Living Etc
Pocket doors are being reinvented to be in line with minimalist principles, helping to overhaul our homes so they’re right for how we want to live now
Now you see them, now you don’t: sliding pocket doors, a Victorian-era concept known for their disappearing act, are popping up in modern homes once again. Often used to save floor space (instead of swinging outward on hinges, pocket doors slip into wall cavities when open) they can also partition floor plans without losing that clean look of minimalism.
The architectural feature has had ups and downs since its 19th century debut. While they made a comeback in midcentury homes, original iterations weren’t known for their durability, and rudimentary mechanics became unwieldy, not to mention noisy, over time. Alas, those times have changed.
ZONE OPEN PLAN SPACES
Along with its growing popularity for creating solitary spaces in open-plan homes, the pocket door’s ability to reduce sound between rooms carries plenty of weight – so long as you pick the right material.
ADD ARTFUL DETAILS
While straightforward and space-saving designs tend to feature simple, flat doors that blend into surrounding walls when closed, you can take it up a notch with artful details like paneling and recessed handles to add more dimension. In these pocketing salon doors, a beveled design across cerused oak adds definitive charm when shut.
USE QUIETING DETAILS
In the past, shutting a classic pocket door could cause a racket – the mechanics weren’t exactly smooth and often led to slamming. But the latest innovation making noise is ‘soft-close’ hardware, which slows the door and gently pulls it closed. ‘The system works from the middle of the door, so it closes slowly and without a noise – contributing to creating a space that feels relaxing.
HAVE DOUBLE DOORS
While double pocket doors of the past required twice the effort (each leaf opened and closed separately) new mechanics ease up on manual labor. The resurgence of sliding pocket doors signifies a harmonious blend of historical charm and contemporary functionality, offering homeowners a versatile and elegant solution for optimizing space and maintaining a minimalist aesthetic in today’s dynamic living environments.