Factors to Consider for Barn Doors In a Bedroom

Barn doors have transformed from rustic farm staples to trendy interior design elements. Their style has made them a popular choice in modern homes; but are barn doors in bedrooms practical as well as chic?

Barn doors are the perfect choice for bedrooms as they offer a balance of space optimization and style. Whether you're looking for rustic chic or a modern marvel, there’s a barn door out there for your bedroom.

Practical Considerations for a Barn Door in a Bedroom

The following are a few points to keep in mind if you opt for a barn door in a bedroom.

The Door Size Affects Sound (and Light) Proofing

Covering the door opening fully is essential for limiting the amount of light and sound that enter your bedroom. Before shopping for a barn door for your bedroom, measure the width and height of the door opening. We recommend adding one to two inches to the width (on each side) and one inch to the height so your barn door is slightly larger than the opening.

Factor in Wall Space

Barn doors open by sliding across a track above the door frame. When the door is fully open, it will lie flush against the adjacent wall. Barn doors are therefore only a viable option for your bedroom if you have enough wall space for the door to open fully. Factor in at least the width of the barn door on the side on which you want the door to open.

Balance Natural Light with Privacy

Homeowners who prioritize the flow of natural light throughout their homes can install a French barn door with frosted glass panels. French doors facilitate a free flow of natural light to and from your bedroom. However, you don’t want people to be able to look into your bedroom when the door is closed. That’s why we recommend using frosted glass.

Add a Lock

Bedroom doors typically feature a lock for privacy and to prevent unauthorized access. There are two main lock options that can be used with barn doors.

Teardrop Latch

A teardrop latch involves a teardrop-shaped mechanism mounted onto the door or wall. It locks when it rotates into a catch plate on the other surface. A teardrop lock is an elegant option that’s easy to install with a drill, tape measure, and screwdriver.

Hook and Eye Latch

This simple locking system involves slotting a hook into a circular latch attached to the opposing surface. This lock is also simple to install and can be used where there’s a significant gap between the door and the frame.

**Pro tip: **A lock can be placed on either side of your barn door. However, the placement of the lock will depend on whether your door sits inside or outside of the room. Make sure the latch faces the door so it can catch onto the strike plate. 

Benefits of Sliding Barn Doors for Bedrooms

Your bedroom door is arguably the most important interior door in your home. Your bedroom is a place you turn to for respite and tranquility. Finding a door that offers all these things plus the privacy you need in your bedroom is a question of balancing design with function. The good news is that modern sliding barn doors offer all these factors and provide a unique alternative to a traditional door.

Barn Doors Are Perfect for Compact Spaces

Sliding doors like barn doors are a space-saving solution for homeowners looking to get the most out of every inch of their home. This is especially important as the average family home size is trending down, declining to a median of 2,191 square feet. This is the lowest since 2010 and reflects the challenging economic conditions homeowners face.

Barn doors offer a highly practical space-saving design. Unlike traditional doors, a sliding barn door doesn't require swing space and therefore optimizes the floor space in your bedroom.

Barn Doors Offer a Unique Aesthetic

Apart from their practicality, bedroom sliding barn doors offer a unique aesthetic. Create a rustic, rustic chic, or modern vibe in your bedroom instantly, and make a statement with a sliding barn door.

Top Barn Door Ideas for Your Bedroom

The wide range of modern barn door styles available makes them a versatile choice that can match—or set—the tone for the rest of your bedroom. The following are a few ideas for an impactful barn door.

Magic Doors 

Magic doors—also known as concealed barn or hidden barn doors—are a top option for minimalist design. While regular barn doors run along a visible track above the door frame, magic doors' track is attached to the back side of the door. This means the door slab appears to stand alone, with no visible hardware to support it.

Some homeowners choose a magic door that matches the adjacent walls. This makes the door almost imperceptible as it blends seamlessly into the background. A bold contrast also works well to inject color and personality into your bedroom.

Double Barn Doors

If you're looking for a large barn door to create an impressive entrance into your bedroom, look no further than double barn doors. These work perfectly for larger door openings where you want to make a bold design statement.

Remember, unlike with a single barn door, double sliding doors will need clear wall space on both sides of the doorway.

French or Dark Wood Barn Door for an Ensuite

If your master bedroom has an ensuite, a sliding door like a barn door could be a perfect alternative to a regular bathroom door. This is an especially great choice for a small bedroom where space-saving is a priority.

Go for a paneled French door with frosted glass for the perfect blend of natural light and privacy. Alternatively, go for a dramatic dark wood design for a bold contrast against neutral-colored walls.

Bedroom Barn Doors Are Functional Show-Stoppers 

The bedroom is the most intimate space in your home and offers a haven to express your personal tastes. A barn door is a great way to set the tone with a unique style and design.

The range of modern barn doors available today means you can choose a style that fits your personal taste, whether that’s rustic, modern, or minimalist. Their space-saving functionality combines with the wow factor to offer the perfect blend of style and functionality.