Right now, there is no bigger trend in interior design than the rustic, out-in-the-country look. There are so many reasons why rustic design has become a big deal. For one thing, it reminds us of simpler times, and for another, you can use reclaimed materials in your DIY design projects—which saves time and money. Finally, it looks downright awesome.
Speaking of reclaimed materials, there is one very special supply I want to focus on today—barn doors!
Barn doors can be incorporated into your decor throughout your home. You can use one to replace the door to your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, or any other room in your house. That is of course the most obvious thing to do with them—but it is not the only option! You can also use them in other far more surprising ways—like to design a headboard for your bed, or even just for accenting.
Barn doors aren’t just pretty to look at—they are also the practical choice in many situations where you do not have room for a door that swings open and closed.
Before I jump into the projects and tutorials, you are probably wondering where you can purchase a barn door to use in your projects.
Well, if you are super lucky, you might just find one that you can upcycle at an abandoned old barn. But if you are not so fortunate, you will find that you can purchase barn doors both online and offline.
Offline, check stores like the Home Depot or Lowe’s. Online, try Amazon, World Market, or even Etsy. You can also just use Google product search and pull up a ton of shopping results around the web.
Don’t forget that you do not have to buy a readymade barn door—you can also construct one your own from the ground up. This is a great way to customize the look so you get exactly what you want.
Now let’s check out some projects that can help you transform your home so that it looks like an adorable country farmhouse! The majority of these are sliding barn door projects in the strict sense, but I also will include a few other sliding door projects which are inspired by the concept.
1. Distressed Wood Barn Door in the Master Bedroom
Just look at that gorgeous paint job! It has a beautiful weathered look, and really brings some character to the master bedroom. If you check the source link, you can read a full tutorial which will teach you how to install a door like this. The detail in this guide is awesome!
Source: shadesofblueinteriors
2. Another Beautiful Sliding Barn Door
Initially, apparently this was an odd little alcove in a kitchen that once upon a time held a hearth. After a comprehensive kitchen remodeling project however, it was totally transformed—and doesn’t it look spectacular? Check out the post to find out how it was done!
Source: christinasadventures
3. Closet Barn Door
This project is remarkable for a couple of reasons. The first is the massive transformation of the space. If you check the source link, you’ll discover that originally there was nothing fronting this closet but a curtain! Now there’s a gorgeous barn door here instead. The other thing I love is that corrugated metal! What a unique material!
Source: mapleleavessycamoretrees
4. Kitchen Barn Door Divider Project
Have one of those houses where the kitchen and the dining room are attached—or two other spaces you wish were a little more separate? One great way of dividing them is to install a sliding barn door! The link below will teach you all you need to know to install one of your own.
Source: houseseven
5. Double Sliding Barn Door
While one sliding barn door can have a great look, another beautiful idea is to combine two sliding barn doors! Find out how it is done at the source link below.
Source: jennasuedesign
6. Chevron Barn Door
This project is an awesome one because the door was constructed entirely from scratch, and the finished result looks amazing! This is actually a two-part tutorial—learn how to build the door in the first link, and how to install it in the second link.
Source: theaccentpiece and theaccentpiece
7. Laundry Room Barn Door
Here is a lovely barn door installed as the door to a laundry room. The tutorial is well worth checking out, and I also advise that you read the introduction at the top, which has some rare down-to-earth DIY advice and perspective. It’s awesome to see someone who is being really honest about their DIY experiences. Kudos to Jenna Sue Design!
Source: jennasuedesign
8. Double Bookcase Barn Doors
Here is a project which is a little different from the rest. Instead of building barn doors to separate one room from another, this intrepid DIYer came up with the cool idea of building barn doors for a bookcase. The white paint does a great job showing off the surrounding collection of dishware. Check out the three part series on how they were made!
Source: Part 1: fourgenerationsoneroof, Part 2: fourgenerationsoneroof, Final Post: fourgenerationsoneroof
9. A Splash of Color
Speaking of color contrasts, here is another very unique barn door project. This door, installed in the master bedroom, has a bright sunny yellow color, contrasting beautifully with the whites and neutral tones which dominate the rest of the room. It just goes to show, rustic design doesn’t mean you always have to stick with subtle natural hues!
Source: housetweaking
10. Low Cost Barn Door and Barn Door Track
Hoping to build a barn door, but finding yourself struggling with the budgeting aspect of the project? You’re not the only one. This creative blogger put off a sliding barn door project for years before she finally found a way that she could do it on a small budget. Take a look at her post to find out how you too can make a sliding barn door without breaking the bank.
Source: akadesign
11. Another Lovely Simple Barn Door Project
While I have showed you some more unusual barn door projects, sometimes the most beautiful projects are those with the most classic appeal.
