Though they are often pictured in interior design magazines in rustic-looking rooms, contemporary and modern barn doors styles are also available. With so many options how do you choose a barn door style that is right for your space?

Start With What You Have

Before you commit to a barn door style, start by evaluating the space you are designing. If you are starting fresh, the possibilities are likely endless. If you are remodeling, redesigning, or refreshing, you may have some architectural elements or furniture you need to consider before moving forward.

Sometimes it is helpful to define your space by a specific interior design style, so you can discuss your ideas with an interior designer or barn door specialist. Don’t worry if your individual style doesn’t fit into one category exactly. A well designed room displays the personalities of the individuals who live there as much as anything else in it. The label is just a guide to facilitate a conversation.

Do you have a lot of big furniture? What colors are you using? Is the space full of things or empty? What is the light like in the room? Answering questions like these will help both you and whomever you’re consulting select the right barn door style for your space.

Remember Finishes and Hardware

Selecting the right style barn door for your space is important, but because the are so adaptable, it is also important to choose finishes and hardware wisely, as well.

For a rustic or farmhouse feel, choose a barn door style made with knotty wood and let the texture show, or apply a distressed finish that implies age. Consider heavy hardware that has a traditional, wrought iron appeal.

Shaker and craftsman barn door styles with a solid white or neutral palette finish work well in contemporary spaces. You can also use lighter wood doors, and let the grain show. Modern style doors also work in contemporary interior design, but hardware should be simple with clean, geometric lines in either case.

If your room contains a lot of ornate, eclectic, or antique pieces use a beautiful but simple barn door that allows furniture, art, and rugs to be the featured elements. Like the backdrop on a stage that allows all the drama and action to happen in front of it, door finishes and hardware in these rooms should be simple and complementary.

If your room is minimal and modern use a modern barn door style that makes a statement. Look for defined geometric lines in the door’s design. Modern doors can be made of glass and metal doors, as well. Hardware should be simple and sleek in shape. Stainless steel is a popular finish.

Whether your design plan is shabby chic farmhouse or urban modern, there is a barn door out there to elevate your décor.

In the month of August, you can enjoy 20% off our entire selection with the coupon code BACK2SCHOOL. Start designing your barn door today.