Are Barn Doors Good for Bathrooms? (Expert Insights)

Posted by The Barn Door Hardware Store on Jul 12th 2024

Barn doors look amazing in bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens. However, have you ever thought about installing one in your bathroom? Barn doors can be a fabulous addition to any bathroom as they are sleek and practical.

However, it is not a one-size-fits-all model, which means that not all bathrooms are suitable for barn doors. If you are thinking of incorporating a barn door into your next bathroom project, we are here to help. We have created this handy guide to help you figure out whether barn doors are a good idea for your bathroom, by breaking down the pros and cons of installing one in your space.

Let’s get into it!

Benefits of Barn Doors in Bathrooms

We all know that barn doors make a great addition to our bedrooms and living rooms, but what about bathrooms? You may be surprised to learn that there are many benefits of installing a barn door in your bathroom, ranging from practical to aesthetic. Here is a breakdown of the main benefits that installing a barn door in your bathroom will bring.

Space-saving

One of the biggest benefits that choosing a barn door for your bathroom brings is that it is a great space-saving hack. Barn doors are generally a great option for those low on space. As they slide from side to side to open, rather than in and out, barn doors take up significantly less space to be used as they do not need additional clearance space around them.

Bathrooms are often areas that are very low on space, particularly in older homes or rooms in which there is only a toilet and washbasin. By choosing a barn door for your bathroom area, you will find you will save on a lot of space and allow your existing spaces to feel much larger.

Aesthetic appeal

While barn doors are highly practical, we cannot forget their immense aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking for a rustic, farmhouse-inspired design, or you are looking for something that is chic and classy, a barn door is the perfect choice. Often, we forget to extend design concepts that we have implemented into our living rooms and bedrooms into the bathroom, or we find that it is just too hard to incorporate design elements into bathrooms.

However, a barn door is an easy and practical way to increase the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom without needing to find large statement pieces or bring in a ton of extra design elements.

Versatility in design

Many people write off the use of barn doors in their bathrooms as they believe the design will not fit in with their space. There is a common misconception that barn doors are only suitable for “farmhouse” or “rustic” inspired spaces.

While a barn door certainly looks great when used within these themes, they are actually extremely versatile and can be used in a wide range of different design concepts. Barn doors can be customized to look exactly how you want them to, so whether you want your bathroom to be farmhouse inspired, or you’re looking to create an industrial-looking space, a barn door is the perfect option.

Drawbacks of Barn Doors in Bathrooms

While there might be some fantastic benefits that come from choosing a barn door for your bathroom, there are also some drawbacks. A barn door is a very unique design, and while it looks great and can provide immense aesthetic appeal, using it in a bathroom space does come with some downsides.

Noise Concerns

One of the core features of a barn door is that it is a sliding door, rather than a door that swings in and out. Because of this, when shut, a barn door doesn’t create a perfect seal around the doorframe. This normally isn’t an issue when used in other areas of the house, however, when used in a bathroom, it may mean that there isn’t a good deal of noise-blocking.

Bathrooms are often rooms in which we need a certain level of soundproofing, and a barn door isn’t guaranteed to give you that due to its design. If you are someone who wishes to have a soundproofed bathroom, a barn door may not be the right choice.

Installation Challenges

Another drawback that you might find when using a barn door in your bathroom is issues with the installation. Installing a barn door can be challenging, especially if it is your first time doing so. Additionally, as there is a high chance that the remainder of your bathroom is being renovated while you are installing the new door, the incomplete nature of the room may pose additional challenges when it comes to installation.

If you have never installed a barn door before, or your bathroom is a particularly tricky space, then you may want to consider whether or not a barn door is the right fit for your bathroom.

Limited Ventilation

Bathrooms need a good deal of ventilation, and often this is done through slats in the bathroom door. Ventilation is crucial in bathrooms to keep the room smelling fresh and to also prevent any moisture build-up if there is also a shower in the bathroom.

However, as a barn door slides and needs to be a solid chunk of wood, it offers limited ventilation that may not provide your bathroom with the airing it requires. It is very difficult to properly ventilate a bathroom with a barn door, which may not be an issue if your bathroom does not have a shower. However, if your bathroom does have a shower that is regularly used, then you may find that a barn door does not provide adequate ventilation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Barn Doors for Bathrooms

When choosing a barn door for your bathroom, there are several things you need to consider in order to do so successfully. Here are the main factors you need to take into account to ensure you pick the right barn door for your bathroom.

Size of the bathroom: One of the most important considerations is the size of the bathroom if you wish to install the barn door. Barn doors are statement pieces, and if you have a small bathroom, you do not want a large barn door that overpowers the space. You must shop for barn doors with size in mind, and pick one that compliments the size of your bathroom.

Style of the door: Contrary to popular belief, barn doors come in a wide range of styles. If your bathroom is a classic heritage design, then you do not want to install a rustic farmhouse-inspired barn door. Make sure you consider the style of your bathroom and choose a barn door accordingly. A barn door can make or break your space, so it is important that it is on theme.

Type of hardware: Many people forget that a barn door requires some significant hardware that cannot be hidden. Hardware is required to attach the barn door to the wall or ceiling and to also allow it to slide from side to side. There are many different types of hardware that you can choose from, which means you have the opportunity to select a kit that fits your barn door of choice, and the bathroom it will be installed in. Make sure you select sturdy and durable hardware, as it will be frequently used in a high-traffic area such as a bathroom.

Material of the door: It is always a good idea to take into account the material that your barn door is made of. In a bathroom where the moisture content of the air is going to be a lot higher, and as a space that is frequently used, you need to pick a material that is durable and will stand the test of time. Sturdy wooden doors are always a good idea, however, make sure the wood has been treated to withstand moisture and is strong enough to endure frequent use.

The Bottom Line

A barn door is a great way to add interest to your next bathroom renovation or project. A barn door brings many advantages to the bathroom thanks to its sleek design and space-saving capabilities. However, it is important that you properly consider whether or not a barn door is the right choice for your bathroom. Not all bathrooms are suitable for barn doors, and it is a good idea to assess whether or not this applies to you.

By taking the amount of space you have into account, as well as your design preferences, you will be able to figure out whether a barn door is the right choice for your next project!

Ready to transform your bathroom with a barn door? Make sure you have your barn door and barn door hardware to complete the project!