Source: beneathmyheart
12. Super Simple Barn Door
Speaking of simple, here is another tutorial which you will love if you are looking for a relatively easy project. Some people are surprised by just how involved a barn door project can be, and here is one which is perfect for beginners and which has a lovely result.
Source: makeit-loveit
13. Go with a more contemporary vibe.
Who says you have to go with a rustic look just because you are using a barn door in your décor? Here is a very cool project which you can build for just $50, and unlike most of the others on this list, it would fit in well with any modern décor. The simple design of the doors and the polished, shining metal of the tracks makes for a completely different ambiance.
Source: paperdaisydesign
14. Another Project With a Contemporary Look
Here is another barn door which has a more contemporary vibe. It also stands out because of the high contrast between the white paint and the orangey wood. You can see these same colors repeated elsewhere in the décor, so it really has an eye-catching effect.
Source: vintagerevivals
15. Another Yellow Barn Door
If you liked the yellow barn door I shared earlier in the master bedroom, you will also love this kitchen barn door which is also painted a bold and surprising shade of yellow. Notice the cool blue paint in the room behind it—this makes for a nice contrast with the warm yellow hue.
Source: finditmakeitloveit
16. Make a Barn Door and Track Using Plumbing Pipes
Here is another gorgeous yellow barn door—but what really stands out about this project is the hardware used for the track. If you have already skimmed through some of the other tutorials I have shared, you know that the hardware for barn doors often costs more than the doors themselves. But if you build your own tracks out of plumbing pipes, you can save a lot of money.
Source: jennaburger
17. Distressed Wood Double Barn Door
Unfortunately there is no tutorial for this one, but this is an image which I see has made its rounds online. It is easy to appreciate why. These barn doors with their distressed wood are absolutely gorgeous, and do a lovely job framing this space!
Source: interiorbarndoors
18. Another Beautiful Chevron Barn Door
Earlier in this list, I shared a tutorial with you to learn how to build a barn door with a chevron pattern to the wood. Here is another tutorial which teaches you how to do the same thing. What I love about this door is the way that different colors of wood were used. This forms a great contrast and really emphasizes the chevron pattern.
Source: remodelaholic
19. Sliding Screen Door
I am always really inspired when I see someone do something different with a simple idea. This clever crafter came up with the brilliant notion of creating a sliding screen door instead of a typical barn door.
Source: cure4decor
20. Cute Kitchen Barn Door with Horseshoe
Everything about this dining room is awesome! But what really grabs the eye right off the top is the sliding barn door leading to the kitchen. The white paint complements the minty green paint on the walls, but still provides a slight contrast, and there is a stark contrast between the white door and the dark metal of the track. And then there is the horseshoe—one of those little details that goes a long way toward creative a country atmosphere!
Source: houzz
21. Green Barn Door
Here is a kind of inverted version of the color scheme I shared above. But instead of a white door and green walls, here we have white walls and a green door! Once again, this is a lovely contrast, and the distressed paint looks phenomenal.
Source: cottage4c
22. Factory Loft Barn Door Transformation
Here is an interior design job in a converted factory loft which is just gorgeous! I love how the materials and design of the barn door actually draw emphasis to the high factory loft ceiling, incorporating both homey and industrial influences.
Source: 1925workbench
23. Make This Sliding Door For Less Than $40
Okay, so I am not sure that this qualifies as a sliding barn door so much as just a sliding door … but you can make it for under $40, making it a great budget project. Plus, if you try it out (or even just study it), you will learn a lot of construction principles you can use in a more traditional barn door project.
Source: apartmenttherapy
24. Here’s Another Inexpensive Way to Install a Sliding Barn Door
This is an image that I’ve seen circulating Pinterest and DIY sites quite a bit. More than a few said that there was no tutorial available, but it turns out there is one now, and you can find it at the source link below. Check it out if you are on a budget and are looking for a cheaper way to install a sliding barn door in your home.
Source: theletteredcottage
25. Sliding Barn Doors in Renovated Rancher Home
These distressed wood barn doors are located inside a beautifully renovated rancher home. I love how not just the doors, but the entire space has a rustic look to it!
Source: houzz
26. Bright and Bold Sliding Barn Door
If you like the bright yellow doors I have shared thus far, but you want something even bolder and more eye-catching, you will fall in love with this bright orange sliding kitchen door! Take a look at the post to pick up some great tips on the hardware you need to complete a project like this.
Source: figmilkshakes
27. Traditional Door Sliding Barn Door Project
If you like the idea of a sliding barn door, but you’re not sure you want an actual barn door, you may like this alternative. The door is constructed and installed the exact same way, but it uses a simple traditional door instead. This option can complement any décor, whether rustic or modern!
