Interior Barn Door in a Basement

Are Barn Doors Out of Style?

You may have spotted trendy, functional barn doors around recently and are now tempted to snag one for your own home or space.

However, are these doors really still “in”?

It can be hard to gauge what’s still in style in the world of home building and interior design.

There’s just so much content out there, and everyone’s keen to voice their opinion!

What you choose for your home is your decision. However, if you want the latest updates on barn doors, you’re in the right place!

Stick around to learn all about the trends surrounding barn doors, including:

  • The rise of barn door aesthetic
  • The truth behind barn doors being "out of style"
  • Reasons why barn doors endure.

Let’s jump right in!

Basement Barn Door with Spoke Wheels

The Rise of Barn Doors

Barn doors aren’t a new invention by any means.

Barn doors, as the name implies, were first used on farms. They were handy for dividing areas in storage barns or sorting livestock. However, because of their usefulness and attractive look, barn doors quickly moved beyond rural areas!

Their popularity grew in the 20th and 21st centuries. They really started trending in the early 2010s thanks to new hardware and the rise of interior design influencers.

But why are these doors so popular? Well, it can be broken down into a few basic advantages:

Aesthetic appeal and rustic charm

In short: these doors just look good!

They make any room appear welcoming, homey, and full of love. Many traditional wooden barn doors add a rustic, old-fashioned feel to your home.

However, as styles have changed, there are now barn doors that match almost any look, including sleek and modern designs.

Space-saving benefits

Barn doors are also amazing at maximizing the space you have!

They are a good choice for small areas like bathrooms and closets. A regular swinging door can take up too much space.

In larger rooms, barn doors let you place furniture and decor closer to the door frame. They slide easily against the wall.Versatility in various design styles

As mentioned above, a major reason for barn doors' lasting popularity is their extreme versatility.

There are so many different styles out there, from classic wooden barn doors and elegant frosted glass to eye-catching brightly colored doors.

There really is something for everyone!

Functional uses in modern homes

Barn doors are also really useful in modern homes which are often built with open floor plans.

These doors let you add a divider in your spaces without fully closing them off or needing a regular door. They are a great option for places like home offices.

You might need some privacy and noise reduction but still want to feel connected to your family. They’re also particularly suitable for typically unappealing but frequently accessed spaces like pantries and laundry rooms.

Availability

Finally, barn doors are so easy to come by these days!

There are reliable, trusted manufacturers out there offering beautiful barn doors at competitive prices.

These doors often come with everything you need and are relatively easy to install yourself.

There are many sizes and styles available. This makes it tricky to decide where not to put a barn door!

What’s the Noise of Barn Doors Being "Out of Style"?

If barn doors are so great, then why have you heard they’re out of style?

Like everything else on the internet, people love to voice their opinions about barn doors.

Some people dislike this door style for personal reasons or just to cause a stir. However, there are a few real reasons why barn doors might be considered "out of style":

Overexposure and Saturation

There can be too much of a good thing. Barn doors became popular, and everyone started talking about them. Many people might be getting tired of seeing and hearing about them

Some designers and influencers joined the trend without enough research. As a result, they chose the wrong barn door for their space.

This means that the doors look bad or don’t work the way they’re intended to.

Some brands sell barn doors that are not reliable. Always do your research and choose a trusted manufacturer!

Association with Specific Styles

Unfortunately for some, barn doors have had a hard time shaking the name.

Many people think of barn doors as rustic and country-style. They believe that if this isn’t their style, barn doors aren’t for them

Many barn doors fit this style, but the term "barn door" now means any type of sliding door. It’s definitely possible to adapt a barn door to fit any space and vibe!

Alternatives on the Rise

The massive popularity of barn doors revealed a desire in the market for space dividers.

As such, many alternatives to barn doors are gaining popularity in their own right such as french doors, pocket doors, and curtains.

However, despite the diversity in the sector, barn doors remain a solid favorite.

Reasons Why Barn Doors Endure

Despite oversaturation, criticism, and competition, barn doors remain a popular choice. They continue to gain popularity.

There is something about barn doors that ensures they are going to be here for the long run. It’s hard to say exactly what, but here are our top guesses:

Adaptability and Customization

Barn doors are versatile enough to weather ever-changing interior design trends!

Even the simplest wooden barn door is neutral enough to fit in many spaces. It can handle endless redecorating.

Additionally, many barn doors can be painted or covered for those doing an aesthetic overhaul.

However, that’s rarely necessary, since today barn doors come in so many different styles and are able to be customized. This means that the ideal barn door exists for every kind of space!

Timeless Functionality

Barn doors are great for saving space. They also offer many practical benefits! They divide a room easily and let in light and air. They prevent slamming and pinched fingers, which is helpful for homes with kids or clumsy adults. You can control how open the door is without taking up extra space. There are many more advantages too!

Evolving Styles and Materials

Barn door manufacturers are tirelessly working to come out with new and exciting styles.

You can find barn doors made of glass, metal, or other materials. They come with useful features like storage, hooks, or chalkboards. You can choose sizes from small to large.

Who knows what the future holds, but there is sure to be a barn door to meet it head-on!

The Aesthetic Appeal is Undeniable

At the end of the day, barn doors are also just extremely charming.

They add interest and charm to any space. This can be rustic, knotted wood or rough, industrial hardware. It can also be a bright accent color or a sleek, modern shine.

You’re sure to love your barn door and leave your guests doing research of their own when they leave your home.

Conclusion

So, are barn doors out of style?

Never! Some critics may be too enthusiastic about these doors. However, barn doors are still popular and show no signs of losing their appeal.

They’re inherently charming, highly practical, and versatile enough to work in any home – including yours!

So, what are you waiting for? Have a look and find the trendy and stylish barn door that’s perfect for you!

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.