Although home decor trends come and go, we’ve found that trends that also serve a practical purpose tend to have staying power. One of those trends is sliding barn doors that Ontario homeowners love.

In this article, we will look at the appeal of barn doors and share ten reasons why your home needs them.

What are sliding barn doors?

Sliding barn doors are like the smarter, country cousin of the pocket door. Like the pocket door, they slide horizontally along a tracking system. However, what sets them apart from pocket doors is that the installation process is stress-free.

The sliding barn doors Ontario homeowners install don’t require knocking out walls because their hardware is exposed. Not only does the exposed hardware make them easier to install, but it also adds the trademark design feature that makes the sliding barn door so much more stylish.

Along with the attractive hardware, the board construction of the barn door adds more texture and interest compared to the everyday panelled doors commonly found in homes today.

1. You have limited space

Because barn doors open and close horizontally, they are the perfect solution for tight spaces.

Whether you want privacy, separation, or to shut off a certain area, when there isn’t enough space for the swing of a traditional door, the sliding barn door is the perfect solution.

2. You want to add a modern farmhouse or rustic country aesthetic to your home

The style of sliding barn doors Ontario homeowners prefer is one of the most iconic design elements of the modern farmhouse, lending themselves to a rustic country aesthetic. They come in an assortment of wood options that can be painted or stained to match your design scheme, with striking black hardware that adds to their rural-leaning appeal.

3. You want an easy-to-install alternative to pocket doors

Pocket doors are very hard to install unless you’re in the early stages of home improvements and the drywall work is incomplete. They operate on a track hidden behind the walls, and the doors themselves slide into the wall when not in use, hence the name, “pocket.”

With barn doors, you can install them in any door opening, whether it’s a pantry, bathroom, walk-in closet, etc. without the need to destroy existing walls. No fuss, no muss.

4. Sliding barn doors are fun

If you want a whimsical touch to your home, barn doors can be lots of fun, especially when painted an exciting colour like red, turquoise, or sage. They not only look great, but are kind of a novelty to operate, adding to the enjoyment of having them in your home.

5. Sliding barn doors can work in industrial design schemes

Although considered the hallmark of the modern farmhouse aesthetic, sliding barn doors can be dressed up to suit a more industrial-style home. For example, a grey washed barn door is more modern than rustic, making it a perfect choice for industrial homes and edgy lofts.

6. Sliding barn doors create an interesting focal point

Barn doors add interest to any room, making them the perfect focal point in an otherwise boring room or hallway. For example, if you don’t have room in the budget for a dramatic island in your kitchen remodel, the addition of a barn door for your pantry is the unique accent you need to create a focal point.

Also, instead of a boring door matching the rest of the home for your main floor powder room, guests will be wowed by the addition of a novel sliding barn door. Barn doors can work in any area of the home where you have enough wall space and want to add that special accent or focal point.

7. You can use sliding barn doors to add privacy

If you have two rooms joined by a large opening in what is not quite a fully open-concept home, you might long for privacy. For example, many 1980s home layouts have a living room area that opens out to a den/family room where swing doors won’t work.

However, barn doors can easily be used to shut out noise, like when the kids are watching TV, and you’re trying to read quietly. With barn doors, peace is restored.

8. You want an affordable way to add the warmth of wood to a space

If you want to add a cozier feel to a space using wood, barn doors are easier to install and far more affordable than expensive built-ins or hardwood floors.

Wood is a material that adds warmth, but its cost might keep it out of reach for some homeowners. A knotty alder sliding barn door is the perfect way to add that warmth whether the door is left unfinished or enriched with a lovely stain.

9. Sliding barn doors improve accessibility

Because sliding barn doors sit on a track outside of the door frame, they help improve accessibility. Traditional swing doors take up almost 1.5 inches of space in an open doorway, which can make it difficult for people using walkers or wheelchairs.

Although it might not be the first door that comes to mind when thinking about accessibility, the sliding barn door is a very stylish way to widen existing doorways without knocking out drywall, baseboards, and door frames. Whether you’re designing for aging in place, or a loved one is experiencing mobility issues, the barn door could be the best solution.

10. Sliding barn doors are “re-styleable”

Sliding barn doors serve a practical, functional purpose you become accustomed to living with. In fact, you’d miss their convenience if you decide to replace them when they start looking outdated.

Luckily, barn doors can be re-styled just like any other door, whether it’s updating the hardware, applying a different stain, or using a fresh lick of paint to match your redesign or new colour scheme.

Contact the Sliding Door Experts

Overall, sliding barn doors are a functional option ideal for tight spaces, while offering a modern yet rustic aesthetic you can dress up or down to match your sense of style.

To shop Cosmaroma’s selection of sliding barn doors, click here. For more information, call us at (855) 457-1039 or contact us online.