The Best Places In Your Home For A Pocket Door

If you've ever toured a historic home filled with architectural details, you've probably admired a pocket door or two that separated the rooms. Developed in the 1800s, pocket doors were a handsome addition to most homes built during the Victorian period, per Direct Doors. Over time, pocket doors fell out of favor for several reasons. One explanation is that interior design tastes changed over time, and the trend began to move away from Victorian details as homeowners started to prefer more modern hinged doors instead. Another reason that pocket doors became less popular is that the hardware and floor tracking system could be bulky, noisy, and often pose a tripping hazard.

Over time, pocket doors became popular again. The installation requirements improved, and pocket doors were now hung from the ceiling, eliminating the cumbersome tracking rails on the floor. The post-war housing boom of the 1950s created an unprecedented demand for family homes, and pocket doors were frequently a space-saving feature built into these compact houses. Today, there are many reasons why a pocket door would be an attractive and functional addition to your living space. Here are the best places to install one in your home.

The best place to install a pocket door is at the threshold of any room that could benefit from additional space, per RealCraft. Consider the advantage of opening and closing the entrance to a small bathroom without trying to maneuver around a swinging door. A laundry room is another excellent location to install a pocket door. A traditional door might block the washing machine when opened, making it hard to navigate when carrying a basket of clothes. A simple pocket door eliminates this hassle. Installing one in front of a pantry makes it easier to find what you need on a shelf without a traditional door blocking the view.

The entrance to a study would be another helpful place to have a pocket door so that a swinging door never blocks a desk or bookcase. Matching the door to the style of the room would make it a sleek addition to this room in the home. Adding a pocket door to a nursery would help save space in a room that will always benefit from the extra organization. A hall closet would also be a great spot, making it convenient to grab a jacket before heading out the door.

In addition to saving space, pocket doors are an advantage to a home because they can easily divide or open up a large living area, according to Arts and Crafts Homes. In the past, these doors were closed to create an intimate setting in a room such as a parlor, or they were opened to create a larger space. Today's open flooring plans could be an ideal way to provide this same convenience. Many homes have too large doorways to accommodate a traditional door, and that is where a pocket door could be a perfect solution. Separate a dining room from the kitchen for an ideal spot for a private Zoom call or an online classroom session. 

Place a pocket door in front of a hallway and entertain friends without concern of waking the sleeping baby down the hall. Separating these rooms can also help with the cost of heating or cooling an ample space. Open the rooms wide when it's time for a Christmas party or a family get-together. Pocket doors can also be designed with clear glass windows to allow light to shine through the rooms, or a mirror can be attached as an extra benefit. The advantage of the pocket door is its versatility. It will save space, modify your home's floor plan, and add a stylish touch to any room where it's included.