Psst! Your sliding door’s open

Check out these fun and creative alternatives to the traditional door

A pair of metal sliding doors flanks the massive television in the lower level of this Cincinnati home built by High Pointe Custom Homes. The doors can move, allowing the homeowners to conceal the television if it suits their entertaining needs.

If you’ve ever watched any design show on television, you’ve probably seen a sliding door or two. So why has the sliding door become something more than just for barns?

The textured look of the rain glass inset panels in these sliding doors add a bit of mystery to what is hidden on the other side. The doors help to complete the casual look of the playroom in this Tampa Bay home renovated by Nelson Construction & Renovations.

Open the door to possibilities
In a word, they’re functional. When it comes to a small room or tight space, where every inch counts, a sliding door is a great space saver.

The herringbone design of this sliding pantry door creates an edgy look in this Tampa kitchen. The dark hues juxtapose the white cabinetry and subtle gray and beige veining seen in the countertops and backsplashes.

A traditional door needs space to work and swing properly, but by installing a sliding door, you now have space for furniture and movement.

The frosted glass sliding door in this house, built by G.A. White Homes, offers privacy in the master bathroom without completely blocking the light filtering in from the adjoining bedroom.

They are relatively easy to install and work where traditional doors may not. Plus, with the wide variety of hardware, there are plenty of ways to make any sliding door work for any design style.

For added privacy, a large barn door was installed between the foyer and great room in this Cincinnati home built by The Leland Group. The black barn door has nail-studded insets, creating a sleek windowpane effect.

Open to interpretation
As for aesthetics, sliding doors can be traditional, rustic or polished. They can add character, additional color, or texture, without a lot of effort.

In order to make a statement, a pair of wood barn doors was added to this corner study in a Cincinnati home built by Justin Doyle Homes.

From a cozy bedroom, a rustic home office or a sleek room divider, sliding doors add a surprisingly comfortable feel to any home.

New parents create a cool little space in this urban Cincinnati condo, bringing industrial design in with this sliding door.

So whatever you choose — reclaimed wood or a glass/steel combo — today’s sliding door lets you go beyond what once was, to create a bold signature look. And with a wide variety of options this is a trend that isn’t disappearing anytime soon.

Custom-made shiplap barn doors were added to this lower level in Dayton in order to separate the home theater from the bar and seating area. The rustic look of the doors adds visual interest to an otherwise simple transition.

Article by Gina Miller