Sometimes there are solutions that exist for our home improvement dilemmas which may not be quite thought of right away.
One of these such solutions is the idea of a barn door setup.
Barn doors are one of these types of products that are typically custom made and are a super cool option for interior situations where traditional doors or even a pocket door may not be viable or preferred and in exterior situations where (for example) on a garage door someone may be looking for something different than an ordinary overhead door setup.
A barn door is a type of door often used in homes for both style and function. There are two main types: sliding barn doors and swinging barn doors. Both styles come from traditional barn doors used on farms, but today, they are a popular design choice for modern houses (or for older homes that are looking for a creative solution to an odd opening that someone may want a door on!).
Sliding Barn Doors
A sliding barn door moves along a metal track that is attached to the wall above the doorway. Instead of swinging open, it slides from side to side. This type of barn door is great for saving space because it doesn’t need extra room to open.
Swinging Barn Doors
A swinging barn door has two panels that open outward, like traditional barn doors on a farm. These doors are attached to the doorway with hinges and can be opened wide. This style is useful when a bigger entrance is needed.
Interior Uses of Barn Doors
Both sliding and swinging barn doors can be used in many places inside a home:
1. Bedrooms and Closets – A sliding barn door can be used for a bedroom closet to save space. It also adds a unique style to the room. Swinging barn doors can be used for a large walk-in closet, providing more of a grand entrance type of a feel.
2. Bathrooms – A sliding barn door can be a great choice for a bathroom, especially if the space is small. It makes it easy to enter and exitwithout taking up too much room (though, honestly, not the best idea for isolating bathroom odors!).
3. Home Offices, Hallways, etc. – Many people work from home and want a quiet space or perhaps are looking to separate a hallway area from the rest of the house. A barn door can help provide this separating feature for both home offices and hallway areas, making them feel more private.
4. Pantries and Kitchens – A sliding barn door is perfect for a pantry because it keeps food storage hidden but is easy to open when needed. Swinging barn doors can also work well in larger kitchens for an open and farmhouse-style look.
5. Living Rooms and Dining Rooms – Barn doors can be used to separate a living room and dining room. If you want an open space, you can slide or swing the doors open, and if you want privacy, you can close them.
Exterior Uses of Barn Doors
Barn doors are also useful outside the home.
1. Garages and Sheds – Instead of regular garage doors, some homeowners choose large sliding or swinging barn doors. This gives a rustic and stylish look while still being functional.
2. Patios and Outdoor Spaces – A sliding barn door can separate an indoor space from a backyard or patio. Swinging barn doors can also create a wide entrance to an outdoor area.
3. Outdoor Showers – In beach houses or homes with pools, an outdoor shower with a barn door provides privacy while still looking stylish.
4. Fences and Gates – A barn-style gate can be used to secure a driveway or backyard, adding charm to the home’s exterior.
Barn doors, whether sliding or swinging, are a stylish and practical choice for homes. They can be used inside to save space and add character, or outside to create beautiful and functional entrances.
Follow Us on Social Media!
