Carports are shelters for cars and other vehicles. They can be attached to houses or freestanding structures, providing protection from the elements, easy access, and ventilation. Carports were very popular in the 1950s and 1960s with the rise of suburban living, and many homes still have them today. Modern carport designs often feature sleek lines, contemporary materials, and stylish finishes to enhance their overall aesthetic appeal. If you’re looking to update your carport or add one to your home, check out these driveways first for inspiration.

1. Dual-purpose

This 1850s farmhouse was renovated in 2006 by designer and owner Dirk Wynants, who strived to preserve as much of the original structure as possible while adding modern amenities. The home features a concrete carport built into the lower level of the home. The vehicles are safely stored at the basement level, while the top of the carport provides a patio area for the home. With its seamless integration into the home, it showcases how a carport can be both practical and attractive.

2. Modular

Modular homes have come a long way, and this New Jersey home proves that an open prefab structure can be stylish. The owner wanted a modern lake home without the fuss of a custom build. She consulted Resolution: 4 Architecture, who granted her request for an open prefabricated structure with custom touches. The open floor plan with large windows offers plenty of lake views, and an integrated carport seamlessly integrates with the prefab home’s design.

3. California Ranch

This prefab home got a facelift when real estate broker Adrian Kinney and his partner purchased it in 2013. It was originally one of 170 prefabs manufactured by Cliff May Homes in 1955. Updates include full-height glass windows, new wood paneling, and refinished original oak floors. Along with the updates, the original post-and-beam carport was updated with a lockable storage shed and a uniquely designed, remote-controlled gate.

4. Casa Granja V

Why choose between a garage and a carport when you have both? Architect Gaú Manzi designed this industrial-inspired home in São Paulo, featuring a unique carport-style garage at the center of the home, with living spaces accessible from either side. Concrete stairs connect the lower and upper living levels, emphasizing the connection between external and interior spaces.

5. Angles

This California home features a unique, retro-futuristic triangular facade and a geometric carport. Nestled on a hillside, the home's angular design sets it apart from its surroundings, while the geometric carport complements the home’s modern and futuristic vibe.

6. Blue Ridge Zen

This Virginian home is perched atop a hill to take advantage of the surrounding views of the Blue Ridge mountains and the gentle breezes that sweep across the hillside. It features a folding roof line that is accentuated by the windows and a perfectly integrated carport that continues the lines of the home.

7. Upcycled

Using urban infill, the designers of this Seattle home used upcycled building materials to renovate it. The carport features steel pipe columns and wood beams from a 1960s church carport, and the corrugated steel siding comes from a surplus from a nearby apartment building. Incorporating these upcycled materials adds a unique and eclectic charm to the home and promotes sustainability by reducing waste.

8. Upside Down

Most carports are attached to the side or front of a house, but the designers of this Australian house took advantage of the sloped lot to create an amazing layout. The architects built the home “upside-down” by placing the living spaces on the upper floor and the bedrooms below to maximize the stunning views. The carport is tucked neatly behind the home on the lower level, providing shelter for vehicles while maintaining the clean and modern aesthetic of the design.

9. Screenplay

Updating a carport can be as simple as adding a decorative screen. The designer of this Texas home created a practical and attractive system of perforated 1/8-inch-thick shutters to provide sun control on the top level. The design was carried throughout the house as a motif; versions of the perforated design are also used for a carport screen. This cohesive design ensures a consistent visual appeal in the interior and exterior spaces.

10. Atrium

This Portland home extends its covered patio area by incorporating the carport. The carport features a full cinder block facade, with the exterior wall serving as both an interior wall and a decorative block element extending to the patio atrium. The cinder block facade enhances the overall appearance of the outdoor space by creating a seamless transition between the carport and the patio atrium.

11. Mural

Paint is an inexpensive and quick way to update an area—even a carport. This California ranch home features a hand-painted geometric mural in the refurbished carport, adding a vibrant and artistic touch to the space. The homeowners transformed their carport into an outdoor dining area with recessed lighting and a light wood dining table and chairs.

12. Bayview

Carports have remained a popular design element because of their versatility. This Great Peconic Bay beach house was elevated to provide outstanding views of the bay from the main level while also creating shaded and sheltered carport space below the house for parking, lounging, and woodworking.

13. Dialectical Elements

This Texas home used hemlock soffits and cedar for its carport walls. The warm wood is repeated indoors and out, balanced by pops of white and black. The use of hemlock and cedar adds warmth and character to the carport walls and brings a touch of rustic charm to the overall design. The result is a harmonious blend of natural textures and modern accents, creating a timeless style.

14. Framed

This small home features an open carport flanked by concrete frames. The frames enhance the aesthetic appeal of the home while providing structural support, ensuring durability and stability. This home has a contemporary yet timeless feel thanks to the use of contrasting warm woods with the cool blues and grays of the walls and concrete.

15. Solar

The sun is abundant in the desert, so you might as well take advantage of it. This carport, located north of Joshua Tree National Park, features a detached carport topped with Solar World’s Sun Module photovoltaic panels for the resident’s eclectic vehicles. This sustainable solution allows the residents to take advantage of the abundant sunlight in the desert while reducing their carbon footprint.

Top photo by Chase Daniels