When designing a new commercial property or hotel, finding the right balance between style and practicality is often a challenge.
I recall working on a project where a barn door was the perfect solution, providing both an aesthetic upgrade and functionality. It opened up the space, created smooth transitions between rooms, and maximized the flow of the area.
As someone with extensive experience in commercial design, I know how important it is to select elements that serve multiple purposes.
This article presents 6 barn door design ideas that work in large-scale spaces like hotels, villas, and commercial properties. These ideas will help you meet your design goals while improving the efficiency of space.
With this guide, you’ll gain both inspiration and practical advice to incorporate barn doors into your next project.
Let’s get started!
Not sure where to start?
Use this quick chart to get a feel for each barn door type. It’s a helpful step before we walk through the full details of each design.
| Door Style | Best For | Why People Love It | Where It Works | Things to Keep in Mind |
| Frosted Glass with Black Frame | Modern homes, villas, B&B bathrooms | Lets in light while keeping privacy. Sleek and stylish. | Bedrooms with en-suite baths, laundry rooms, small offices | Comes in different glass opacities. Match frame to hardware. |
| Classic Reclaimed Wood | Rustic villas, cozy guest rooms | Warm, natural, full of character. Each door looks different. | Entryways, between living/kitchen areas, accent walls | Needs sealing near moisture. Shows marks and history. |
| Modern Flat Panel | City hotels, clean rental units | Smooth, simple, easy to clean. Blends in with minimal spaces. | Kitchens, hallways, laundry rooms | Matte or satin finish works best. Keep color consistent. |
| Chevron or Herringbone | Bold feature walls, designer spaces | Makes a strong visual statement. Adds movement and texture. | Lounges, open kitchens, B&B guest rooms | Needs skilled install. Avoid in tight rooms. |
| Half-Glass Dutch Door | Kitchens, greenhouses, homes with kids/pets | Lets in air but keeps the bottom shut. Great for passing items. | Garden entries, family kitchens, B&B service counters | Needs strong hinges. Tempered glass for safety. |
| Carved or Etched Barn Door | Traditional villas, entryways, event rooms | Works like art. Adds personality and cultural touch. | Hallways, suites, hotel event spaces | Often custom made. Ask if design is hand- or machine-carved. |
Now that you’ve seen them side by side, let’s take a closer look at what makes each one special.
1. Frosted Glass with Black Frame
Frosted glass barn doors offer a modern and functional solution for spaces that need both privacy and light. The frosted finish allows natural light to filter through while maintaining the privacy of the room.
This makes them ideal for spaces like bathrooms, offices, and kitchens, where you want a bit of openness without compromising on privacy. The sleek black frame adds a contemporary touch, enhancing the overall design of the space.
Key Features
- Privacy with Light: The frosted glass provides privacy by obscuring the view, while still letting light pass through. This makes it a great option for areas like bathrooms, where privacy is important but you still want a bright, airy feel.
- Sleek Black Frame: The black frame adds a modern, industrial look to the door. It pairs well with various design styles, from minimalist to industrial, and complements both light and dark interiors.
- Space-Saving: Barn doors are known for saving space since they slide open instead of swinging out. This is especially helpful in smaller rooms where traditional swinging doors can take up too much space.
Best Applications
- Bathrooms: Frosted glass barn doors work beautifully in bathrooms. They allow light from the outside to brighten up the room while still keeping things private.
- Offices: For office spaces that need separation but also want to keep the environment open and light-filled, frosted glass barn doors are a great choice.
- Kitchens: Frosted glass barn doors can be used to divide open-plan kitchen spaces without completely closing them off. This allows light to pass through while maintaining the overall flow of the room.
Final Tips
When choosing frosted glass with a black frame, think about the balance between light and privacy in your space. These doors work best in areas where you want separation but still an open feel. Pair the black frame with minimal hardware for a clean, modern look. Vallisco offers options with different frosting levels, so you can match the door to your privacy needs too much transparency can lessen the effect.
2. Classic Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood barn doors bring a rustic charm and timeless appeal to any space. Made from salvaged wood, often sourced from old barns, warehouses, or other structures, each door is unique. The imperfections, like knots and cracks, give reclaimed wood a character that new wood simply can’t match.
This style is perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, whether in homes, offices, or commercial spaces. It’s versatile and works well with many design styles, from rustic to modern industrial.
