22 Clever Carport Ideas That Will Upgrade Your Outdoor Space

If you're renovating or constructing a home from scratch, you may want to consider incorporating a carport. A carport is a covered area designed to house one or more vehicles and protect them from the elements. Carports can oftentimes be added to a home after it is already constructed, and they're much less costly to build than a standard garage.

When designing a carport of your own, you will want to ensure that it complements your home style so that the structure appears intentional.

Below, you will find 22 examples of different carport styles and setups that are sure to inspire.

01 of 22

Classic Red Brick

Douglas Newby & Associates

Given that many carports are part of mid-century modern homes, we don't always see styles built from brick—but they're just as beautiful.

Continue to 2 of 22 below
02 of 22

Spanish-Styled Tiled Roof

Lindross Remodeling

It's important that your carport complements your home's architecture as a whole. Here, a carport with a Spanish-style tiled roof ties nicely to the front awning, which is made of the same material.

Continue to 3 of 22 below
03 of 22

Modern Sleek

DK Studio

Even if you're working with limited land, you can still include a carport—this one-car option looks right at home on this lot. This one has a flat roof above and dark, sleek details throughout making it look modern.

Continue to 4 of 22 below
04 of 22

Dark Wooden Panels

Design by Ogawa Fisher Architects / Photo by Cesar Rubio

Hiromi Ogawa, principal at Ogawa Fisher Architects, notes that this carport doubles as a covered outdoor space. The homeowners don't just use the area to park their cars; they'll also entertain friends or complete projects under the carport.

Continue to 5 of 22 below
05 of 22

Industrial Style

Douglas Newby & Associates

This home's carport is accompanied by its own doorway that leads into a storage shed, which serves the function of a garage. The roof is held by thin, slanted columns creating a futuristic look.

Continue to 6 of 22 below
06 of 22

Mid-Century Modern

Design by Mark Odom Studio / Photo by Casey Dunn

This mid-century modern Austin home's main entryway is located off the carport, making it easy to quickly come and go, just as is the case with a traditional garage.

Continue to 7 of 22 below
07 of 22

Extended Carport

Design by Mark Odom Studio / Photo by Leonid Furmansky

The covered portion of this carport extends over the entire entryway, making it easy to exit your car and quickly grab your keys without worrying about being affected by precipitation.

Continue to 8 of 22 below
08 of 22

Classic Stone

Design by Z+ Interiors LLC / Photo by Amanda Kirkpatrick

This carport attached to a classic, New England-style home couldn't be prettier. A hanging lantern on the ceiling ensures the area will always be nicely lit when coming and going late at night or early in the morning.

Continue to 9 of 22 below
09 of 22

Cooling Carport

Robert D Gentry

In warm weather locales, carports are extra popular, as there isn't a fear of cars becoming covered in snow and ice. When temperatures are extra hot, the roof of the carport keeps vehicles cool.

Continue to 10 of 22 below
10 of 22

Private Carport

Design by Christine A Kelly, AIA/Crafted Architecture LLC / Photo by Greg Hadley

This spacious carport is the first thing visitors see when pulling up to this home, as the main entrance is off to the side. This secluded setup allows for a little extra privacy from across-the-dreet neighbors.

Continue to 11 of 22 below
11 of 22

Minimalistic Carport

Dick Clark & Associates

This large, contemporary home contains a single-car carport as well as a single-car garage. Depending on the outdoor temperatures, it's nice to have two different options.

Continue to 12 of 22 below
12 of 22

Rustic Carport

Border Oak

Carports aren't just for mid-century modern-style homes. This rustic house contains a two-door carport as well, allowing for a lofted room and dormer windows above.

Continue to 13 of 22 below
13 of 22

Mixed Materials

Texas Home Plans

This stately arts and crafts style home features a beautiful, expansive carport that makes a major impression, while the main entrance of the home is located to the far left of the house. The mixed materials of the stone and wooden panels create a decorative contrast.

Continue to 14 of 22 below
14 of 22

Connected Carport

Design by Mezger Homes / Photo by Twist Tours

If you like the idea of entering through a side door by the carport, a setup like this one is ideal for you. Here, a small red door connects the carport to the main home and most likely opens to a mudroom.

Continue to 15 of 22 below
15 of 22

Concrete Timbers

Everlog Systems

This carport is stationed in the front of this beautiful wooden home. In this instance, the structure is made from concrete timbers, not wooden ones.

Continue to 16 of 22 below
16 of 22

Carport With Greenery

Design by Winn Design + Build / Photo by Angie Seckinger

A row of shrubs separates this home's carport from the main entrance and brightens up the house's exterior. The greenery also provides some privacy for the home.

Continue to 17 of 22 below
17 of 22

Angled Carport

Design by Kimberly Demmy / Photo by Daniel O'Connor

This carport is set off to an angle, adding some architectural flair to the home. The bright front blue door immediately commands visitors' attention and makes it clear which way to formally enter the house.

Continue to 18 of 22 below
18 of 22

Multifunctional Carport

Douglas Newby & Associates

This simple, one-story home contains an oversized driveway as well as a carport to the right of the house. Since the driveway is so big, the carport is freed up to serve a variety of functions—for example, it can double as a nice covered gathering space to sit or dine al fresco.

Continue to 19 of 22 below
19 of 22

Carport With Storage

Douglas Newby & Associates

Like the first carport shown, this one also contains storage space that is accessible via a door. This setup eliminates the need for a shed or any kind of similar solution. Additionally, recessed lights are installed to brighten up the space which is perfect when you have guests coming over or when you're taking out the garbage.

Continue to 20 of 22 below
20 of 22

Expanded Carport

Douglas Newby & Associates

In some instances, we see homes that contain both carports and garages. Here, the large carport is located off to the side of the two-car garage. This is an excellent solution for those who are looking to fill their garage with yard equipment, hardware, and other items that need to be stored and do not have any intention of keeping their vehicles inside.

Continue to 21 of 22 below
21 of 22

Small Carport

Douglas Newby & Associates

This home also contains both a carport and a garage. Since this property is located on a smaller lot, the carport is placed in front of the garage. This means that for logistical purposes, it makes the most sense to dedicate the garage for storage only, so that one vehicle is never blocked in by another.

Continue to 22 of 22 below
22 of 22

Multiple Carports

Douglas Newby & Associates

If you own many cars, you can still incorporate a carport (or two) into your home design. This luxury home appears to have multiple carports located in various areas of the exterior, making it easy to accommodate a large collection of vehicles.