Barn doors are gaining popularity, and people who love that rustic and barn-y touch love them. They use barn doors as dividers for the closet and in many more places, as these doors are space-saving and functional.
Though some people value the benefits, not everyone likes the farmhouse look and sliding features. This is mainly due to the rustic, farmhouse look, which does not suit every setting. Also, they are challenging to install, due to their heavy weight. If you are looking for a replacement for barn doors, here are some options to consider.
10 Barn Door Alternatives You Can Opt for
Barn doors, as the name suggests, originated in barns and have since evolved into one of the best options for adding a farmhouse touch to the home. But for certain reasons, such as heavy weight, visible hardware, etc., they are not liked by some. Here are 10 alternatives you should try if you want to replace barn doors -
Double Sliding Doors
Barn doors require a lot of space in the room for their sliding doors. But a double sliding door requires only one door frame, with its panels sliding along a fixed rail and stacking one in front of the other when opened. These are the perfect choice for home office entrance, closet, room divider, and other areas of the home.
Pivot Door
If you want your interior to look modern, distinctive, and show-stopping, consider a pivot door. Compared to hinged doors, they are known to be more space-saving, as they don't require much of a wall clearance. What makes it unique is that the door is fixed to a vertical axis that is attached to the top and bottom door jambs.
Single or Double Accordion Doors
Accordion doors are available in single or multiple panels, which function along a track. When the door is completely open, the panels seem to stack together and are securely closed with the help of an in-built magnet.
A single accordion door slides and folds to one side when opened, whereas a double door splits at the centre and folds at both ends. These doors are available in various options and materials, such as vinyl, wood, PVC, plastic, and even glass, and you can opt for any depending on the decor and setting of your home.
Blackout Accordion Door Curtain
Blackout accordion door curtain is one of the best alternatives to barn doors. This is because they are affordable, easy to install, and are actually not a door, but a curtain. The curtain has a pleated look that also functions as an accordion door, and has a pull handle and a magnet to hold it together.
However, like other accordion doors, it does not operate on a track; instead, it uses a tension rod and ball-bearing hooks, like a shower curtain. The best part is that if you have pets, these doors allow them to pass through easily with a simple push, and there's no need to open them.
Bifold Sliding Barn Doors
Just like the French-styled bifold doors, this door also features foldable windowed panels, which move along the track installed on the wall above the door frame. There are two types of bifold sliding barn doors, two-door and four-door, that can suit a wide range of door frames. You can install them in the kitchen, laundry, room, office, and living room doorways.
Bookshelf-Style Barn Door
You can consider incorporating a barn door, which also acts as a bookshelf. This gives a modern arch to your space while staying classic. You can place books, planters, magazines, or sculptures to give an edge to the decor and pull everything together. To allow the barn door to slide easily, you can install a track above the door frame or on the wall above the door.
Artistic Custom Barn Door
Barn doors don't always have to be boring and look rustic. If you are a big fan of art, you can create some great art on the door, or have it custom-made elsewhere. These doors can feature anything as per your vibe, whether you want birds, trees, flowers, mandalas, lattice, etc, anything can be painted or drawn on the door to add more character to the room.
Custom 3D Pet-Friendly Barn Door
If you think traditional barn doors with an X or a Z are no longer a trend, you can opt for custom-made 3-dimensional doors. You can get in touch with any door maker and pick the material, colour, pattern, and design of your choice, and even add a small entrance for your canine or feline friend. The geometrical pattern and the pet-friendly entrance will make it look more appealing.
Frameless Pocket Doors
Frameless pocket doors are the next alternative to barn doors. Traditional barn doors take up too much space. However, these pocket doors don't require much space and slide into the wall when opened. Thus, creating a clean appearance and keeping the flow of the space uninterrupted. For a more modern touch, opt for frosted panels for the door to let in enough sunlight or try sleek polished hardware to make the door stand out.
Nano Doors
Nano doors, also known as retractable glass doors, allow ample sunlight into the space and connect the interior and exterior of your home. These doors make the perfect sleek and unobstructive entrance.
Conclusion
Barn doors may have their moments, but not everyone likes them. Hence, people are looking for alternatives to barn doors. With all the options mentioned above, you can choose any depending on the home style and architecture. There is no shortage of smart options that function like barn doors but are better in terms of space saving, look, etc.
