Mention the words “barn doors” in the context of decor, and it may bring to mind a rustic look with reclaimed wood and heavy-looking hardware. While this look can work in some settings, often you’re going for a more refined or even glamourous look. Don’t be put off by the reference to farmyard digs; a barn door in the construction world refers more to the type, or operation of the door than to its specific style. Use your imagination! Barn doors can be used to cover many types of openings.
Where Can Barn Doors Be Installed?
Like pocket doors, barn doors don’t require space to swing out like a standard door, but unlike pocket doors they do not need to be built into the wall so as to be able to slide into it, so they can be easily retrofitted over an existing door opening provided there is sufficient wall space on at least one side of the door to accommodate the width of the door itself. Tracks and door hardware may be simple or more elaborately decorative, depending upon your style and taste.
1. Bathroom Entrance
One of the more common uses for barn doors is at the entrance to a bathroom from a bedroom, as space is saved by not having the door swing out into the bedroom or into the bathroom, and the look is aesthetically pleasing. Using a door that matches others in the home causes the barn door to to blend into the surrounding environment.
2. Converted Pantry
One of our more creative clients converted a dining room hutch nook into a beautiful pantry by installing shelving in the recessed area and then covering it with handsome custom-made doors and hardware. The resulting finish adds not only abundant storage but also a one-of-a-kind focal point in her dining room.
3. Entertainment Area
Do you ever wonder if your family room screams “WE LOVE TELEVISION MORE THAN ANYTHING!” How about covering up your large flat-screen TV with a set of attractive sliding barn doors that blend into surrounding cabinetry?
4. Under-Stair Play Area
Many of our clients choose to convert under-stair space into a finished play area for their children or grandchildren. The kids love to have a place scaled to just their size! Installing a smaller barn door over the entrance allows you to hide the mess when it’s not in use.
5. Bathroom Mirrors
Remember the medicine cabinets that used to be a standard fixture in the bathrooms of older homes–handy, but rather ugly? Take another look. Using barn door-style mirrors to slide over recessed finished openings in the bathroom wall, you can add needed storage space for toiletries, cosmetics, etc., without sacrificing style.
6. Office
A main-floor office, often not a large room to begin with, is frequently attached to a main hallway. Installing a barn door here makes sense, as it takes up less space in the room itself, allows more light into the room, and also sets the room apart as different from the others in the home. With one easy slide of the door, you have privacy when needed.
