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Barn Doors Slide Into Style
You don't have to live in a farmhouse to use a barn door in your home. Here's how to make these space savers work in any room
I am a Brooklyn-based writer, who writes about all sorts of DIY ventures like cooking, crafts and decorating. When I'm not on assignment, I can be found dreaming up projects for my home, which I chronicle in my blog The Little House in the City (thelittlehouseinthecityblog.com).
I am a Brooklyn-based writer, who writes about all sorts of DIY ventures... More »
If you don't shut a door, you may find yourself subjected to the timeworn "Were you raised in a barn?" remark. However, there is no need to disparage barn doors. In fact, a sliding bar–style door can be a very wise choice for an interior.
A traditional door can use up to 9 square feet of space (a pair of French doors, even more). While that may not sound like a lot, in a small space every inch counts. Installing a door on a sliding track means that it will take up just a few inches of floor space. The biggest disadvantage? Sliding barn doors sometimes afford less sound protection than typical doors, which close tightly.
A sliding door isn't the answer for all small rooms. You need to have enough wall space adjacent to your doorway to slide the door over. Apocket door offers similar space economy but requires demolition to install. A fairly handy DIY-er can tackle installing a sliding barn door, but if you're unsure of your skills, hire a professional to make sure your door slides smoothly and safely.
Browse sliding barn doors in Products
A traditional door can use up to 9 square feet of space (a pair of French doors, even more). While that may not sound like a lot, in a small space every inch counts. Installing a door on a sliding track means that it will take up just a few inches of floor space. The biggest disadvantage? Sliding barn doors sometimes afford less sound protection than typical doors, which close tightly.
A sliding door isn't the answer for all small rooms. You need to have enough wall space adjacent to your doorway to slide the door over. A
A sliding door closes off a bedroom in this home in Mill Valley, California, designed by Tineke Triggs. Here the walls, trim and door are all painted the same white color so that the door blends in with its surroundings.
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| While this bedroom is hardly short on space, a barn door is a charming country addition. Designer Jeanette Van Wicklen ordered the hardware from Barn Door Hardware and had her builder design the door. See the rest of this home |
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| A close-up view shows you how a sliding door track works: Typically, the door is hung from a piece of hardware with a wheel that rolls along a track mounted to the wall. |
by Su Casa Designs
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The team at Su Casa Designs of Newton, Massachusetts, knows that a barn door is a functional choice for a kitchen space, where swinging doors can get in the way. Three panels of glass let natural light come through when the door is shut.
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| A lime-green hue draws the eye to the front door of this home by Feldman Architecture, but it's the oversize sliding door to its left that is the real showstopper. In this instance, the sliding barn door acts almost as a room divider. |
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This sliding door is cleverly designed to tuck into the adjacent staircase — a true space saver. It is clad in the same wood as a nearby wall, giving the door a seamless look when closed.
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by Shelley Gardea
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| This slider does double duty as a door and a makeshift gallery for children's art. If you install a metal door, a few magnets are all you need to use your door as a display space. Find more ways to display your child's artwork |
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Glass-paned sliding barn doors are a modern alternative to traditional French doors and take up a lot less floor space.
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A sliding door can be used for more than closing entrances between rooms. Here, Feldman Architecture installed a slider to cover up an office space when it is not in use.
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A barn door can even feel at home in a closet. In this generous walk-in designed by Murphy & Co., a sliding barn door can be pushed to one side to cover up the clothes behind.
More:
Barn Doors: They're Not Just for the Farm
Sliding Doors: Transition in High Style
Opening Acts: Folding, Sliding and Pivoting Doors
More:
Barn Doors: They're Not Just for the Farm
Sliding Doors: Transition in High Style
Opening Acts: Folding, Sliding and Pivoting Doors
Ideabook published on April 1, 2012.
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marcie
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R. R. Browne Architects
www.rrbrownearchitects.com
http://www.barndoorhardware.com/
Otrada L.L.C.
animal inspired. designer made.
Also, designer Laurel stated that these doors shouldn't be installed where they would be used frequently. I would expect this doorway to be used alot but the door would not have to be opened/shut every time. Anyone else have experience with these doors that could help me?
I would hang the door on the living room side so you can enjoy the view of the track , which is the cool part of a barn door. Unless there is not enough wall space.
http://www.realslidinghardware.com