Yeah, it can. I sell these kits and I've seen them go into lofts with slanted ceilings, brick walls, and not much floor space. A regular door swings and eats up room. A barn door slides flat against the wall. That alone makes it a good fit.
But a loft isn't a normal hallway. The walls can be old. Sometimes they're brick, sometimes just drywall over furring strips. You need to find real wood studs or add a backer board. Don't trust drywall anchors with a solid wood door. I've seen one pull out. Not fun.
Hardware matters. For a smooth, quiet slide, a Barn Door Roller Kit Top Mounted is a good pick. The rollers sit on top of the door and run on the track. If your door is heavy - solid oak, thick frame - step up to Heavy Duty Sliding Door Tracks and Rollers. Cheap wheels will flat-spot and drag. Barn Door Hardware Wheels come in stainless, brass, black. Pick what matches your loft. But check the weight rating first.
Measure twice. You need room on the wall for the door to slide open. If there's a light fixture, pipe, or outlet in the way, move the track or pick a different wall. Also check the ceiling height. Lofts often have angles. The track has to be level even if the ceiling isn't.
Privacy and noise? Barn doors aren't sealed like a hinged door. If the loft is a bedroom, you'll hear more. Add a seal or use a solid door if that bothers you.
If your loft has a bathroom, use a Barn Door for Bathroom. Those are made to handle moisture. For an exterior opening, like a balcony door, go with Exterior Bypass Barn Door Hardware. It's weather-resistant. Regular indoor hardware will rust.
You can buy bulk kits and customize size, finish, hardware. Just tell the supplier what you're working with. A loft can be tricky, but it's not impossible. If you're not sure about the wall, ask a contractor. Better to reinforce once than fix a fallen door.