Source: huntedinterior
28. Vintage Sliding Barn Door Pantry Makeover
While many barn door projects look a lot alike, here is one that also stands out from the crowd because it has some unique features which set it apart. You have to love the metal screen—and the hardware, which includes meathooks of all things to hold the assembly together. When the door is opened, a light comes on automatically, which is also cool.
Source: remodelaholic
29. Sliding Barn Door With Diamond Window
This barn door would have a pretty typical look for it, save for one distinguishing feature which makes it unique. It has a beautiful diamond window set right in the middle. This changes the whole appearance of the door in a really dramatic way, and adds some extra flair!
Source: sweetmapleblog
30. Sliding Reclaimed French Doors
Here is one of the most elegant sliding barn door ideas I have seen! Instead of going with actual barn doors, this DIYer decided to use reclaimed French doors painted a cheerful shade of blue. The big windows in these doors would definitely help to maintain an open feel in the home even when the doors are shut.
Source: thespacebetweenblog
31. Sliding Kitchen Cabinet Doors
This certainly is not a barn door project, but it works using the same basic sliding system. As you can see, it is a genius concept for a kitchen cabinet, because you can see where everything is at a glance, and you can reach up and slide the doors and grab what you need without effort. In tiny kitchens where swinging cabinet doors get in the way, this could free up space and probably improve safety as well.
Source: thekitchn
32. “Medieval” Barn Door Project
I am referring to this as the “medieval” barn door project because of those door handles, which totally look like something out of the middle ages. The overall effect is awesome, and makes for an entirely different ambiance than most of the other barn doors here.
Source: brandisawyer
33. $9 Sliding Door Hardware
Want to give your furniture a barn door makeover? It’s easier and cheaper than you think, thanks to this fantastic tutorial. Click through and you can learn how you can put together the hardware you need for just $9!
Source: icanfindthetime
34. Chalkboard Barn Door Cabinet
Why not combine two great trends into one? This chalkboard barn door cabinet serves multiple functions, making it a practical choice for any kitchen!
Source: countryliving
35. Sliding Chalkboard Doors
On that note, here is another idea for combining chalkboard paint and doors! Just paint an entire set of doors over with chalkboard paint and mount them on sliding hardware. These would be extra fun in a child’s bedroom, perhaps for the closet doors.
Source: lynneknowlton
36. Barn Door Window Shutters
This is definitely one of the most clever and practical uses I have seen for barn doors! Here they are set up to function as shutters for the windows in the kitchen. They look fabulous, and they would be really easy to use—it’s surprising you don’t see this design concept more often!
Source: allthingsthrifty
37. Farmhouse French Style Sliding Doors
Seriously, how awesome are these sliding doors? They do a wonderful job framing the study, which itself is quite beautiful to behold. The total effect of all these elements together is stupendously elegant!
Source: cedarhillfarmhouse
38. Sliding Barn Door Bathroom Cabinet
Here is a project from Shanty 2 Chic, a name you are probably familiar with if you spend a lot of time on our site. Shanty 2 Chic is awesome because they provide free plans for many of their projects, including this sliding barn door bathroom cabinet. Click the link below to download the plans and get started making your own!
Source: shanty-2-chic
FREE PLANS: shanty-2-chic
39. Barn Door Baby Gate
It is easy to forget that not all barn door projects are for sliding doors! Here is one for creating a baby gate out of a barn door—way nicer to look at than your standard baby gate you buy at the department store, am I right? Click on the source link to download free plans!
Source: remodelaholic
40. Sliding Door in Baby Blue
This is another not-quite-a-barn-door-project, but it is of course inspired by them. Like one of the projects I shared with you earlier, it uses a traditional door painted in a lovely baby blue color.
Source: inmyownstyle
41. Sliding Door for Storage Space
Here we have a sliding barn door concealing some wall cubbies which are used as storage shelves. This is an excellent space-saving design since the in-wall build as well as the non-swinging doors ensure that the cubbies do not intrude on the floor space at all.
Source: thehousediaries
42. Barn Doors with Faux Steel Trim
What is really clever about this barn door is the paint job. At first glance, it looks like there is a lot of heavy metal trim on these doors—but look more closely! You will notice that the “metal” trim on the doors is actually just more painted wood.
Source: younghouselove
43. Make a Miniature Sliding Barn Door for Your Peephole
Have a peephole for home security, but don’t want it to become a security loophole? Here is a cute and clever project for covering your peephole from inside your home using a miniature barn door!
Source: countryliving
44. Rustic Pantry Upgrade
I am just head over heels for this sliding barn door pantry upgrade! This renovation would be awesome all on its own, but what really makes the whole thing for me is the cute rustic “Grocery” sign at the top. It’s like having your own little general store right in your kitchen!
Source: countryliving
45. Sliding Barn Door For Under $100
This is not the least expensive sliding barn door on our list, but it is still quite reasonably priced compared to many. It certainly came out looking beautiful!
