Skip to Content Subscribe Our Offers My Account Manage My Subscriptions FAQ Newsletters Canada Canadian True Crime Canadian Politics Health World Israel & Middle East Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Comics NP News Quiz New York Times Crossword Horoscopes Life Eating & Drinking Style Sponsored Play for Ontario Travel Travel Canada Travel USA Travel International Cruises Travel Essentials Culture Books Celebrity Movies Music Theatre Television Business Essentials Advice Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Buy Canadian Home Living Outdoor Living Kitchen & Dining Tech Style & Beauty Personal Care Entertainment & Hobbies Gift Guide Travel Guide Amazon Prime Day Deals Savings National Post Store More Sports Hockey Baseball Basketball Football Soccer Golf Tennis Driving Vehicle Research Reviews News Gear Guide Obituaries Place an Obituary Place an In Memoriam Classifieds Place an Ad Celebrations Working Business Ads Archives Healthing Epaper Manage Print Subscription Profile Settings My Subscriptions Saved Articles My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ Newsletters Canada World Financial Post NP Comment Longreads Puzzmo Diversions Life Shopping Epaper Manage Print Subscription HomeHomesPocket doors enjoying a revival in homesDesigners love them for their practicality and versatilityLast updated 6 minutes ago You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.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 GettyWe independently select everything we recommend. Buying through us may earn us a commission, which supports our work.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.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorEssentially 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.Pocket doors resurfaced in the 1950s as construction flourished. And now, they’re once again proving their practicality and versatility.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.“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.”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.“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.If dexterity is a concern, specialized hardware is available.“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.”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.“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.” Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.