trending Opting for modern styles like doors with glass panes can make your space feel more open – even when the doors are closed.
FROM THE FARMYARD TO THE FAMILY ROOM SAVE SPACE WITH A BARN DOOR BY
FAITH LEWIS
Barn doors have long been a space saving staple in shabby chic farmhouse homes, but gone are the days that these doors look like they were actually brought inside from the barn. The name simply refers to the type of doors that are hung on runners on the outside of a wall (as opposed to pocket doors that slide on runners within the wall). And with a rise in style options, they’re proving to be surprisingly versatile. If you’re facing cramped quarters or just looking to revamp your space, barn doors can be the quick and easy update you’re looking for. Barn doors can add a focal point to an otherwise blank wall and help break up a long, monotonous stretch of hallway. Opting for modern styles like doors with glass panes can make your space feel more open – even when the doors are closed. Or choose a bold color (like a bright blue or glossy red) to add that pop of color to a drab room. The style options are nearly limitless: single door, double door, wood, wrought iron, glass panes, this list goes on. You can even get creative and have one door on either side of a corner to really transform a space. But there’s more to barn doors than their beauty: they’re also extremely functional. If you have a space that won’t 36
at home magazine | 2020
accommodate a swinging door, barn doors are a great alternative to traditional pocket doors. Because pocket doors are installed on a track inside the wall, the wall must be especially thick and it is usually not possible to install in a load-bearing wall. Adding barn doors is also a great option for hiding unsightly storage space. If you have built-in shelving you’re looking to hide, barn doors can keep the clutter out of sight and help make your space more inviting. Installing barn doors on an
existing wall usually comes in between $100 and $300. Installing pocket doors in that same wall could set you back as much as $2500. Final Considerations: These doors look great whether they’re open or closed, but it is important to keep in mind that the door will slide open along the wall; you should double check that they won’t cover any necessary outlets when open and be ready to move any shelves or wall art that currently occupy that space.
