Are you looking for ways to incorporate stylish and functional barn doors into your living space? Read below for 4 pro tips and 5 unique design ideas on how to elevate your home’s style.
Unlike regular interior doors, sliding barn doors can truly transform the space. For example, they can give an older, dated home a more modern, contemporary feel.
Note: Compared to other home renovation projects, interior barn doors don’t have to cost a lot of money (even glass doors). Nor are they difficult to install. In fact, you can even install them yourself with simple DIY door kits.
Before installing barn doors in your home, review these pro tips. They will help you save time and money, as well as avoid common do-it-yourself mistakes that many homeowners make. When you’re done, you’ll have a unique, stylish barn door that you’ll love – and you may even want to build another!
Step 1: What’s Your Door’s Purpose?
First of all, what is the main reason that oy want a barn door? For example, do you want privacy for a bedroom or simply a room divider for a home office? You may prefer a thicker solid-core door rather than a thinner, cheaper panel.
Or, do you want a door that will allow light into a windowless bathroom, closet or pantry? Frosted glass panes can bring light in while providing privacy and hiding clutter.
In addition, barn doors can act as a focal point in a room or space, almost like artwork. Do you want a door that stands out – or one that blends in with the rest of your existing decor? Color can play a big role here, and it can turn plain wood into an artsy, modern addition.
Step 2: Evaluate Your Doorway and Wall Dimensions
Second, let’s take a look at door size. You want the door panel to overlap the top and sides of the doorway by a couple of inches. However, you can create the effect of a taller ceiling by choosing (or building) a taller door panel and installing the track a few inches higher.
I did this with my barn doors – hanging the door track very close to the ceiling. It has a more sophisticated, high-end look without taking up additional horizontal wall space.
Also, keep in mind that when the door is open, you will need enough wall space to accommodate the door itself. Plus, if you have a light switch on the wall, you may need to slide the door in the opposite direction or move the switch to a different location.
For example, if you choose a 36″ wide door panel for a 30″ wide doorway. You’ll also need 36″ of wall space on one side of the opening for the door to open all the way.
Step 3: Choose the Door Track for Your Doorway
Third, you need to buy a track to hang your door from. Usually, you can get a standard barn door track kit in the length that you need.
However, you can also get a ceiling mount version, where you hang your barn door from the ceiling. These typically come in handy if you have a low ceiling or want a “box style” ceiling mount.
On the other hand, you may want to install a double barn door (for wide doorway) or closet doors, where you need a bypass sliding door track.
Note: Barn door tracks come in a variety of lengths. Keep in mind that the length you’ll need typically should measure double the width of the door. For example, choose a 6 foot track length (at minimum) for a 36″ wide door panel.
Step 4: Modernize a Plain Door with Paint, Stain or Hardware
You have several modern barn doors to choose from. However, don’t assume that store-bought doors have to look like everyone else’s. In other words, you can easily customize barn doors to have a distinct look without having to fully build them yourself.
For example, consider ultra modern door handles or unusual or colorful door pulls. Alternatively, you can paint ordinary wood doors in a 2-tone design, or use chalk paint or a colorful stain. Or even uses a hammered-metal spray paint. Look at other decor in your home to get ideas.
On the other hand, if you like glass barn doors but want privacy, just add modern abstract window film or frosted window film. I like this idea because it’s non-permanent, cost effective and easy to do yourself Plus, you can cover the entire door or just a portion of it.
Note: You can really create a high-end, custom-looking door on your own, using basic materials and inexpensive accessories. Barn door kits make this project easier than you may think (and they help you avoid making mistakes).
Are Modern Sliders Suitable for All Interior Styles?
Sliding door panels are the chameleons of interior design, fitting seamlessly into various styles. Whether your vibe is industrial chic or farmhouse cozy, barn doors bring a touch of style and functionality. Pro tip: Choose the door style and hardware that resonate with your aesthetic, and watch your space transform!
Materials to Use with Updated Barn Doors:
Modern sliders flaunt diverse materials, from sleek glass to rustic reclaimed wood. Embrace the trend endorsed by home design gurus like Joanna Gaines, blending style and substance effortlessly. Tip: Customize with unexpected materials like metal or even chalkboard paint for a unique touch!
What Hardware Options Are Available for Contemporary Barn Doors?
These trendy doors boast an array of chic hardware options. Explore trendy choices like matte black handles and industrial-style tracks. Tip: Mix and match hardware for a personalized look that’s as unique as you are!
How Easy is it to Install a Sliding Barn Door?
Installing barn door sliders is a breeze! With user-friendly kits and tutorials from trusted brands like The Home Depot, even DIY novices can create a stylish sliding entrance. Pro tip: Enlist a helper for a smoother installation experience!
Do Barn Doors Provide Sufficient Privacy?
The material of the barn door plays a crucial role in determining its privacy capabilities. Opt for heavier, solid materials like solid wood or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) for enhanced sound insulation and a greater sense of seclusion.
If sound isolation is a priority, choose barn doors with additional soundproofing features. These specialized doors often have layers designed to dampen noise, providing you with a quieter environment. Consider brands like AcoustiBLOK or Soundproof Cow for advanced soundproofing options.
Are Interior Barn Doors Energy-Efficient?
Elevate both style and energy efficiency in your space with contemporary door panels. Opt for solid-core constructions, exemplified by the Masonite Solid Core Primed Composite Interior Barn Door, to act as insulators and regulate indoor temperatures effectively.
Enhance energy efficiency further by incorporating weatherstripping kits, sealing gaps, and minimizing energy loss. Brands like Frost King and M-D Building Products offer reliable weatherstripping solutions suitable for barn doors.
For top-notch energy performance, explore doors with the Energy Star label, such as the JELD-WEN Composite Espresso Barn Door, combining sleek design with certified energy efficiency.
Modern Barn Door Ideas Beyond Room Dividers…
Use these versatile doors as chic headboards, creative wall art, or even unique covers for storage areas. Also check out barn door bifold doors for closets. Get imaginative and let your doors do more than just divide.
The Bottom Line:
To summarize, modern barn doors offer a transformative and stylish update to any home, blending seamlessly with various interior styles from industrial chic to farmhouse cozy. The versatility of these doors extends beyond mere aesthetics, as they can also serve as functional room dividers, privacy screens, and even creative elements like headboards or wall art.
With the availability of DIY kits and a range of materials from sleek glass to rustic wood, homeowners can easily customize their barn doors to match their unique taste and needs. Additionally, choosing the right hardware and installation methods can enhance the door’s functionality and energy efficiency, making it a smart and fashionable choice for any living space.
Last Updated May 8, 2024