Pocket Doors Are Back — Here's Why Designers Love Them

Retro features are coming back into style, and there's one that designers are particularly excited about: pocket doors.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Designers are embracing pocket doors for their practical and stylish benefits, including efficient use of space, versatility, and visual appeal. Pocket doors are making a comeback in modern homes, finding their place in kitchens, living rooms, and even bedrooms as an alternative to traditional swinging doors.

Why it matters

As open-concept layouts become more popular, pocket doors offer a solution to contain noise and create privacy when needed, without sacrificing the spacious feel. Pocket doors also work well in compact or awkward spaces, allowing homeowners to maximize every inch of their homes.

The details

Designers praise pocket doors for their clean look, space-saving abilities, and versatility to work in both modern and traditional homes. Pocket doors are especially well-suited for tight areas like bathrooms, closets, and pantries, but are also being incorporated into other rooms. Improvements in pocket door hardware, including soft open-and-close mechanisms and flush-closing designs, have also contributed to their rising popularity.

  • Pocket doors are making a comeback in recent years, with designers increasingly incorporating them into new home designs and renovations.

The players

Tracy Morris

Principal of Tracy Morris Design.

Jess Cooney

Principal of Jess Cooney Interiors.

Michelle Cheney

Co-founder of Rebel Builders.

Lindsey Colhoun

Principal of Lindsey Colhoun Design.

Michael Winn

Principal of WINN Design + Build.

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What they’re saying

“Designers love pocket doors for their clean look and the way they save space — especially in tight areas like bathrooms, closets and pantries. They give you flexibility without sacrificing style . It's a smart, stylish solution that works beautifully in both modern and traditional homes.”

— Tracy Morris, Principal of Tracy Morris Design (Good Housekeeping)

“We are seeing pocket doors make a comeback into all types of spaces we work on. People love using every inch of storage in a home and pocket doors allow for all sides of each wall to be utilized in a really smart and clean way. Pocket doors can be used just as well in a modern space or traditional space and give so much versatility to a room.”

— Jess Cooney, Principal of Jess Cooney Interiors (Good Housekeeping)

“Pocket doors don't block any pathways when they're open, making them a handy solution for tight spaces. But there's a certain air of drama when you reveal what's been hidden away. So not only do they save space, but they're an opportunity to make a statement.”

— Michelle Cheney, Co-founder of Rebel Builders (Good Housekeeping)

“When every inch matters, we turn to pocket doors — an elegant solution that lets your space breathe while offering the option to tuck things away with ease. Whether it's an office, pantry or laundry room, pocket doors offer a seamless flow that doesn't sacrifice privacy. A quiet nod to thoughtful design — where form meets function, and simplicity feels luxurious.”

— Lindsey Colhoun, Principal of Lindsey Colhoun Design (Good Housekeeping)

“They're a smart, space-saving solution that can also be a beautiful design detail, especially when integrated seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry or trim.”

— Michael Winn, Principal of WINN Design + Build (Good Housekeeping)

What’s next

As pocket doors continue to grow in popularity, designers and homeowners will likely explore even more creative ways to incorporate them into modern home designs, from using them to partition off designated pet areas to providing privacy for home offices and studies.

The takeaway

Pocket doors offer a practical and stylish solution for homeowners looking to maximize space, contain noise, and add visual interest to their homes. With improvements in hardware and a growing embrace from design professionals, pocket doors are poised to remain a popular choice for both new construction and renovations.