses panels, baskets, and other accessories to hang items on the wall, turning it into an extra storage option. There’s also Gladiator® overhead storage, which helps keep items off the floor. This frees up space and leaves room for a workshop below.

In a garage is a Gladiator storage unit next to a wall of items hanging on Gladiator hooks and shelves. Items include backpacks and jackets, and there are bins full of items. Beneath the wall is a Gladiator shoe organizer. Two oars lean against the wall. In a garage is a Gladiator storage unit next to a wall of items hanging on Gladiator hooks and shelves. Items include backpacks and jackets, and there are bins full of items. Beneath the wall is a Gladiator shoe organizer. Two oars lean against the wall.

Storage Options

In addition to wall and overhead storage, you should consider using cabinets or shelving to store the rest of your gear. Gladiator brand offers a range of options to help meet your storage needs.

Cabinets are a common storage item that are incredibly useful. With a variety of sizes and configurations, Gladiator® cabinets help keep items organized and out of sight. Read our garage cabinet buying guide to help learn which cabinets might be ideal for your garage.

Since bulky items may not fit in a cabinet, you might need to invest in some shelving. Shelving is designed to keep items organized, visible, and accessible. They are ideal for sporting equipment, large bins, and more. Most Gladiator® heavy duty storage racks can even hold up to 2,000 pounds per shelf.

If you’re looking to transform your garage into a workspace, consider the value of tool storage and workbenches. Gladiator® workbenches can help provide the space necessary for you to tackle most projects, offering a heavy-weight capacity and adjustable height to prevent uncomfortable slouching. Tool storage is all about organizing your equipment so that it’s handy for when you need it. Select Gladiator® tool storage is equipped with tool-safe locking drawers to keep items secure.

You should consider buying additional wall storage for bulky items that may not fit in a cabinet or rack shelving. Gladiator brand offers a suite of wall storage accessories that let you store everything from your bike to winter boots. To organize your golf gear, try the Gladiator® Golf GearTrack® Pack.

A tidy garage thanks to Gladiator storage cabinets and a workbench. Golf clubs and shoes are neatly organized on the wall. A tidy garage thanks to Gladiator storage cabinets and a workbench. Golf clubs and shoes are neatly organized on the wall.

AESTHETICS

You should also think about the finishing touches for your garage, like decorations, paint, lighting, and flooring options. Each can enhance a room and make it more visually appealing.

Walls

The colour of paint you choose depends on the vibe you’re going for. For example, lighter colours give the impression that a room is larger, while darker colours deliver a cozy look and feel.

Using a neutral colour for your garage walls may allow your creativity to be emphasized via your storage and organization solutions.

Gladiator® cabinets come in various colours:

  • Gray Slate
  • Red Tread
  • Hammered Granite
  • Silver Tread

Wall panels are an alternative to painting your walls. Gladiator brand offers two colour options for these panels: 

  • Light Gray for a neutral feel 
  • Smoke for a bold look
A garage organized using Gladiator storage cabinets and units. A hat hangs on the wall, and there's a wicker basket on the floor. Under two Gladiator cabinets is a Gladiator workbench with some items, including bottles of wine, on top. Above the workbench are two Gladiator bins. A garage organized using Gladiator storage cabinets and units. A hat hangs on the wall, and there's a wicker basket on the floor. Under two Gladiator cabinets is a Gladiator workbench with some items, including bottles of wine, on top. Above the workbench are two Gladiator bins.

Flooring

A clear floor lets you install new flooring that can enhance the space. One option is interlocking or carpet tiles. These are customizable and provide a soft surface for the garage.

Epoxy coatings are a popular option for garages. They deliver a polished look and a lasting, durable finish. This flooring can help handle heavy-duty use, making it a strong option for DIYers.

If you’re turning your garage into a home gym, then rubber flooring might make the most sense. This surface is resilient and able to withstand spills and high foot traffic while helping with insulation.

Lighting

There are plenty of options for keeping your garage properly lit. Shop lights are a common choice. These can either be hung by a chain assembly or be mounted on the ceiling.

