Initially, barn doors may appear to be more appropriate for rustic abodes like modern farmhouses. As a result, barn doors may seem unusual in other places. Despite their apparent simplicity, these interior doors have more to offer than meets the eye.
Initially, barn doors may appear to be more appropriate for rustic abodes like modern farmhouses. As a result, barn doors may seem unusual in other places. Despite their apparent simplicity, these interior doors have more to offer than meets the eye.
They really peaked in popularity in 2010 - 2015. Since then the barn door craze may have slowed but they are still are a good option in many circumstances. For example, they save space like a pocket door but cost less to install. They also add visial interest to a room and are part of the decor whether they are opened or closed.
We’ve rounded up some must-know information to help you decide whether to include them in your next remodel.
This is the barn door display in our showroom
A barn door originally consisted of a sliding door installed on the exterior of a barn, but they’ve evolved over time. They key feature is the door hangs from a rail that is mounted to the surface of a wall. The door slides over the wall, not into it like a pocket door might.
Yes. Because of the large rollers used even very heavy doors slide easily. It's important to note that these doors need room to slide. You need enough space for the width of the door plus 2 inches for it to slide completely open.
Standard track systems allow barn doors to stick out 1 ¾ inches. This allows the door to slide over door trim, baseboard and leaves room for an interior handle. It also means you can hang a picture on the wall and the door will easily slide over it.
A down side though is barn doors offer less privacy, the gap between the door and the wall lets light, sound and prying eyes into the room.
There is a guide at the bottom that keeps it from swining in or out and hitting the wall.
At a minimum a barn door should be 5 inches wider than the opening it will cover. This allows the door to cover the door trim as well. If you have even wide trim then it may need to be even wider. The heght of the door is determined by the height of the rail it hangs from.
Any door can be hung as a barn door. They can be paneled, flush, glass etc... Its really all about they style you want to show. The rails come in many different styles as well from rustic to modern.
We like using barn doors on hallways and and offices where privacy is not the main concern. We avoid them on bathroom and bedroom doors although we have used them in the master bath as the master bedroom is already a private space.
Yes and no. They don't swing out into a room so they can save space at the entry way. You do need space to the left or right of a barn door to allow it to slide open. This means you can't put furniture against that wall.
Swinging doors require space to open, can block walkways, and can damage walls with their door knobs. It does take some wall space for barn doors to open correctly, but they don’t need as much floor space when they swing open. Plus, they lie flat against the wall when they’re closed.
Barn doors come in many styles but three common ones are: paneled, flush, and glass. Paneled doors are exactly what they sound like. They feature panels. Styles and features are added to make them look more rustic. They are especially popular because they look most like the 'traditional' barn doors.
In contrast, flush ones are smooth and flat, which may be the best choice if you have a small space. There’s also an increasing interest in glass doors in areas where privacy isn't a concern, such as between two main rooms.
The great thing about these is that they let plenty of natural light through. However, you can also choose frosted glass designs, etched glass or even printed glass if you want the benefits of glass barn doors but still want a layer of privacy
Material is also another consideration when picking out the perfect barn door for your home. Obviously, wood is the most popular choice for barn doors. There are, however, other options. You can also get them in metal or glass.
The advantage of wood is that it can be painted or varnished if you want to change its look. Nevertheless, metal is an excellent, modern choice. Your design preferences and the style of your project will determine what you choose. Traditional homes look great with wood, while contemporary and industrial properties look great with metal and glass.
You might also come across different barn door hardware. This is where you can really customize your door. Your door can be finished off with rollers, tracks, handles, and pulls to truly complement the rest of the room. Choosing hardware that matches other doors in the room or your home will create a stylish look.
The barn door is an elegant architectural feature that can make your home stand out. Plus, they’re great for saving space in smaller rooms and cramped areas.
They do have some disadvantages, however, so they might not be the best option for all homeowners. Not sure how to choose? You can discuss your options with us, the team at McManus Kitchen and Bath. Contact us today to learn more about your options.
McManus Kitchen and Bath is a design and build company specializing in kitchen and bath remodels
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What you’ll get:
A personal design consult in our showroom
3D drawings to help you visualize options
A ‘good-better-best’ estimate