Barn Doors as a Stylish Space Saver: An In-Depth Look

Published: October 09, 2020

By the Estate Millwork Design Team | Craftsmen since 1997

Do you have door problem in your house? Small spaces have all types of layout challenges no matter what their use is. Interior sliding barn doors offer a very functional stylish fix for areas with limited floor space where there might not be enough room for a full swinging door.

Whereas pocket doors were the go to of the past in these types of situations they require more demo and installation time to encase the door and its mechanism inside the wall, and if this door were to ever malfunction it can prove to be a costly fix. Sliding barn doors hang on the outside of the wall making them easy to install and not as costly to fix if something were to happen to the hardware.

Not Your Parents Sliding Door

Sliding barn doors have come a long way especially in the hardware department. The current track systems have floor guides and anti-jump blocks to keep the sliding barn doors well seated on their track. Barn doors have soared in popularity because of how stylish and practical they are; they make a huge design impact in any room and can work with almost any style.

Barn doors are incredibly stylish on their own but can be further styled to fit any style you want. Barn doors first became popular during the rise of "shabby chic" where everyone was trying to incorporate a lot of rustic décor into their homes. This often consisted of wooden or metal furniture that was often distressed and barn doors fit right into this. A natural wood door accented with metal hardware looks great in both industrial and rustic settings. Depending on the style of door they can work well with the clean profile of minimalist homes.

The sliding barn door can be a statement piece and free floor space when rooms are tight, in fact some doors can free up to 14 square feet of floor space. Making the space for a swinging door moot, you also can give the barn door a trendy hue, such as blue or green, to make it a focal point in your décor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size barn door do I need?

A barn door should be at least 2 to 4 inches wider than the doorway opening on each side and 1 inch taller to ensure full coverage when closed. The exact dimensions depend on your track hardware and mounting preferences. Estate Millwork builds barn doors to any custom size.

Can barn doors provide sound privacy?

Solid wood barn doors offer better sound dampening than hollow-core alternatives, but they do not seal as tightly as hinged doors because of the gap between the door and wall. For bedrooms and bathrooms, choose a thicker door and add a door guide at the bottom to minimize gaps.

What hardware do I need for a barn door?

You will need a sliding track system, rollers, a floor guide, and mounting hardware. The track length should be at least twice the width of the door opening. Estate Millwork doors are compatible with standard flat-track barn door hardware kits available at most home improvement stores.

Design Tips for Barn Doors

Verify that you have adequate wall space beside the opening for the door to slide fully open. You need clear wall space equal to the width of the door on the opening side.
Choose a wood species and finish that complements your existing trim and flooring. Barn doors make a bold visual statement, so consider whether you want the door to blend in or serve as a focal point.
For rooms that need ventilation, consider a louvered barn door. The angled slats allow airflow while still providing visual privacy and the rustic charm of a sliding door.