The last option to consider is strip light fixtures, which are easy to install and customizable. These lights can help brighten garages with high ceilings. If you’re searching for a different high ceiling alternative, look at high bay light fixtures, which are ideal for ceilings that are higher than 15 feet.

For lower ceilings, go with wraparound lights. These lights don’t hang as low as shop lights and will be out of the way of ladders, storage, and other items.

Decor

Final touches can help make a garage cozier and feel like just another room in your home. Rugs, lamps, and seating options can work for a garage. You can also add a dartboard, ping pong table, or speakers for music.

A clean garage with a wall of Gladiator storage solutions, like cabinets on wheels and on the wall, and two storage units. A few items, like a roll of paper towels, are on top of the workbench. A clean garage with a wall of Gladiator storage solutions, like cabinets on wheels and on the wall, and two storage units. A few items, like a roll of paper towels, are on top of the workbench.

MORE CONSIDERATIONS

In addition to storage and aesthetics, you should also think about the safety of storing certain items and climate control. Some items, like propane or gasoline, may be unsuitable for garage storage as they are fire hazards. To ensure a safe environment, always follow your manufacturer’s storage instructions.

You may also want to consider storage items that lock to keep them out of the reach of children and pets. 

If you are in a cold-weather climate, you may want to purchase a space heater or buy an insulated garage door. If you are in a climate with warm weather, fans, windows, or a dehumidifier could help keep your garage cool.

Weatherizing your garage is important, but you should also consider how fluctuating temperatures may impact garage storage. 

Here are some factors to consider to help ensure items in your garage aren’t ruined or damaged because of fluctuating temperatures.

  • Shifts in temperature can change the consistency of paint, rendering it unusable. 
  • Wooden furniture can warp and crack in humid conditions.
  • Investing in cabinets that are made with steel rather than wood may extend the lifespan of your storage. 

Only electronics built to withstand changing temperatures, like the Gladiator® beverage cooler, should be kept in a garage. This garage-ready appliance can handle extreme outdoor temperatures from 0-110 degrees Fahrenheit.

A person in work boots pulls a canned drink out of a beverage centre next to a Gladiator cabinet on wheels. A person in work boots pulls a canned drink out of a beverage centre next to a Gladiator cabinet on wheels.

OUTSIDE THE GARAGE

With the interior of your garage complete, it’s time to move on to the exterior. Garage doors and driveway space can help curate a positive first impression of your home.

Garage Doors

The design of most garage doors is usually influenced by the style of your home. Ultimately, it’s up to you on what design you want. 

Some options may include: 

  • Traditional
  • Contemporary
  • Farmhouse
  • Craftsman
  • Carriage-style

Traditional garage doors can complement a variety of classic home styles. They are typically made of steel with raised panels arranged in rows.

Contemporary garage doors are often found in homes with a more modern aesthetic. These doors often feature simple, clean lines and can sometimes be made of steel. Glass doors are popular with contemporary homes, allowing for natural light while offering a minimal design that’s quite sleek.

Harkening to barns in the picturesque countryside, farmhouse garage doors often have single or double cross panels, arched and grid-pane windows, and feature vintage-style hardware. These doors are usually made from wood with a light, medium, or dark brown finish.

Craftsman garage doors complement classic architectural styles, offering timeless details with straight, clean lines, vertical recessed panels, and square or rectangular windows. These doors are often made from different materials and may come in a range of colours.

Carriage garage doors are a classic design with horizontal or vertical raised panels and vintage-style decorative hardware. They are usually made with a variety of materials that are finished to resemble wood.

Driveways

The purpose of your garage will most likely influence the style of your driveway. If you are using your garage to park your car, you should focus on your driveway’s functionality by paving a path, potentially adorned with lights or space for multiple cars.

If you want to expand your home’s recreational space, you can add a fire pit or patio set. Another option is to install a basketball hoop or a bocce ball court.

READY TO DESIGN YOUR DREAM GARAGE?

From inspiration to installation, Gladiator brand has everything you need to design your dream garage and ensure it remains tidy, clean, and clutter-free. Review The Gladiator Blog for more tips and tricks on using effective storage solutions to get the most out of your garage.