Architectural Elements
Pocket Door
A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears into a compartment within the adjacent wall when opened, saving the floor space that a swinging door would require. This space-saving solution has been used since the Victorian era in parlors with connected entertaining spaces and has gained renewed popularity in modern homes where efficient use of square footage is essential.
Beyond their practical benefits, pocket doors offer design opportunities—connecting or separating rooms as needed, creating flexible floor plans, and allowing uninterrupted wall space when open. Modern pocket door hardware has addressed historical complaints about reliability, offering soft-close mechanisms and improved track systems that make daily operation smooth and quiet.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Slides into wall cavity
- ✓No floor swing space required
- ✓Completely conceals when open
- ✓Requires thicker wall construction
- ✓Various widths available
- ✓Can be single or double doors
Types & Variations
Single pocket door
Double pocket doors (converging pair)
Glass pocket door (light transmission)
Barn-style pocket door (visible hardware)
Fire-rated pocket door
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Ideal for bathroom entries, closets, pantries, and transitions between living and dining areas. Consider whether the wall can accommodate the pocket—it cannot contain electrical outlets, plumbing, or structural elements where the door retracts.
💡 Pro Tip
Invest in quality hardware—cheap pocket door systems stick and jump off tracks. Full-frame pocket door systems are sturdier than split-stud systems. For accessibility, ensure pull hardware is easy to grip and that the door opens wide enough for wheelchairs.