Joanna Gaines Uses A Stylish Pocket Door Alternative To Add More Bathroom Space

When it comes to bathroom renovations, every inch counts, especially in spaces that come across more 'nook' than 'luxury,' where you won't want anything taking up too much space, be it a cabinet that rudely juts out or a trash can that refuses to keep a low profile. Many homeowners consider pocket doors as a solution to the age-old problem of swinging doors hogging bathroom real estate. While they do offer a space-saving option for tight quarters, pocket doors often require meticulous installation and precision — something most people would rather just skip if they can.

Enter the sliding barn door: a trendy alternative that is Joanna Gaines-approved. It's tailor-made for the modern farmhouse style she has helped popularize, and the Fixer Upper host has used them several times in different homes (including her own). Notably in Season 3, Episode 10, she installed a character-laden sliding barn door for the en suite. Bathrooms are one of the best places to install a sliding barn door, as the reduced clearance frees up just as much valuable floor area without being as finicky to install as a pocket door.

But before you grab your toolbox and start removing your old door, there are a few things to think about. First, make sure you have wall space on the outside so the door can glide open without interference. Second, keep in mind that sliding barn doors won't provide the tight seal of traditional doors — so if privacy and soundproofing are top priorities, you may want to reconsider. Finally, structural support is an absolute must; these doors can't be installed just anywhere. 

If you said yes to a barn door for your bathroom, let's talk about what you need to add one properly. To start off, you can either DIY a stunning barn door using a door you already have, or purchase a barn door kit from a reputable online retailer like Amazon. You'll find a range of options, from simple kits that include only the mounting frame (this kit has good reviews and costs $27.99 on Amazon) — ideal if you have an existing door — to complete kits that provide both the door and hardware, (costing $180.99 on Amazon) eliminating guesswork from the process.

Before diving into installation, it's important to take a good look at your space. Make sure there's adequate wall area for the door to slide open without obstruction. The door needs to fit snugly over the opening, so measure carefully and ensure nothing, such as electrical outlets or light switches, interferes with this space. If adjustments are necessary, plan accordingly to relocate any obstructions.

Next, let's discuss track length: the width of your opening determines how long your track should be. A general guideline is that the barn door should extend 1-3 inches beyond the opening on both sides to facilitate smooth movement, and the track should be at least double this length. If these requirements can be met, you should be all set to install a barn door and get that Joanna Gaines-approved look.

Here's a simplified step-by-step guide for installation. To start, you will want to install the track, using a level to measure and mark where it needs to be mounted. The sturdiest option is to first secure a mounting board (also known as a supporting beam) to the wall, and then attach the rail to this. While mounting the rail straight to drywall is possible, there will need to be studs at every attachment spot. Do not secure the track onto areas of drywall between studs.

Once the hardware is installed according to instructions, it is time to mount the door. If you already have a door in mind, you will have to attach the mounting kit to it, but if your kit came with a door, it should be ready to go with pre-drilled attachment points. The door should then be mounted to the rollers. Double-check to make sure everything is aligned properly. Finally, hang the door by lifting it onto the track and sliding it back and forth to make sure that everything moves as easily as it should. Finish it off by adding any decorative hardware, such as pulls or handles. This is a great time to replace outdated door knobs, perhaps with something specifically meant for sliding barn doors, such as this privacy lock from Amazon for $9.99, or a simple hook-and-eye gate latch for $7.91 (also from Amazon).