How To Add Privacy To A Barn Door?

Barn doors are a great way to add some rustic charm to a home. However, privacy is always an issue.

There are pesky gaps to deal with. Also, barn doors are not soundproof enough for a private conversation.

So this begs the question, “can a barn door be private?” Yes, definitely. Adding privacy to a barn door is not only possible but also relatively easy and cost-effective. No major overhaul is required – just a few modifications using simple tools and materials.

In this blog, I’ll share some tips for it. There are more ways to go about it, from soundproofing and fixing gaps to installing locks. 

How to add privacy to a barn door?

So, “how do I put privacy on my barn door?” That’s one question I get from most homeowners. Well, you can add privacy to your barn door by installing locks, closing gaps, and soundproofing. Some methods, such as foam installation, are 2-way; they seal off gaps and provide soundproofing.

Here’s how to add privacy to your barn door without compromising its design.

Install locks

Traditionally, barn doors don’t have locks. But can you put a privacy lock on a barn door? Definitely, yes. It will maintain your privacy by controlling who enters. Plus, it doesn’t compromise the style of your barn door.

Some more common types are teardrop and hook & eye locks.

I recommend teardrop locks if you want to lock the barn door from the inside. It’s functional, safe, and doesn’t compromise on beauty. Plus, it mounts securely to the door frame. However, to use a teardrop lock, you need close alignment between the wall and the door.

Hook & eye locks are easier to install. Unlike teardrop locks, hook & eye locks are for larger gaps. You can install them in either configuration – inside or outside the barn door. Essentially, you want to install the “hook” part on the door jamb or the wall and the “eye” part on the door. This keeps the “hook” from swinging as you slide open or close the door.

Close gaps

You may be wondering, does a barn door leave a gap? Yes, barn doors leave a gap. Most installers look for a gap between 3mm to 5mm to facilitate airflow. However, you can seal off the gap if you want more privacy. Here’s how.

Use curtain panels

This is probably one of my favorite solutions. You can find an affordable curtain panel kit on Amazon that works wonders when trying to cover your barn door! The panels have a built-in rod pocket, so they slip right over your existing hardware. 

They also come in a variety of colors, patterns, and materials. You can even get blackout panels if you want to block out all light from outside.

Weather-stripping

Weather strips will seal off any apparent gaps between the sliding door and the baseboard. Pick the correct thickness that will close the gap as much as possible. You can use self-adhesive weather strips or nail them on with a nail gun for higher durability.

Use acoustic foam (Doubles as soundproofing)

Acoustic foam offers privacy in two ways. First, it offers soundproofing. Also, it closes off the gaps by fitting in between each slat. But it’s not just for privacy. It’s also insulation that keeps out the cold in winter and the heat in summer. 

You can order acoustic foam online or at your local hardware store. Just ensure you get enough to cover the whole door and make it nice and quiet when closed.  

I recommend using an adhesive spray when sticking the foam to the door. It can handle more rough handling than if you just pinned them onto the door.

Install a door sweep

A door sweep is a sliding piece of flexible material that hangs from the bottom of a door. It helps keep out the elements and increases privacy.

You can add a door sweep to your barn door even after installing it. But it’s really easy to do if you work it into your installation plan.

Install foam corner bars

Does your barn door sit at least one inch from the baseboard? It’s time you installed foam corner bars to close gap on sides of barn door. They’ll close off that pesky gap between what’s going on behind your door and what’s happening outside it!

One major benefit is that foam bars are pretty soft. Hence, they don’t scrape any parts when sliding.

How to fix double barn door gap?

Are you noticing a gap between your double barn doors? You can seal the gap between double barn doors using weather-stripping, such as CIKKIIO Self Adhesive Seal Strip Weatherstrip. Here’s how to go about it.

Step 1: Inspect the doors and the gap to ensure they are properly aligned. Otherwise, it can create issues when trying to close the gap.

Step 2: Measure the gap width between the doors. This will determine if weather-stripping alone will close the gap.

Step 3: Prepare the door by removing old weather stripping, adhesive, or grime. Use an adhesive remover.

Step 4: Measure and cut the weather-stripping to the length of the doors. If it’s much thicker than the gap, cut it to size.

Step 5: Press the strips firmly in place by running your fingers up and down its length. This ensures it’s free of air bubbles and creates a tight seal.

Step 6: Open and close the doors to ensure no gaps between them.

How to keep your barn door from swinging

Does your barn door swing back and forth against the wall? You’re not alone. However, there’s a solution on how to keep barn door from swinging. And it’s simple – use bottom tracks or door guides, such as SMARTSMITH Ball Bearing Door Guide.

The U-shaped bottom track lets the door slide into it. Also, the shape means the edges of the door always remain on the track when opening or closing.

Unlike bottom tracks, a door guide fits into a notch at the bottom of your door. Most often, it comes as L-shaped hardware. If your door doesn’t have a notch, use a router to create one that runs the length of the door.

Conclusion

So, now you know how to add privacy to a barn door.

There are so many ways to approach this project; it’s really up to your creativity! You can make any number of variations on this idea depending on the look you’re going for and the materials you have available.

If you’re looking for a quick fix, use curtain panels. But if you’re looking for a more permanent solution, a few options are available. You can use insulating foam board, weather strips, or door sweeps. Or better still, add more wood.

Whichever the case, you’ll get an easy, cost-effective way to make your home more private without having to replace the entire door.