What Are Saloon Doors Called? Understanding the Many Names of Cowboy-Style Doors

Saloon doors—also known for their iconic swinging motion and half-door design—are as functional as they are nostalgic. Whether you’re renovating a home bar, updating a pantry, or adding Western charm to your space, it’s helpful to know what these unique doors are called and how they function. This guide breaks down the most common saloon doors names, styles, hardware, and installation tips.

Key Takeaways:

• Saloon doors are also called café doors, cowboy doors, bar doors, and batwing doors.
• Most saloon doors use double action hinges that swing both ways and self-return to center.
• They come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and sizes to fit traditional or non-traditional openings.
• Saloon doors can be installed easily with gravity or spring hinges.
• These doors are ideal for kitchens, bars, pantries, and more.

What Are Saloon Doors Called?

Saloon doors go by many names depending on region, usage, or style. Common names include:

• Café doors
• Cowboy doors
• Bar doors
• Batwing doors
• Saloon bar doors
• Double swinging doors
• Double action doors
  

Despite the variety of terms, they all refer to the same core concept: a door that swings in both directions and returns to center automatically, usually without requiring a full door jamb.

Saloon Door Design and Style Options

Saloon doors are available as single doors and double doors. You can pick the saloon style door that works best in your opening. Most people prefer double doors since they take up less space than a traditional single swing door. These doors are available not only in a Western saloon doors style, but also in a traditional, modern, porthole, chevron, glass, colonial, louvered, craftsman, farmhouse, and barn style; a total of over 80 designs. The doors can be customized to your desired design and door opening dimensions. The saloon style doors are a perfect option for your door openings.

Saloon Door Material

Once you have decided on the style of your saloon doors, the next step is material. Wood is the most common material for interior saloon doors. Whether you pick a simple poplar paint grade wood or select a rustic alder wood, the doors add a perfect accent to the door opening. The solid wood door 1”- 1-3/8” thick door will provide the strength necessary for the door to swing and not break. This thickness will also provide the strength necessary for the hardware.

Saloon Door Size

If you are installing these saloon doors in a traditional opening or door frame, you can choose to remove the door stop or leave it on. Saloon style doors can also be installed in a non-traditional opening with the use of trim boards. When you measure for the saloon doors measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Take the smallest measurement and that will be the size of the saloon door you need. Western saloon doors can be custom made for your exact door opening allowing for a perfect fit. When considering saloon doors, you can also select the desired height for the barrier the doors will provide.

Saloon Door Hardware Options

Saloon doors rely on double action hinges that allow the doors to swing in both directions and return to center. Two primary hinge types are available:

Gravity Hinges

• Mount to the top and bottom of the door
• Often include a hold-open feature
• Operate smoothly with minimal resistance

Spring Hinges

• Mount to the sides of the doors and door jamb
• Provide automatic return to center
• Do not usually offer hold-open functionality

Both hinge styles are easy to install and don’t require traditional jambs or stops.

Why Choose Swinging Cafe Doors?

With more than 18 years of experience in custom door manufacturing and hardware solutions, Swinging Cafe Doors offers:

• Custom sizing and design
• High-quality solid wood construction
• Multiple finish and hardware options
• Easy installation and comprehensive support

Browse our full selection of saloon doors, double swinging doors, and cowboy-style doors to find the right match for your home.

Final Thoughts on Saloon Door Names and Styles

So, what are saloon doors called? Whether you prefer the term café doors, bar doors, or batwing doors, these double swinging doors offer a perfect mix of style, function, and nostalgia. From rustic ranch to modern farmhouse, they bring personality and utility to any space.

Ready to Order Custom Saloon Doors?

Explore our wide selection of saloon-style doors and double action hardware at Swinging Cafe Doors. Need help selecting the right fit? Get a custom quote or contact our team today.