Barn style doors have gained widespread popularity in recent years due to their unique aesthetics and functionality. These rustic entryways are an excellent way to bring a touch of charm to your home while also serving a practical purpose. They will also look great with any kind of wood homewares.
However, with so many different types of barn style doors available, choosing the perfect one for your home can be a daunting task.
It is for this reason that we've created this guide to help you navigate the different styles and materials available and choose the perfect barn style door that complements your home's existing decor.
So whether you're looking to add a statement piece to your living room or a functional entry for your bedroom, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!
Benefits of Barn Style Door
Modern
Barn style doors are a popular alternative to traditional ones, offering a unique and fashionable touch to any home. Adding them to your home can increase its value while making it stand out from others.
Space-saving
Doors that slide against the wall parallel to the doorway are a great option for tight and narrow spaces because they slide against the wall parallel to the doorway, eliminating the need for space required by traditional openings to swing open fully.
Easy for Installation
Barn doors are easier to install than traditional doors in certain situations.
For instance, if the doorway is already finished, a traditional one requires adding a frame for installation, which requires very precise measurements.
In contrast, a barn door can be added on top of any finished drywall doorway.
While getting a perfectly-sized door is ideal, there is more flexibility with a barn entry.
As it doesn't need to fit perfectly into the existing frame.
Customizable
Barn doors offer a wide range of customization options.
Including the ability to mix and match hardware and choose the material and color of the enclosure itself. With so many possibilities, it's likely that you'll be able to find the perfect door that complements your space.
How to Choose the Right One?
Measure Correctly
When measuring for a barn style door, it's important to note that they offer more flexibility in terms of the final measurement since they're mounted differently than traditional doors.
However, it's still important to measure carefully to avoid issues like gaps or doors that are too big.
Measure the height and width of the opening frame, including any overlap with the wall for privacy, and take into consideration the size of the hardware.
If your space is narrow, consider the thickness of the door frame and how the hardware will mount against the walls.
Going for an oversized look or a double door is also an option, depending on where you're installing the entry.
Assess the Required Functionality
When installing a barn door, it's important to consider whether function or form is more important. If the door is purely decorative, design may be the priority. However, if the entry is for a bathroom or bedroom, it's crucial to ensure it provides enough privacy by filtering light and sound. Additionally, if the opening is used to partition separate rooms, it will need to be built differently than those used in narrower doorways.
Choose the Style that Suits Your Interior
Barn style doors come in a variety of styles to suit different interior design aesthetics. Some of the most popular styles include:
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Country
- Industrial
When choosing the style that suits your interior, consider the overall vibe you're going for and whether the door will complement the existing decor. For example, a modern barn door might be a good fit for a minimalist bedroom, while a rustic country-style door might be a better choice for a cozy living room.
Decide what Design You Need
Some popular designs of barn style doors include:
- Flush: A flush barn door is flat and has a simple, minimalist appearance. It is a good choice for modern or contemporary interior design styles.
- Paneled: A paneled barn door has multiple panels, often with a raised or recessed design. This type of opening is a good choice for a traditional or farmhouse-style interior.
- Glassed: A glassed barn door has one or more glass panels, which can allow natural light to enter between rooms. This type of door is a good choice for rooms that require privacy, such as a bathroom or bedroom, while still letting in natural light.
When choosing a design, consider both the aesthetics and the practicality of the door. For example, a glassed door might be a good choice for a room that requires privacy while still letting in natural light.
Barn doors are a popular choice among homeowners, with white or natural-colored finishes being particularly common. However, the possibilities for barn door finishes are endless, with colors ranging from bold and bright to subtle and subdued. Some barn doors even come unfinished, allowing for custom staining or painting to perfectly match your home's decor.
In addition to color and finish options, barn doors also offer a wide range of design choices. From classic, rustic styles to sleek and modern designs, there is a barn entry to suit any taste. Plus, barn doors can be customized with a variety of hardware options, including handles, locks, and tracks.
Another advantage of barn doors is that they can be used in a variety of spaces. While they are commonly used as doors for closets or pantries, they can also be used to partition off larger areas, such as a home office or den. Barn doorways can even be used as decorative elements, adding a touch of rustic charm to any room.
Choose Texture and Finish
Choosing the right finish for your door is crucial since it greatly affects the look of the room. Even though it may seem insignificant, the finish can tie the whole space together. Consider the furniture, flooring, color palette, and aesthetic of the room when making your choice. If you want a rustic look, choose a textured or weathered finish. For a modern look, go for a smooth, glossy finish. Pick a finish that complements the space and enhances the design.
Pick the Right Hardware
When choosing a barn style door, it's important to consider the hardware that comes with it. Unlike traditional doors, hardware is a huge part of the design and function of a barn door. Some of the hardware you'll need to choose throughout the process include tracks, hangers, pulls and handles, floor guides, soft-close or soft-stop mechanisms, and decorative hardware. Make sure to choose high-quality hardware that complements the design of your door and room, as almost every piece of hardware for a barn door is visible.
Conclusion
Barn style doors are a unique and fashionable way to enhance the value and aesthetics of your home. With a wide range of styles, materials, and customization options available, there's a perfect barn style door out there for everyone. By following the tips in this guide, you'll be able to choose a door that complements your home's existing decor and meets your functional needs. Happy shopping!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton
Content Creator / Editor
Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the wooden arts and crafts space, focussing on innovative wooden product design. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.