Key Features
- Sustainability: Reclaimed wood is an eco-friendly option that reduces waste and repurposes old materials.
- Unique Aesthetic: Every door made from reclaimed wood has its own imperfections, adding charm and personality.
- Timeless Appeal: This style blends seamlessly into various spaces, enhancing both rustic and modern designs.
Best Applications
- Homes: Ideal for living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms that need warmth and character.
- Commercial Spaces: Great for hotels, cafes, and stores that want a cozy, vintage feel.
- Offices: Add a unique touch to office spaces, making them feel more inviting and personal.
Final Tips
When choosing reclaimed wood, remember that each door tells its own story. Embrace the imperfections those small cracks and knots are what give the wood character. Pair it with natural elements like stone or metal for a balanced, warm look. And don’t forget about the finish: whether matte or gloss, choose one that enhances the wood’s natural texture without hiding its charm.
3. Modern Flat Panel
Modern flat panel barn doors showcase a sleek, minimalist style with their smooth, unbroken surface. They offer a streamlined look that blends naturally into contemporary settings, creating a polished and cohesive feel. Their understated design makes them adaptable to many interiors, adding sophistication without distracting from other elements in the space.
Key Features
- Streamlined Design: These doors have a simple, unadorned surface, making them a great choice for modern or minimalist spaces. Their clean lines help create an open, uncluttered feel in any room, making them perfect for anyone who values subtle, elegant design.
- Durable Materials: Modern flat panel doors can be made from a variety of materials, including high-quality wood, MDF, or durable metals. Each material offers its own look wood adds warmth, MDF provides cost-effective versatility, and metal offers an industrial flair with long-lasting durability.
- Customizable Finishes: These doors come in a wide range of finishes, allowing for full customization. Whether you want to go for a natural wood look, a bold color, or a matte finish, you can choose a finish that fits your space perfectly.
- Noise Reduction: The solid structure of a flat panel door can help reduce sound transmission between rooms. This makes them ideal for areas like bedrooms, offices, or home theaters where noise control is a priority.
Best Applications
- Modern Homes: Flat panel barn doors are perfect for creating a clean, modern look in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Their simplicity blends well with a wide variety of home décor, from minimalist designs to more eclectic spaces.
- Offices: These doors are ideal for professional environments, offering privacy and separation without distracting from the overall design of the room. Their sleek design works well in both open-plan offices and private meeting rooms.
- Commercial Spaces: In commercial settings such as showrooms, boutique hotels, or retail stores, flat panel doors add a touch of sophistication. They provide a clean, functional divide while still maintaining the flow of light and openness in space.
Final Tips
When choosing a modern flat panel barn door, consider the atmosphere you want to create in your space. These doors work best in environments where you want a clean, minimalist aesthetic that doesn’t overpower the room. I recommend pairing them with modern furniture and light-colored walls for a seamless, cohesive look. If you want to make a bold statement, opt for a darker finish or a metal version.
4. Chevron or Herringbone Pattern
Chevron and herringbone barn doors add bold, eye-catching patterns that instantly elevate a space. Chevron creates sharp, V-shaped lines for a dynamic feel, while herringbone offers a more subtle zigzag for a refined look. Both bring texture and movement, adding personality without overpowering the room. Paired with simple materials like wood or metal, they strike a balance between statement-making style and overall harmony.
Key Features
- Bold Design: Chevron and herringbone are dynamic patterns that immediately draw the eye. They bring character to a room, making the door a true statement piece.
- Texture and Depth: These patterns add visual depth and texture. Whether in wood or metal, they help create a more engaging atmosphere in any space.
- Material Versatility: Available in wood, metal, or painted finishes, these patterns can suit various design styles. Wood brings warmth, while metal adds an industrial or modern touch.
Best Applications
- Living Rooms: These patterns work well in larger rooms where they can become a focal point without feeling overwhelming.
- Dining Rooms: Perfect for dining spaces where you want to combine elegance with visual interest.
- Commercial Spaces: Chevron or herringbone barn doors work beautifully in retail spaces or galleries, where they add style while still letting the products or art take center stage.
Final Tips
When choosing between chevron or herringbone, consider how bold you want the pattern to be. For smaller spaces, lighter finishes will keep things balanced, while dark stains or paints can make a statement in larger rooms. I recommend pairing these patterns with simple, neutral furniture to let the doors stand out.
