Self Storage Doesn't Have to Look Industrial

For years, self storage facilities were often treated as purely functional properties.  Rows of metal buildings were placed behind a fence, a sign was installed near the entrance, and appearance received relatively little attention.  That has changed. Today's storage customers often compare multiple facilities before deciding where to rent. The exterior appearance of the property can contribute to that first impression before a customer ever sees a unit. 

Start With the Buildings

Steel mini storage buildings can be functional without being visually boring.  Wall colors, roof panels, trim and storage doors can be coordinated to create a consistent design throughout the property. Instead of treating each component separately, think of the facility as one overall brand. A coordinated color palette can make multiple storage buildings look like one professionally planned development. 

Use Storage Doors as a Design Element

A row of roll-up doors occupies a substantial portion of the exterior of many drive-up storage buildings.  That makes door color an important design choice.  Contrasting doors can create a bold, recognizable appearance, while more neutral combinations can provide a clean commercial look. Whichever direction you choose, consistency matters. 

Make the Entrance Count

The entrance is often the first part of the facility customers experience.  Consider how the gate, office, signage and front buildings look from the road. A clearly marked entrance helps customers understand where to go and can make the property feel more organized. This is also where branding can have the greatest visual impact. 

Think About What Customers See From the Road

Not every side of a self storage building needs to serve the same visual purpose.  Buildings located along the property's road frontage may deserve additional attention because they effectively become part of the facility's advertising. Building orientation, wall colors, signage and landscaping can all contribute to roadside visibility. 

Lighting Serves Two Purposes

Exterior lighting isn't only about appearance.  Properly planned lighting can improve visibility around buildings, drive aisles and entrances while also contributing to a customer's perception of security. Lighting should be incorporated into the overall site and electrical planning rather than added randomly after construction. 

Keep Landscaping Practical

Self storage landscaping doesn't need to be elaborate.  Well-maintained grass, appropriate plants and clean entrance areas can soften the appearance of a large steel development without creating excessive maintenance. Landscaping can also be particularly useful around the office and road frontage where customers form their first impression of the property. 

Clean Design Can Support Your Brand

Your facility's appearance is part of your marketing.  The colors used on the buildings can carry through to signage, the office, website, advertisements and other marketing materials. Over time, that consistency can help customers recognize the facility within the local market. 

Design a Facility Customers Notice 

A successful self storage project needs functional buildings, efficient unit layouts and appropriate access.  But functionality doesn't mean appearance should be ignored. Planning building colors, doors, trim, signage and site appearance together can help create a self storage facility that looks professional from the day it opens. 

Duro Storage offers custom steel self storage building systems with multiple building configurations and color options to help developers create a facility around their individual project.  Call Duro Storage at 800-872-5740 to discuss your self storage development and request factory-direct pricing.