Using Sliding Barn Doors in Your Home: An In-Depth Look

Published: December 23, 2021

By the Estate Millwork Design Team | Craftsmen since 1997

If you follow the DIY trend or watch a lot of design shows on TV you might be aware that barn doors have become a big part of interior home design in recent years and the trend doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon. Here are a few ways we think you can incorporate beautiful sliding barn doors within your home.

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Replace your Bedroom Door

Barn doors can be easily installed to slide on tracks over the rough opening of the existing doorframe. This can make an exceptional interior design choice whether it is on a master or spare bedroom. When it comes to finishing the barn door your options are endless, whether you are looking for a rustic, midcentury or modern look.

Update your Bathroom

Using a smaller barn door can completely transform the look of your bathrooms entryway. When finishing your bathroom barn door you can add additional embellishments to both sides of the bathroom barn door to make it more obvious to guests that there is a bathroom on the other side of that door.

Bring a Rustic Look to your Man Cave or She Shed

Add a little rustic ambiance to the exterior/interior of your man cave or she shed with a sliding barn door rather than a typical swinging door. With a sliding barn door you can leave it open or shut it and add some locking hardware for added privacy.

Section off Rooms

Do you have a kids play area or a living area you want to have the option to section off to make more cozy or perhaps hide toys from sight. Sliding barn doors are perfect in these spaces, they allow you to leave the doors open and out of the way so you can maintain that completely open feel or you can close them to provide more privacy and create a more cozy feeling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size barn door do I need?

A barn door should be at least 2 to 4 inches wider than the doorway opening on each side and 1 inch taller to ensure full coverage when closed. The exact dimensions depend on your track hardware and mounting preferences. Estate Millwork builds barn doors to any custom size.

Can barn doors provide sound privacy?

Solid wood barn doors offer better sound dampening than hollow-core alternatives, but they do not seal as tightly as hinged doors because of the gap between the door and wall. For bedrooms and bathrooms, choose a thicker door and add a door guide at the bottom to minimize gaps.

What hardware do I need for a barn door?

You will need a sliding track system, rollers, a floor guide, and mounting hardware. The track length should be at least twice the width of the door opening. Estate Millwork doors are compatible with standard flat-track barn door hardware kits available at most home improvement stores.

Design Tips for Barn Doors

Verify that you have adequate wall space beside the opening for the door to slide fully open. You need clear wall space equal to the width of the door on the opening side.
Choose a wood species and finish that complements your existing trim and flooring. Barn doors make a bold visual statement, so consider whether you want the door to blend in or serve as a focal point.
For rooms that need ventilation, consider a louvered barn door. The angled slats allow airflow while still providing visual privacy and the rustic charm of a sliding door.