5. Half-Glass Dutch Barn Door
The half-glass Dutch barn door blends privacy with openness. Its solid wood bottom offers coverage, while the glass top lets light in and keeps spaces connected. This balance works well where you want separation without losing light or visibility. Practical yet elegant, it suits kitchens, dining rooms, and offices. The wood-and-glass mix offers a timeless look that complements traditional and modern interiors.
Key Features
- Privacy with Visibility: The solid wood bottom offers privacy, while the glass top allows natural light to pass through. This makes it perfect for spaces that need some separation but still want to feel open and airy.
- Timeless Design: The wood and glass combination has a classic look that fits well with a variety of décor styles, from rustic to modern.
- Practical Functionality: This door is ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces that need a divide without fully closing off the room. The glass portion also helps keep the area feeling more open.
Best Applications
- Kitchens: Half-glass Dutch barn doors are a great way to separate the kitchen from dining areas while still allowing light and visibility.
- Offices: These doors work well in office spaces where you need to create some separation between work areas but want to maintain an open atmosphere.
- Bathrooms: In bathrooms, these doors can create a stylish yet functional divide, allowing light to brighten the space while still providing privacy.
Final Tips
When selecting a half-glass Dutch barn door, consider how much privacy you need. The glass portion is key, so think about clear, frosted, or tinted glass. Frosted glass is great for bathrooms or offices where privacy matters but you still want light. Pairing this design with a simple wooden finish creates a balanced, functional, and elegant door for any space.
6. Carved or Etched Barn Doors
Carved or etched barn doors always stand out to me because they combine utility with artistry. They feature detailed patterns cut into wood or etched into metal, giving a space real personality. In projects I’ve been part of, these doors become a focal point the moment someone enters. Whether the design is floral, geometric, or abstract, it adds sophistication that works well in luxury homes, boutique hotels, or creative offices.
Key Features
- Artistic Design: The intricate carvings or etchings provide a unique, customized look. Whether you go for floral, geometric, or abstract patterns, these doors become a statement piece in any room.
- Textured Surface: The carving or etching process adds depth and texture to the door. This texture catches the light, creating shadows that enhance the design, giving it a dynamic, three-dimensional look.
- Customization: Carved or etched doors can be made to fit any design vision. Whether you want to match the room’s theme or express a personal style, the door can be tailored to your exact specifications.
Best Applications
- Luxury Homes: In high-end residences, carved or etched barn doors add a touch of luxury and craftsmanship, elevating the overall aesthetic.
- Boutique Hotels: These doors are ideal for hotels that want to offer guests a unique, memorable experience. The intricate designs set the tone for the entire space.
- Offices or Studios: For creative spaces like offices or art studios, a carved or etched barn door can add an artistic element while still being functional.
Final Tips
When choosing a carved or etched barn door, think about how the design fits with your space. These doors are detailed, so balance them with simpler furnishings. I recommend pairing them with neutral décor to make the design stand out. Whether wood or metal, both options create a bold, personalized look that will elevate any room.
7. How to Choose the Right Barn Door for Your Needs
Choosing the right barn door can feel tricky, but focusing on your priorities makes it simpler. Whether you want privacy, style, or space-saving function, the right choice can transform your space. Keep these points in mind before you decide.
- Purpose: Decide if the door’s main role is privacy, decoration, or utility. Frosted glass works well for privacy, while reclaimed wood highlights style.
- Space: Measure your area carefully. Small spaces often suit flat-panel designs, while large rooms can handle bolder looks like chevron or half-glass.
- Material: Choose from wood, glass, or metal. Wood offers warmth, while glass or metal works for modern or industrial interiors.
- Finish: A matte or natural finish enhances wood grain, while a glossy finish delivers a more contemporary feel.
- Balance Design and Function: Make sure your choice meets both visual and practical needs. A frosted glass door can give privacy without sacrificing light, while reclaimed wood brings charm when style is the focus.
- Match Your Space: Select a door that fits your room’s proportions and complements its style for a cohesive look.
By weighing these factors, you’ll find a barn door that works beautifully. Vallisco can help you match style with function, so your investment pays off.
Conclusion
Choosing the right barn door can feel overwhelming, but with the insights from this guide, you’re now ready to make the best choice.
Vallisco offers a variety of options that suit different needs and aesthetics. The time to act is now don’t wait to enhance your space with a beautiful barn door.
Which design caught your eye? Reach out today!
Let’s get started on your project.
