Designed to maximize space and create separation between rooms when necessary, pocket doors were a hallmark of Victorian homes in the 19th century. Imagine the ability to open the pocket doors between a dining room and parlor to entertain guests with ease in both areas. And whenever the mood strikes, you could also enjoy an intimate meal in the dining room behind closed doors.
Rather than swinging into a room like traditional doors, pocket doors practically disappear into the wall. And now, according to interior designers, homeowners are appreciating their appeal once again, possibly because of the rise of the “closed concept” trend. So we’re making it official: Pocket doors are making a comeback.
Design Pros Weigh In
- “Designers love pocket doors for their clean look and the way they save space — especially in tight areas like bathrooms, closets and pantries. They give you flexibility without sacrificing style. It’s a smart, stylish solution that works beautifully in both modern and traditional homes.” — Tracy Morris of Tracy Morris Design
- “Pocket doors don’t block any pathways when they’re open, making them a handy solution for tight spaces. But there’s a certain air of drama when you reveal what’s been hidden away. So not only do they save space, but they’re an opportunity to make a statement.” — Michelle Cheney of Rebel Builders
- “When every inch matters, we turn to pocket doors — an elegant solution that lets your space breathe while offering the option to tuck things away with ease. Whether it’s an office, pantry or laundry room, pocket doors offer a seamless flow that doesn’t sacrifice privacy. A quiet nod to thoughtful design — where form meets function, and simplicity feels luxurious.” — Lindsey Colhoun of Lindsey Colhoun Design
- “They’re a smart, space-saving solution that can also be a beautiful design detail, especially when integrated seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry or trim.” — Michael Winn of WINN Design + Build
- “As we see clients beginning to move away from open floor plans, both in the interior design space and luxury home staging, introducing pocket doors is a seamless way of adding privacy without the visual weight of traditional hinges.” — Rae McCalmont of PBF Homes
- “The main reason to install a pocket door is to free up space in a room, such as a water closet or mudroom or any smaller area where a swinging door would impede on the function of the space. Also, if the door is open most of the time, such as in a walk-in closet or library, consider a pocket door so that the door is invisible when not in use.” — Sean Mullin of Anthony Wilder Design/Build
Additional Benefits of Pocket Doors
Reduce noise. Let’s face it: While open-concept layouts feel spacious and are great for entertaining, they can get noisy. That’s why pocket doors work especially well for these setups. “With open-concept living, there is still the need to contain noise and activities so we often will create large openings with pocket doors that are perfect to slide closed for the occasional phone call or raucous kids parties,” says Stefan Hurray of BarnesVanze Architects.
Versatility. Luke Olson of GTM Architects has settled on the trendy door style for a variety of projects, whether it’s used to make the most of space or create a sense of privacy in rooms like libraries and studies “that otherwise would be open and visible when not in use.” They are also ideal to “partition off designated pet areas, to provide privacy to ancillary spaces when entertaining, as a more contemporary option for a door, and more.”
Improved hardware. Pocket doors aren’t falling off the tracks these days. Their hardware has come a long way, according to Mark Kaufman of GTM Architects, who has noticed significant improvements over the past five years. “Today’s pocket door systems offer a level of performance and sophistication that simply wasn’t available a decade ago,” Kaufman says. “Features such as soft open-and-close mechanisms, synchronized hardware for double doors and flush-closing designs that sit flush with adjacent walls when closed have elevated the pocket door from a once-looked down upon element to a desirable architectural feature.”
Solution for quirky spaces. Nicole “Coco” J Colin of Coco Design & Build Co., which is based in Evanston, Illinois, says pocket doors aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re a go-to tool for compact, awkward spaces that “require creative problem-solving.” Colin adds: “Especially here in our community, where many homes are older and full of charming, albeit quirky, details left over from decades of homeowner-led modifications, we often encounter spaces that present design challenges. Overlapping door swings, tight hallways or awkward traffic flows are common issues.”
Primary suite upgrade. Chances are you might have spotted them in a New York City brownstone. “Pocket doors are having a real revival, especially in New York City brownstones where every inch counts,” says Kerry O’Duibhir of New Wave Design & Contracting. “They’re perfect for primary suite layouts, connecting the walk-in closet and primary bathroom without eating up floor space or disrupting the flow. Plus, they nod to the home’s original architecture while steel feeling fresh and intentional.”
Visual appeal. “We recently installed two sets of French pocket doors with seeded glass in a new build and when closed off, the glass is gorgeous,” Mullin says. “Also, when the pocket door is inside another room, such as a water closet within a bathroom, consider a frosted or seeded glass door to allow some light to enter while also providing privacy. Also, there is a level of skill needed when installing pocket doors; we only use solid wood doors and not hollow core options. Other things to consider are the weight of the door, the type of latch, the hardware in general and how the door slides into the wall.
Will pocket doors remain a go-to design solution?
There’s no sign of this particular door style slowing down, as it offers benefits for all types of spaces, says Paulina Hospod of Aha Interiors. “Pocket doors have always been one of my favorite design tools. Whether it’s to divide a space or to save precious square footage, like in a compact powder room, they serve both form and function. Pocket doors aren’t just practical— they’re timeless, in demand and can make just as strong a design statement as any other architectural element.”
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
