Storage and utility closets are so often a forgotten space in our homes. After all, when a space is purely utilitarian, it's hard to think of them as opportunities for getting creative.

That's where barn doors can really make a difference. Here are three reasons why a barn door is perfect for your storage or utility closet:

Barn door saves floor space

Chances are that your utility or storage closet is tucked away in a hallway or in a corner of your home. Maneuvering a swinging door in those spaces can be tricky because swinging doors take up a lot of floor space. A sliding barn door uses wall space rather than floor space in order to operate. This means that they're a great solution for areas where a swinging door, when opened, takes up most of the width of a hallway.

A barn door adds visual interest

Since barn doors are visible whether opened or closed, they're a unique opportunity to choose an interesting design. Think of them like large-scale movable art. You can choose a more elaborate design like a Chevron Barn Door, or keep things understated with a Mid Century Modern Center Bar Door. It's a chance to express your unique style, and liven up an area of your home that might feel boring or neglected. You can make your closet area feel like an integrated part of your home, which will make your entire space look elevated and polished.

Barn doors make closets more accessible

If your closet door is an inswing door, meaning that it swings into the closet rather than out towards the hallway, this has its own set of challenges. Primarily, it can be hard to access every part of the closet when the door is open. However, a barn door keeps the inside of the closet easy to access when it’s open. This means you don’t have to shut the door behind yourself in order to get what you need from the closet.