Sliding Barn Doors Aren’t Just for Fans of HGTV’s Fixer Upper

Like shiplap and farmhouse sinks, sliding barn doors are one of those trends that seem to have gained in popularity thanks to HGTV’s Fixer Upper. However, I think that the appeal of this sliding door isn’t just about achieving that particular rustic style. Instead, it’s a smart solution for odd-sized pass-throughs, since you can easily trim the door to the size you need. Sliding barn doors are also a handy space-saving alternative to French doors, since you don’t have to worry about losing square footage to accommodate door clearance. They’re also relatively easy to install compared to other options (like pocket doors), since a key component to the look is the exposed sliding track.

The main issue with sliding barn doors is that most people immediately picture, well, actual barn doors. It’s fine if that’s the look you’re going for, but can be a decor turn-off for those who want a different aesthetic. That’s why I’m rounding up a few interesting sliding barn doors (and where to find them) in a variety of different styles. Don’t worry if you really don’t love the rustic look: I’ve included a few modern interpretations as well.

Above, a Milan loft by Paolo Frello & Partners, which used white metal industrial-style sliding doors to separate the kitchen from the living space. The white hardware matches the wall color and door for a seamless look. Although the iron doors are probably custom, I did some digging and found this white flat track kit at Wayfair for around $192.

Above, the Dean Hotel in Providence, RI outfitted their hotel rooms with a sliding door which leads to the en suite bathroom. This style both saves space, and is also supremely stylish when painted a matte black.

If you’re not up for making your own door, buy a barn door slab pre-made from Home Depot. The five-panel door see above retails for around $240. But if you’re up for a DIY project, Lesley from Paper Daisy Design replaced a pair of French doors that lead to her master closet and bathroom areas with a DIY sliding barn door in a more modern style. (The original doors were noisy and didn’t offer enough privacy, which are two more reasons to be pro-barn door.) It’s a similar look, and the total cost of this project was under $100, since she used a pre-made sliding door track set from Amazon and built the door herself.

Rachel Halvorsen used a sliding barn door and pocked cypress ceiling to create this beautiful entrance to a Tennessee country home.

Designer Jeff Lewis has his own line of barn doors, reminiscent of the custom doors above. The Pacific 1-Panel Herringbone Door (which also includes sliding track and hardware) is $719 and comes pre-finished in a choice of modern neutral colors, including the gray here.

The other key component to the look is the bold black hardware. If you don’t happen to have a blacksmith in the family, you can get inexpensive rustic iron handles (like this one for $22) and a similar sliding door track from Amazon in 6′ and 12′ lengths for $54.95 and 94.95 respectively.

In Leigh Baumann’s House Tour of her industrial-farmhouse home in Beacon, New York, the sliding door that leads to the bathroom definitely stood out. Hers was sourced from After The Barn, and the handle was made by her brother (a blacksmith). Finding an authentically aged door likely will involve scouring architectural antique stores. Or, you can order one through Etsy seller Great Lakes Barn-Wood Doors (also known as Gr8LakesBrnWoodDoors). These are made from genuine reclaimed barn wood and come in a variety of sizes. The price starts at $420.

If you can’t come up with the perfect salvaged option, you can buy barn doors that look appropriately weathered. Above, the knotty pine interior sliding door from Wayfair comes pre-drilled with holes and sells for $289 with free shipping.

This small black and white bathroom from Whiting Architects in Australia uses a clean white sliding door to save space, and blends in nicely with the wall — letting that concrete tile shine.

This Shaker-style door with beadboard-like panels are a pretty good likeness. This one comes from Hayneedle, priced at $389, although there are other sizes available.

One way to modernize one of these doors is to buy something basic then paint it an unexpected color, like the blue green one seen in the hallway of this residence designed by LDa Architecture & Interiors.

This option from Wayfair comes pre-primed and ready for paint, and includes all the hardware necessary for hanging. It retails for $409. Although, if you want similar stainless steel hardware, this is available from Home Depot for $189, or from Amazon for $75.

Glass panels provide a peek-a-boo glimpse into this beautiful kitchen pantry designed by Von Fitz.

Rejuvenation sells a 36″ 4-Panel Frosted Glass Barn Door for $799, but you will have to paint it white (the door comes unfinished). If you like the glass, but don’t feel like painting, Jeff Lewis’ version from Home Depot comes pre-painted and includes the hardware for $799.

For something on the contemporary side, go with a smooth slab door like this one from Rad Design. It’s minimalist appearance fits nicely in this sleek Toronto loft.

If you like that white modern look, check out this Masonite door, which comes in three sizes and starts at $329. It also includes the stainless hardware.

This bedroom was designed by aamodt/plumb architects in Cambridge, MA and straddles the line between modern and organic. What sets this door apart is the horizontal slats, which makes the door sleeker than the average reclaimed variety.

I found this horizontal slat reclaimed barn door by White Shanty, which can be custom built to suit your space and design needs. The price starts at $650 and will vary with size and options.

If you want to try a double-door configuration seen in the kitchen, you’ll have to select a longer sliding door track (and, of course, double your doors). This 12 foot Arrow Black Double Door Track can be had from Barrett Renovation & Home for $199.