Barn doors are all the rage at the moment. In fact, according to one report, they are one of the most popular products all over the US. These structures are a great way to add character to your home and they’re particularly useful for creating extra privacy.
However, some people have found that they aren’t as private as they would like them to be. If you’re one of these people, here are some tips on how to optimize your barn door for bathroom privacy.
What Are Barn Doors?
Barn doors are a type of door that slide on tracks. They are typically used in homes and businesses to cover an opening or space. In the past, these structures have been used as entryway covers at stables, but today they are often found in the home as decorative pieces.
A barn door works by sliding open from left to right. It can be used as a wall divider between your bedroom and bathroom, or living room and kitchen space, or it can simply be used as a focal piece in your home.
These structures can be made from any material, but wood is the most common choice because it looks good and is durable. A solid wood interior barn door is also easy to install and can be customized to match any home's décor.
Are Barn Doors Private Enough?
There's been a lot of debate lately about whether or not these structures are private enough. Some people say that these structures don't provide enough privacy between their master bathroom and their bathroom, while others say that they're private enough. So what's the truth?
It really comes down to personal preference. Some people like their openness, while others prefer the look of a pocket door. There's no right or wrong answer, so it's up to you to decide what's best for you.
That said, there are a few things you can do to ensure privacy with barn doors. First, you can choose products that are solid wood without glass elements. You can also add a privacy lock that will allow you to quickly lock it from the inside. Finally, you can use curtains or blinds to further block out light and ensure privacy.
Is A Barn Door Private Enough For A Bathroom
Many people also wonder about the possibility of using a sliding barn door for bathroom privacy seeing as they're large and open up completely.
The fact is that these structures can provide some degree of privacy if they are installed correctly and if there isn’t too much light coming through them at night.
That said, it is important to understand that a sliding barn door bathroom privacy is not the same as that of a regular model. Because of the way it is designed, there will likely be some privacy issues.
How To Add Privacy to a Barn Door
If you currently use a barn door in your bathroom, there are a few things you can do to make it more private.
- Add curtains or blinds
- Add a privacy screen
- Apply self-adhesive weatherstrip
- Add the right hardware
Barn Door Privacy Hardware
Most barn doors do not come with locking hardware, This can make it difficult to guarantee privacy, especially if it is located in your bathroom. If you are thinking of how to make a barn door private, the good news is that there is a variety of hardware you can install to increase privacy without compromising style.
Here are some of the recommended privacy hardware you can use.
Teardrop Lock: A teardrop lock is an interior latch that swivels into a slot when the door is closed, preventing it from swinging open.
Entry Lock: Locks like these are used in rooms that people regularly access. The lock is available in both left- and right-handed versions so you can choose the right one based on how your barn door slides.
Sliding Barn Door Latch: A latch slides into the part attached to the jamb at a 90-degree angle. This is a simple, inexpensive way to secure your sliding door. Unlocking the lock from the outside is not possible though.
Hook and Eye Lock: This hook and eye design is a super simple solution. The lock could be used for locking two sliding doors together or for locking one to a wall.
Deadbolt Lock: With a hidden deadbolt and a hidden release button, this lock solution offers a streamlined solution. It is more expensive than the others though.
How To Fill Gap Between Barn Door And Wall
After using any of the locks mentioned above, if there is still a gap between your door and the wall, you could try these:
- Use a shower seal
- Use weather stripping
- Installing a door sweep
- Use a larger door
- Use soundproofing foam
How To Soundproof Barn Doors The Right Way
Soundproofing barn doors are a great way to make your space quieter. Here are simple ways to get this done.
Weatherstripping: Weather stripping is a rubberized strip that acts like a gasket between two surfaces. It creates a tight seal that keeps your space insulated from noise.
Installing a door sweep: This is a piece of wood that extends from the top of the door closer to the ground, covering up any gaps between the structure and frame.
Hang soundproof curtains: These curtains are made from wool or cotton and are designed to block out sounds while providing some insulation from outside noise.
Install acoustic foam: Acoustic foam is ideal for soundproofing because it's inexpensive, easy to install, and will last for a long time. You can buy acoustic foam in rolls or in panels that you can cut to fit your frame.
Use solid core wood: Investing in a solid MDF barn door is the best way to make your space soundproof. With this, you may not need any of the steps above. You will likely face sound problems if your barn door is made of hollow material.
Are Barn Doors Worth Installing?
The answer is yes. These rustic-type structures are a great way to add a custom touch and give your home a curated appearance. They can also be used in commercial settings, such as restaurants and hotels, to create the perfect atmosphere for any event. The key, however, is to shop from a reliable manufacturer like United Porte.
Final Thoughts
Barn doors may seem like a bit of an unorthodox choice, but they add a certain charm that's hard to find elsewhere. In fact, it's been so touted that it's now seemingly everywhere: on television shows and even in magazines. If you like to bring a little bit of rustic charm into your space, then sliding or interior swinging barn doors will fit the bill perfectly.
