New Options in Traditional Pocket Doors

Pocket interior doors were heavily used in the more formal rooms in the Victorian home. The pocket door literally slides on an overhead track and slips into an opening in the wall to disappear fully when opened completely.

Cut to the 21st Century where homeowners looking for clean looks for homes are rediscovering this old favorite. With the space saving capability of a pocket door, no clearance is needed for the door, opening up valuable floor space for smaller homes, townhomes and condominiums.

But the traditional pocket door was a heavy, solid expanse, and perhaps is part of the reason that Victorian homes have the reputation of having dim, dark interiors. Enter the perfect solution to make the most of natural lighting - the French pocket door.

The term borrowed lighting is used to describe interior rooms that use natural lighting from the exterior room. It not only adds a pleasant look, but can help save energy costs in artificial lighting. The glass lites of the French pocket door make the most of natural lighting, and they do it in high style.

Typical French pocket doors are double doors, in which two panels slide back into either side of the wall. This allows maximum clearance and open space when the French pocket door is fully opened. The glass lites of the French doors and the double panels also serve to reduce the weight of the door panels.

Consider a French pocket door for any area that needs a clean look to maximize light and space while providing an excellent flow through the home.