I love the charm of old homes, but sometimes, their original layouts don’t quite fit modern living. My entryway had a double doorway with French doors, but I could never leave them open because one door backed right up against the front door. Instead of removing them entirely, I decided to repurpose them into a barn door setup—keeping the character of my home while adding functionality. Here’s how I did it, step by step.

Materials Needed:

Step 1: Secure One Door as a Stationary Panel

Instead of removing both doors, I decided to keep one stationary and turn it into part of the wall. To do this, I built a simple frame using 2x4s and secured the door to the frame with screws. Then, I attached the frame to the wall using studs for stability.

Step 2: Blend the Stationary Door into the Wall

To make the stationary door look like a built-in feature, I added wainscoting panels to the lower half. This gave it a more finished, intentional look. I used construction adhesive to attach the panels and secured them with finishing nails. A little caulk around the edges created a seamless transition.

Step 3: Install the Barn Door Hardware

With one door secured in place, it was time to add the barn door track. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring the track was level and securely mounted into wall studs. This step is crucial to prevent sagging and ensure smooth sliding.

Step 4: Attach the Sliding Door

Once the hardware was in place, I attached the remaining French door to the barn door rollers. Since I was reusing the original door, I didn’t have to modify it much—just a quick check to ensure it was aligned properly and could slide easily over the stationary panel.

Step 5: Final Touches

To complete the look, I painted the doors and surrounding trim to match my entryway. A little touch-up caulking and a fresh coat of paint pulled everything together, making it look like it had always been part of the house.

The Finished Look

Now, I have a stylish barn door that keeps the charm of my old home while solving the functionality problem. The sliding door allows me to open up the space when needed, and the stationary door blends beautifully into the entryway.

Would you try this in your home? Let me know in the comments!