Source: epbot
46. Distressed Sliding Barn Door in Pastel Hues
Here is a particularly pleasing sliding barn door in a bedroom. The distressed wood is painted in a couple of colors—white and a pale tan. This gives it texture and character without making it overly distracting. There is a nice contrast with the darker wood used for the floor and some of the bright colors scattered around the room (like on the bookshelves).
Source: remodelaholic
47. Laundry Room Sliding Barn Door with Adorable Sign
How cool is this? This design incorporates a glass window which is stamped with the word “Laundry” on it to designate the room. Think how cute this idea would also be if it were used throughout the house!
Source: ahouseandadog
48. Industrial Pipe Sliding Barn Door Television Cover
Here is one of the more unique ideas I have seen for jazzing up a media center! A lot of people do not like the appearance of their TV mounted on the wall, and look for a way to frame or conceal it, especially in a rustic home. This is a fantastic way to do just that!
Source: lizmarieblog
49. Sliding Door Console Table
Take a look at this elegant console table with sliding barn doors! It has such a nice clean look to it, perfect for rustic or even minimalist décor.
Source: eastcoastcreativeblog
50. Barn Door Headboard
Here is another Shanty 2 Chic project! This is another reminder of just how versatile barn doors really are—they do not always need to be used as doors! This one makes for an outstanding headboard—and you can see how they made it by visiting the link below!
Source: shanty-2-chic
51. Headboard With Lights
This one is not technically a barn door headboard, but it’s pretty close—and you could definitely do this with a barn door if you wanted. What I wanted to draw your attention to here is the idea of incorporating the lights!
Source: liveyourgoals
52. Barn Door Headboard with a Wreath
This headboard does use a barn door, and it incorporates another lovely accent—a cute rustic wreath. This beautiful embellishment helps to frame the entire bed.
Source: thekurtzcorner
53. Build a Dutch Barn Door
Ever wonder how you can build your very own Dutch door? Here is a lovely, simple design with a full set of instructions. I like this image too, because it is a great reminder that barn doors with hinges can be very appealing!
Source: barntoolbox
54. Chalkboard Family Command Center Sliding Barn Doors
This is an idea I just love! This may be one of the simplest ideas for a family command center I have ever seen. Anyone walking into the laundry room can immediately check all the messages on the blackboards or add their own. It’s simple, neat, and very cute!
Source: remodelaholic
55. Another Beautiful Barn Door with Hinges
I just shared a lovely Dutch door with you which included hinges instead of a sliding assembly, and now I would like to share another. Visit the link to find out how you can build your own!
Source: southerngracedesign
56. $20 Barn Door Hardware
If you haven’t figured this out yet, you really cannot have too many ideas for affordable barn door hardware. It really is the most expensive aspect of any barn door project. So here is another guide from Shanty 2 Chic to help you out!
Source: shanty-2-chic
57. Dutch Door Tutorial
If you enjoyed the other Dutch door tutorial I shared previously, you should also like this one! It’s a beautiful door, and the paint does a nice job emphasizing the lovely wood grain.
Source: remodelaholic
58. This Sliding Barn Door Features Beautiful Horizontal Planks
There is a comprehensive tutorial to teach you how to make this sliding barn door, and the total required for the project is under $270—not bad at all for such a gorgeous addition to your home décor. What stands out about this door is the strong set of horizontal lines and the beautiful colors and patterns of the wood.
Source: diypete
59. Easy Tutorial for Sliding Barn Door
Here is a really simple, clear tutorial to teach you how you can install a sliding barn door in your home. What catches my eye most about this design is the cheerful red color of the door. This would liven up any house instantly!
Source: homedepot
60. Sliding Barn Door Media Console
Let’s wrap it up with one more gem from Shanty 2 Chic. These sliding barn doors feature a beautiful chevron design and do a wonderful job concealing the media center. Opening and closing them for TV time is effortless. What an awesome project—with free plans available!
Source: shanty-2-chic
FREE PLANS: shanty-2-chic.com and shanty-2-chic.com
Conclusion: Barn Doors Are All the Rage For Good Reason!
So just to review real quick now that you know more about barn doors, here is why they are totally awesome:
If you are clever with the hardware, sliding barn doors can be reasonably affordable.
They fit in beautifully with rustic décor, but also can work well with industrial, contemporary, minimalist and other styles.
They are ridiculously easy to use, especially on cabinets and other storage spaces.
They intrude less on your space than swinging doors, making them ideal for cramped spots (especially your kitchen).
They are ridiculously versatile; you can do so much with a barn door it’s unbelievable!
They can inspire similar projects—for example sliding doors which use traditional doors instead of barn doors.
Now you have a TON of great project ideas and tutorials to get you started adding barn doors to your own décor. Have fun with these projects, and enjoy adding some farmhouse flair to your home!
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