Barn doors provide a functional, decorative design element

by Erica Peterson

The use of barn doors in home interior design continues to be a popular trend.

Dean Gerbasi, head designer at Pine Tree Barn in Wooster, said he thinks that’s because they reflect an overall shift toward less fussy design.

“We are all kind of going to a more casual way of living and decorating,” he said. “Barn doors help create a relaxed, informal feeling.”

They are also practical, said Jill Andrew, an interior designer with Garth Andrew’s Interior Design in Bath.

“I think at first it was trendy, but now people realize they are both functional and add a design element,” she said.

Barn doors provide a great architectural feature to a room, Gerbasi agreed. The sliding doors are best used for things like a laundry room, closet or master bathroom, where space is at a premium.

Andrew recently finished a project that included a barn door for the master bath.

“Before, the door opened inward and hit the counter, so you had to close the door to use the sink or the mirror,” she said. “Because the barn door doesn’t swing into the room, you don’t lose that space.”

They are also more economical and easier to install than pocket doors, which slide into the wall rather than in front of it, Andrew said.

“Pocket doors generally have to be installed when the house is built,” she said. “You can install a barn door with much less time and money, since you’re not tearing up a wall and installing all the mechanisms.”

The wall where the door slides can’t have outlets, thermostats or other features since they will be covered up when the door is open, Andrew pointed out.

And Gerbasi recommends against using barn doors for main doors, like for a bedroom or guest bathroom.

“They don’t provide a tight, snug fit, so they are not the best for sound control,” he said.

Barn doors come in a variety of styles and prices, so they can fit many different decors and budgets.

For a more contemporary take on the traditional rustic wooden door, Gerbasi suggested trying solid frosted glass barn doors. “It’s a fun, modern look,” he said. Andrew said using different finishes on the hardware, like brushed metal, oil-rubbed bronze or chrome, can also update the look.

With the proper hardware, any door can be used as a barn-style door, Andrew said. For example, homeowners can repurpose an antique door or something that catches their eye at a secondhand store, she said.

“It all boils down to the hardware,” she said.