Deep Pockets: Doors with Panache
Pocket Doors Save Space and Create Elegant Transitions Inside and Out
Pocket doors don't take up as much floor space as typical swing doors thereby allowing more flexible arrangements of space — an especially useful feature in smaller rooms. In larger spaces, pocket doors provide elegant transitions between rooms. Depending on the door thickness, they sometimes provide a little less privacy, which has the biggest impact when they're used for bathrooms. But I've rarely come across a bathroom pocket door that I felt was too public. I can almost always appreciate their space-saving virtues.
Pocket doors also allow for the opportunity to introduce interesting hardware, the jewelry of the home. Resist the urge to purchase generic pulls at your local shop — there are so many beautiful options out there that will elevate the look of special doors! Pocket doors have a solid place in history, but, as we'll see, they're used to great effect in modern and contemporary homes as well.
Pocket doors also allow for the opportunity to introduce interesting hardware, the jewelry of the home. Resist the urge to purchase generic pulls at your local shop — there are so many beautiful options out there that will elevate the look of special doors! Pocket doors have a solid place in history, but, as we'll see, they're used to great effect in modern and contemporary homes as well.
Pocket doors have the ability to make a mundane activity (walking into a room, shutting the doors and crawling into bed) seem luxurious and grand.
This clearly modern home is anything but cold, and the wood grain on the pocket door adds warmth and texture.
A series of pocket doors contribute to the enfilade effect in this traditional home. Grand openings and arches lead from one room to the next, making the whole house feel connected and open, despite the fact that each room is cordoned off.
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| Frosted glass isn't always on the top of my list, but these sleek doors add a textural element to the white interior while concealing a little office beyond. |
Don't you want to sneak into this sun-drenched room, shut the door and curl up in the daybed nook with a great book? The pocket door adds to the romance of the whole look, with its airy transom windows and stately hardware.
by SBaird Design
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Another example of well-placed frosted glass, this pocket door keeps the light flowing from one room to the next, without skimping on privacy.
These pocket doors emerge from heavy-duty stone walls — love that. By closely resembling the wood finish of the beam above, they appear as though they've been there for centuries, greeting guests with a grand entrance experience.
These window-paneled pocket doors provide a slight visual barrier between rooms without blocking the flow of sunlight light. They also mimic the iron doors leading outside, creating a cohesive look, despite different materials and scales.
This black-painted pocket door contrasts beautifully with the white-walled living room in the foreground while transitioning to the wood-paneled dining room in the background.
I cannot think of a more perfect place for pocket doors than the kitchen! Hide that pantry mess (although this one is quite tidy) behind elegant pocket doors without losing a shred of precious floor space.
Take note of the well-chosen hardware in this image. The wood doors complement the warmth of the room beyond, and the hammered metal hardware infuses a handmade, been-there-forever feeling.
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| Being able to fully open a wall to the outside is a personal dream of mine (along with outdoor showers). These pocket doors create a seamless transition from inside to outside, extending the house visually into the well-appointed garden.
Next: Browse more photos of pocket doors |
Ideabook published on May 4, 2011.
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We are building a second home and our builder said we officially have more pocket doors than any house he has ever built lol.
I fell in love with them in our present home that was built in the 60's.
They truly are space saving and I have never had one bit of problem with them breaking or coming off their track.
Now they make really nice heavy-duty hardware for pocket doors so there should be no reason to be afraid of them as some people seem to be :)
Great idea book!
My 1965 home has many original pocket doors, and all are in good working order.
After a few days of searching my wife managed to help me out and find these pieces.
None of the doors you feature show case the standard all in one type handle and lock set.
Thanks for sharing.
This door is on a smaller scale than the ones you shared but we love it!
JW
Thanks
http://johnsonhardware.com/
:) Rhoda