Pocket or Barn Door? What Works Best in Your New Home

Ever seen a door disappear into the wall and thought, I want that? That’s a pocket door – a sliding door that tucks neatly into the wall instead of swinging open.

Why it matters: Pocket doors save space and deliver a clean, modern look – perfect for open-concept or minimalist homes. But they’re not always practical everywhere.

The Basics

A pocket door functions like a regular interior door but slides inside the wall cavity. They come in styles from solid wood to frosted glass and even rice paper.

• “They’re great for a seamless, open look throughout the home,” says David Soriano of Bryan Construction.

• Pro tip: Pocket doors work best when planned during construction, since the framing affects electrical and plumbing placement.

Barn Doors, The Pocket Door You Can See

If you love the sliding-door vibe but don’t want to mess with wall framing, go for a barn door. It glides along a track above the doorway – no wall pocket required.

“Barn doors are perfect for spaces like pantries or hallways where you want to avoid blocking walkways,” says designer Barbara Green.

When to Use Them

Not all rooms are ideal for pocket doors.

• Use them in light-use spaces – like powder rooms or closets – where swing doors waste space.

• Avoid them for high-traffic rooms or where sound and privacy matter (like bedrooms or bathrooms).

• “They can actually reduce privacy and limit wall use for hooks or shelving,” notes architect Anjie Cho.

Builder Tip

Pocket doors shine in new construction because the walls can be framed with the door cavity from the start. Ask your builder where they make sense – and where a traditional or barn door is the smarter choice.

Bottom Line

Pocket doors can be a sleek, space-saving upgrade when used wisely. Plan ahead, choose the right rooms, and work with your builder to make them a design win – not a design headache.

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