Pocket doors - the latest in space saving

Help & Advice > Product Guides > Internal Doors

24th July 2026

Pocket doors have risen in popularity thanks to their versatility. They have helped to create a new type of architecture that is shaping modern homes. Not only used as a space-saving feature, they integrate the operation of a door with the efficiency of storage.

As property prices have risen, the amount of space you get for your money has decreased. This means that now more than ever it is crucial to maximise the amount of useable space in your home. Pocket doors are the latest in space-saving doors, but what are they and why are they so popular? Read on to find out more.

Table of contents

• What are pocket doors?
• How do pocket doors work?
• Why choose a pocket door?
• What you need to know before installing a pocket door

What are pocket doors?

Pocket doors get their name because they slide into a ‘pocket’ in the wall. A pocket door is a form of internal sliding door. Rather than sliding adjacent to the wall, a pocket door enters a recess within the adjoining wall, completely disappearing from view when fully opened. They are perfect for space-saving and concealing areas that may otherwise look cluttered.

How do pocket doors work?

Installing a pocket door requires creating a recess or cavity in the adjoining wall so the door can slide into it. To do this, builders typically remove the existing wall and construct a timber or steel frame before installing new drywall to conceal the pocket and sliding mechanism. They then fit a sliding track with either ball bearings or wheels above and below the door, allowing it to glide smoothly in and out of the pocket. Because traditional pull or lever handles would prevent the door from fully retracting, installers use specially designed pocket door handles instead.

Why choose a pocket door?

Space-saving

As mentioned, pocket doors are a great way to save space in your home. The space that is normally required for traditional doors to open is no longer taken up when a pocket door is installed, meaning that you can maximise the available floor space. Additionally, the wall space that is normally hidden by a traditional open door is available to display art or hang a mirror.

Integrated storage

Pocket doors can also be used in a number of spaces where the space is limited, for example in bathrooms, storage spaces and wardrobes. In these circumstances, there is not always enough room for a traditional door to open completely.

Not only this, but they are swiftly becoming a part of the modern home’s architecture. Designers often integrate pocket doors into cabinetry so they blend seamlessly with surrounding furniture. By creating the appearance of a “secret” door, they can conceal spaces that might otherwise look cluttered, such as storage rooms for childrens toys, pantries, and coffee stations.

Minimalist style

In minimalist homes and properties where crisp and clean lines are a key feature, pocket doors are the perfect match. They come in a range of sleek and simple designs that will work well in contemporary properties when closed, and when they are not being used they are hidden within the cavity, further adding to the minimalistic style.

Room dividers

Another option for pocket doors is to use them in pairs, or even groups of several doors to create a divider within a room that can completely disappear when not in use. This works well in open plan rooms, such as kitchen dining rooms or kitchen living rooms. This is because you can leave it as an open plan room with no doors visible. Alternatively, you can divide it into two separate rooms when you want.

What you need to know before installing a pocket door

Door hardware is commonly sold separately from the door itself

However, this means that there is a wide selection of pocket doors available, as most doors can be hung on a pocket door hardware set.  Additionally, different brands of pocket door hardware produce hardware that functions slightly differently, so make sure you have the most suitable hardware for your project.

When pocket doors are installed in pairs or multiples, there are several different installation options

Firstly, pocket doors can open in pairs, with a cavity on each adjoining wall to house them. Alternatively, both or all doors can retract into a single cavity. It just needs to be wider to house multiple doors. Another option is to have two adjacent to each other that lead to separate rooms. That way, they can both retract into the same cavity between the doorways.

Pocket doors do not fit tightly into the door frame

When considering a pocket door, it’s important to remember that they do not sit as tightly into the door frame as traditional doors. This means that they don’t have great acoustic insulation properties and smells and light may pass through the edges of the door when closed.

Retrofitting a pocket door is a challenge

Pocket doors are most commonly installed in new builds, because of the requirement to build a cavity within the adjoining wall to house them. Although not impossible, retrofitting a pocket door can be complex and costly. Existing wiring, pipework and other features can cause problems, and you’ll need to establish whether the wall is load-bearing or not. Additionally, if the adjoining wall is solid, creating a cavity within it can be incredibly challenging.

Do you have any questions about any of our products? Feel free to call our team on 01752 422 501 and they will be more than happy to help with advice and guidance.