Did we all have at least one pocket door in our house growing up, or just some of us? At least we all have that friend whose bedroom door was a pocket door, right? No?
Pocket doors aren’t a new concept. They were particularly common in Victorian homes to close off such areas as sitting rooms or dens. They were also common in homes built in the 60’s-70’s, trying to give the illusion of space, or perhaps just practicality.
The popularity of the pocket door waned these past several decades, primarily because the door was on a track on the floor and the tracks were a tripping hazard.
Enter the sliding barn doors that have become popular the past 10 years. While not a pocket door, per se, the concept is quite similar and may have been what spurred the traditional pocket door resurgence. Another possible inspiration for the return of pocket doors is that they work quite well with the open concept designs that we’ve grown to love over the past twenty years.
While some designers claim that their clients aren’t asking for traditional pocket doors, and continue to opt for its brother, the barn door, many have been making the transition.
Award-winning expert in Residential Paint Color, Home Staging, & Decoration, Kristie Barnett, conducted an informal survey asking participants if they were Team Barndoor or Team Pocket door. She was shocked, and frankly as are we, to find that 95% of the participants favored pocket doors. Click here to read more about her survey.
Pocket Door Uses
The pocket door is extremely versatile and can be utilized in various spaces. These are a few of the most common.
Bathroom Primarily because bathrooms are often small spaces, one of the more traditional uses of the pocket door is in the bathroom. Unfortunately, because the door doesn’t seal like a swing door can, privacy can sometimes be compromised.
Closet No one needs to know what goes on behind closed doors, right? Nothing helps keep a bedroom looking tidy better than a closed door. Pocket doors on closets help you achieve maximum storage and gives you a better view when you’re choosing your outfit for the day.
Pantry We love the look of the frosted glass pocket door for a pantry. Not only does the pocket door give more space in your pantry, it also makes it easier to take items in and out.
Laundry - Mud Room Imagine not having to fight with a door when you’re taking laundry in and out of the laundry room. Or, simply the option of being able to easily close off the space when company arrives. Kids coats, shoes and backpacks strown all over the mud room? In-laws coming? No problem – slide that door shut and forget about it!
The possibilities are really endless when it comes to unique and resourceful uses for pocket doors. If you’re still not seeing it, perhaps it’s time to take a look at some of the styles that have entered the design arena this past decade?
Pocket Door Styles
Today's pocket door looks nothing like its forefathers, but carries on the function that we all love. Check it out!
French Door Type Double Pocket Doors Just as French doors bring drama into a space, so can double pocket doors. Many designers suggest using glass pocket doors to let the light shine in. Nextluxury provides an abundance of beautiful pocket door ideas and styles in an article on their website. If you are on the fence about pocket doors, make sure to check out the article here.
Barn Door Style Pocket Doors If you’re still a fan of the look of barn doors, but like the functionality of pocket doors better, there are pocket doors that give the barn door aesthetic. Check out some of the beautiful rustic pocket door designs found at Rustica.
We picked out just a few styles that we thought were interesting. For more inspiration and pocket door styles, check out this great article on Slage.
Are Pocket Doors in Your Future?
What we find exciting is with the pocket door resurgence has come so many amazing, different styles that are lending themselves to far more varieties of function. Let's talk about how this returning style can add to your redesign, new construction or home addition!