Double barn doors have grown in popularity as a feature in homes because they give a variety of places a rustic beauty while also adding usefulness. Double barn doors are a beautiful option that saves space and makes a strong, eye-catching entrance since, in contrast to typical doors, they slide open and closed. To assist you in determining whether double barn doors are the best option for your house, this guide will walk you through the advantages, varieties, installation procedures, and available styles.
1. What Are Double Barn Doors?
Double barn doors are made up of two sliding doors that meet in the center. When both doors are moved to the sides, a large opening is created. These doors, which were first modeled after barn entrances, give interior spaces a distinctive, farmhouse-inspired appearance and may be utilized in a variety of rooms, including kitchens, entryways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
- Modern and rustic appeal: Although barn doors are often rustic, they may also be tailored with different materials and treatments to fit minimalist, industrial, and modern homes.
- Space-Saving Design: Double barn doors are perfect for tiny or narrow spaces since they conserve valuable floor space by sliding along the wall rather than swinging.
- Versatile Uses: When left open, these doors can be used to create privacy, block off spaces, or even serve as a decorative focal point.
2. Benefits of Installing Double Barn Doors
Double barn doors are useful in several ways in addition to being aesthetically beautiful. The following are the main benefits of installing twin barn doors in your house:
- Optimizes space flow: The large entryway created by the two sliding doors improves accessibility and space flow. This is particularly useful in spaces where standard doors would take up too much room, such as huge apertures between rooms.
- Perfect for Big Areas: For wide openings, such as those leading into dining rooms, living rooms, or master bedrooms, double barn doors are a great option. By leaving doors open or enclosing areas as appropriate, they let you create a more open-concept atmosphere.
- Enhances seclusion: You may quickly divide areas for seclusion with double barn doors without having to install a permanent wall or partition.
- Enhances Architectural Interest: These doors are a striking feature that gives any space a distinctive architectural touch.
- Adaptable to Any Style: Double barn doors can be made to match almost any design style, from contemporary glass doors to rustic wood finishes.
3. Types of Double Barn Doors
Double barn doors come in a variety of styles, each with its distinct appearance and texture. Some of the most well-liked styles are as follows:
- Barn Doors Made of Wood: Wooden doors, the traditional barn door type, has a cozy, rustic vibe. They may be painted or stained to fit any interior and are available in a range of wood species, including walnut, oak, and pine.
- Glass Panel Barn Doors: Glass barn doors look great in contemporary or commercial spaces. There are options for clear, tinted, or frosted glass panels set in metal or wooden frames that let light in while giving it a modern look.
- Mirrored Barn Doors: These doors have two uses: they can be used as a full-length mirror and to block off areas. They look great in bathrooms, bedrooms, or foyers where mirrors are a practical addition.
- Chalkboard or Whiteboard Doors: Some barn doors have chalkboard or whiteboard surfaces for a practical twist. This makes them ideal for home offices or kitchens where you might wish to write schedules or notes.
- Metal Barn Doors: For industrial settings, metal barn doors are a daring option. Frequently composed of steel or aluminum, they have a sleek, contemporary appearance and are incredibly resilient.
4. Choosing the Right Double Barn Doors for Your Space
A few important considerations, including the available space, personal style, and functional requirements, will determine which double barn doors are perfect for your house.
- Calculate the Opening: To be sure the barn doors you select will offer sufficient coverage, measure the opening’s width and height. When closed, double barn doors should be sufficiently broad to fill the entire opening.
- Think About the Wall Space: Make sure there is enough wall space on either side of the entrance to fit both barn doors because they move along the wall.
- Fit the Style of Your Home: The finish and material should go well with the current furnishings. Use recycled wood for a rustic design, and glass or metal for more contemporary settings.
- Assess Needs for Privacy: For seclusion, use frosted glass or solid doors in restrooms or bedrooms. Open-pane or clear glass doors are excellent choices for open living spaces.
- Budget for Hardware and Installation: For barn doors to slide smoothly and securely, high-quality hardware is necessary. Although many kits come with rollers, handles, and instructions, be sure to factor in any extras or alterations in your budget.
5. Installing Double Barn Doors: Step-by-Step Guide
If you have the necessary equipment and instructions, installing double barn doors can be a DIY project. Here is a condensed, detailed guide:
- Assemble the necessary equipment and supplies: a drill, screws, stud finder, level, tape measure, and a barn door hardware set (rollers, track, handles, and guides) are required.
- Measure and Label: Make sure the track is level by measuring the door height and marking the desired height on the wall. For both doors to slide fully open, the track needs to be at least twice as wide as one door.
- Place the mounting board (if necessary): To support the track if the wall where you wish to place it lacks studs, affix a mounting board.
- Attach the Track: Make sure the track is level and correctly aligned before fastening it with screws to the wall or mounting board.
- Install Door Rollers: As directed by the manufacturer, fasten the rollers to the top of each barn door.
- Hang the Doors: Slide the rollers onto the track after lifting the doors. Verify the smooth sliding of both doors.
- Install Floor Guide: To prevent the doors from swinging away from the wall, attach a floor guide.
- Add hardware and handles: To finish the installation, fasten handles and any extra hardware, like soft-close mechanisms.
6. Styling Tips for Double Barn Doors
Double barn doors give flair to any space, and you can make them genuinely one-of-a-kind with a few design changes:
- Paint or Stain in Vibrant Colors: For a modern take, paint your barn doors a striking shade of black, navy blue, or even a striking red. Dark wood staining gives farmhouse and rustic designs depth.
- Install Ornamental Hardware: To fit your decor, pick brackets, rollers, and handles in matte black, brushed nickel, or antique brass. Decorative hardware can affect the door’s overall appearance and give it character.
- Lighting Accent: To draw attention to the barn doors and create a striking focal point, use pendant lights or sconces on either side of them.
- Add Patterns or Inlays: To create visual interest, some barn doors include paneled, chevron, or herringbone patterns. For a distinctive appearance, you can even add bespoke inlays.
7. Maintenance Tips for Double Barn Doors
Even though barn doors require little upkeep, following these guidelines will help you keep them looking fantastic and operating smoothly:
- Check and tighten hardware regularly. Over time, screws, handles, and rollers may become loose. To prevent problems, periodically check the hardware and adjust any loose pieces.
- Clean the Track: Uneven door sliding might result from dust and debris building up on the track. When necessary, wipe the track down with a gentle cloth.
- Lubricate the Rollers: If the rollers get stiff, lubricate them with a silicone-based product for smoother functioning.
- Wipe Down the Doors: For wooden doors, use a light cleaner and cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. For smudge-free glass or mirrored doors, a glass cleaner could be necessary.
Conclusion
For anyone wishing to add a practical, fashionable, and space-saving option to their house, double barn doors are an excellent option. These doors may be tailored to fit both traditional and modern environments because of the wide range of materials, treatments, and styles available. Double barn doors can enhance your area whether you’re using them as closet doors, room dividers, or just a stunning accent piece.
