10 Ways to Work Screen Doors, Inside and Out

Screen doors are great for letting breezes in and keeping bugs out — but they can also do so much more. Gain charm and function with screen doors in unique shapes and sizes, from barn-style screen doors to whole-wall versions, or put one in a less expected spot, like the pantry or nursery.

1. Barn-style screen door. If you love the charm of barn doors, why not have one customized to use as a screen door? Though you can have barn-style doors custom made in just about any size, they are perfect for extra-large openings, ushering in maximum light and breezes.


2. Pantry screen door. Bring farmhouse style home no matter where you live by swapping out a regular pantry door for a screen version. Screen doors can make a compact kitchen feel larger by offering a glimpse into the pantry — just make sure you’re prepared to keep those canned goods neat.


3. Pivoting screen door. For a modern slant on the screen door, use specialized hardware to mount a door on a pivoting hinge. Check before purchasing to make sure the hinge is made to work with the weight (and type) of door you have.

Hardware: center pivot, Rixson

Read more about pivot doors


4. Retractable screen wall. You’ve surely seen photos on Houzz of gorgeous homes sporting open walls — and some of you have wondered how practical a vast opening in the side of your home would be when you have bugs (and other critters) to contend with. Enter the retractable insect screen, an addition that can make all the difference between enjoying fabulous indoor-outdoor flow and getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.


5. Decorative screen door. A screen door with decorative metalwork by artist Susan Wallace of Austin, Texas, lends an artful touch to this entry. Choose from ready-made designs or work with an artisan to create something especially for your space.

See more about Wallace’s screen door designs


6. Compact sliding screen door. Fitting a door and screen door into a narrow passageway can pose quite a challenge. These creative homeowners found a solution by using a sliding screen door that tucks into a pocket behind the refrigerator when open. The barn-style hardware and cheery red paint job up the charm.

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7. Nursery screen door. If you have little ones and pets in the house, you know what a challenge it can be to keep furry friends from visiting when they are not wanted. A decorative screen door on the nursery or kids’ room will let you peek in while keeping the kitty out.

Screen door: Georgian, The Home Depot

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8. French screen doors. Match an interior set of French doors or create a gracious screened porch entry with French screen doors. French screen doors are also helpful leading onto a patio or an outdoor dining space where you need the room for carrying extra chairs and large platters.


9. Playhouse screen doors. A really buggy summer can make outside playtime less fun. Help little ones stay comfortable outdoors by installing a set of screen doors on the playhouse or treehouse — then the kiddos can just shut the screens and keep on playing.


10. Classic screen door. There is something about the squeak and bang of a simple screen door that says summer. And even the most basic models will do the trick — just paint the frame to match your interior door and make sure there’s a working latch.

Show us: Are screen doors essential where you live? Show us your great screen door!

More:
How to Choose a Front Door Color
7 Finishing Touches for a Thoughtful Front Yard

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