Sliding barn doors are an easy design update that will significantly alter your home’s aesthetic. They’re an incredibly popular design in the interior design world mostly because of the rising popularity of farmhouse style homes. The sliding barn is a type of door that can be put up anywhere within a home, generally having a metal or wood door hanging on tracks that slide. Instead of closing and opening like a traditional door it opens to the side, and can be hung against the wall. People love them for the fact that they can quickly transform a space and add lots of character. However, before you dive into the style that was popularized with Chip and Joanna Gaines, there are certain things to take into consideration.
Trend vs. the timeless
Although they’ve been around for years, they certainly have achieved “trendy” recognition. As with any trend, it is important to think about your motives before purchasing sliding barn doors Melbourne. There’s a huge distinction between truly loving a look and liking it because it’s the “cool” trend at the present. Ask yourself questions like “Am I still going to be a fan of this five years from this point?” and “If I sell this house in a few years, is anyone going to be able to like it?” If you can see the long-term benefits, then you’re all set.
Pros and pros of sliding barn doors
There are many advantages to installing a sliding barn door within your home. They’re great in tighter spaceslike hallways, and they’re a relatively simple DIY project and you don’t need to hire out a contractor (unless you’d rather not do this project yourself). However, they’ll need enough extra wall space for them to move along and might potentially obscure the artwork on that wall.
A few questions to ask yourself prior to class
Before making changes to your home or undertaking this kind of work, there are some essential questions you need to ask yourself. These questions can help you decide whether sliding barn doors for your home are the best choice for you.
Do sliding barn doors work in your home?
You must always consider your home’s style prior to embarking on any home renovation. Traditional barn doors look great in a farmhouse-style or coastal or traditional homes. But, if you put them in a mid century or modern home they’ll appear out of their place. There are many various kinds that have sliding doors that give distinct styles. For example, a more minimalist home may benefit from metal French-style sliding barn doors for a modern house, while one will benefit from sleeker designs.
Do you have enough privacy?
Before you consider installing DIY doorways for your barn, Cynthia Peller Hum, an associate at Hirsch Bedner Associates, the global leader in hospitality interior design, discusses two key aspects be aware of Privacy and sound.
In contrast to traditional doors, sliding barn doors don’t stop the majority of sound. “Don’t forget you will hear more sounds through a sliding barn door than a traditional swing door, since the edges aren’t sealed as tightly,” Hum pointed out.
As far as privacy goes, you won’t be able to lock a sliding barn door in the same way, which can be annoying if you are in the process of keeping your children members or roommates out. If you are installing the barn door as an entryway to a bedroom or bathroom, you should consider hanging hooks or latches with strike plate.
Is your door header proportionate?
Before tackling this DIY sliding door project you must remember that a proportionate header is key, suggests Hum. It is an elongated piece wood that is used to anchor your barn door and assists in distributing the weight of the door and providing stability. Additionally, it adds value to the appearance of your home.
“When detailing the opening with a proportionate header, it is essential for decorative hardware” Hum noted. “I find a simple block-finished edge, without any extra trim is easiest to achieve and creates an elegant, contemporary-looking opening that allows the door that is the primary focal point.”
Barn doors can weigh up to 200 pounds (or more) and therefore headers are also important for sturdiness. The header should be attached to wall studs (and make sure there are wall studs at every interval on the track).
Do you have your hardware in sync?
Coordinating hardware on a barn door is less concerned with aesthetics, and more to do.
“Remember that the hardware and door must extend beyond the opening, therefore you must ensure you have enough space and be sure to set the hardware so that it can slide across the wall’s base” Hum explained. “The door has to be wider than the opening and the hardware must be on the outer edge.” Hum adds that it is crucial to coordinate the hardware and pulls, “for example, so the decorative pull isn’t impacted by frames.” She also recommends having a stopper placed on the track to ensure that fingers don’t get crushed.
Barn doors that slide open can provide an infusion of style to your home. Be sure to keep this in mind if you do choose to install them the planning aspect is crucial. And if you decide sliding barn doors won’t work for you there are plenty of other ways you can achieve a farmhouse look regardless of whether you’re remodeling the living room, bedroom or even the entire house.