Pocket doors enjoying a revival in homes

Design experts say pocket doors can make a space appear streamlined and a good option to take advantage of limited space in a small area.  Photo by Getty

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They’re the interior design equivalent of a game of peek-a-boo. Pocket doors are trending again, experts say, and they’re increasingly a requested feature in new builds and home renovations.

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Essentially sliding doors that disappear into adjacent walls when you open them, pocket doors first gained popularity in North America in the 1880s. Homeowners used them as temporary dividers between parlours and dining rooms, which allowed them flexibility when they entertained.

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Pocket doors resurfaced in the 1950s as construction flourished. And now, they’re once again proving their practicality and versatility.

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There are several reasons for this, according to Luke Olson, principal at GTM Architects. Thanks to improvements in hardware, they’re easier to install and repair, he told The Spruce. Modern pocket doors are also sturdier.

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“Pocket doors are now available in much larger sizes with more reliable hardware that can handle heavier door panels,” he said. “Gone are the days of binding doors that constantly run off-track.”

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Demographic changes and accessibility concerns are other factors driving their popularity. Pocket doors don’t require any clearance, which frees up space and makes the areas around them easier to navigate. That’s a plus for older adults who want to age in place and people with mobility challenges.

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“There may be instances where someone in a wheelchair may prefer a pocket door because they can be made wider than a traditional door opening, which avoids the door swing,” Deborah Sauri, co-founder of TriVistaUSA Design + Build, told The Spruce.

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If dexterity is a concern, specialized hardware is available.

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“It is important to research pocket door hardware, because easier-to-use hardware does exist,” says a Government of Canada publication titled Renovating for Accessibility. “If possible, it would be best to test any hardware prior to installation. Door hardware should be operable with one hand that does not require fine finger control, tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.”

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From an aesthetic point of view, pocket doors can make a space appear more streamlined. They’re also a good option if you want to maximize every inch or are dealing with an irregularly shaped room.

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“Designers love pocket doors for their clean look and the way they save space — especially in tight areas like bathrooms, closets and pantries,” Tracy Morris, of Tracy Morris Design, told Good Housekeeping. “They give you flexibility without sacrificing style. It’s a smart, stylish solution that works beautifully in both modern and traditional homes.”

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