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If space is limited in your home or building, maximising the amount of usable space is key.
The thing is:
Traditional doors can take up a relatively large amount of room due to the space required to open them, but there are a number of other options to consider.
Choose from a range of space saving internal doors, including bi-fold doors, sliding doors and pocket doors to help make the most of the available space in your home.
Table of contents
- Bi-fold doors
- Concertina doors
- Sliding doors
- Barn doors
- Pocket doors
- Choosing the right space saving doors
Bi-fold doors
Internal bi-fold doors are some of the most popular space saving doors available on the market. Bi-fold doors consist of two panels or leaves of doors which slide to one side, folding up against each other when opened. This unique type of folding action means that the door only requires half the opening space compared with that of a standard single-leaf door.
Bi-fold doors are particularly useful in small rooms or storage spaces, such as bathrooms and en-suites, wardrobes or kitchen cupboards. Another benefit of bi-fold doors is that they are typically undersized in order to fit into standard-sized doorways. This means that they are a great option when replacing doors during a refurbishment or redecorating project to add some extra space to your home.
Concertina doors
Concertina doors work similarly to bi-fold doors, but instead of consisting of two leaves, they have several panels, often around 6 or 8. They fold back like an accordion, with each panel of the concertina doors folding back on itself. This opens up the doorway without taking up useful space around it.
Because concertina doors are made up of more panels than bi-fold doors, the panels are thinner. This means that when folded, a concertina door takes up less room than a bifold door.
Concertina doors can also be installed in pairs, to be used in wider doorways or to act as room dividers, breaking up a room or creating the option for privacy without compromising on space.
Sliding doors
Sliding doors are a great alternative to a traditional door when looking to create more room in your home or property. Instead of folding, as bi-fold and concertina doors do, they slide to the side, fitting neatly next to the wall. They take up even less room, as they sit flush to the wall when opened, but it does mean that they can only be used where there is wall space adjacent to the doorway.
Why not use sliding doors between your kitchen and dining room, or on your wardrobe? Choose from glazed sliding doors to let natural light flow between rooms, or solid sliding doors to add a level of privacy between rooms.
Barn doors
Super simple, yet increasingly popular, sliding barn doors are a great space-saving alternative that gives your home a rustic feel. A classic wooden door is simply fitted onto a bar, which sits above the doorway and allows the door to slide back and forth easily. All without the need for complex sliding door hardware.
Use sliding barn doors all around the home, from bedroom doors and wardrobes to kitchen doors, pantry doors and more.
Pocket doors
Pocket doors are sliding doors that, when opened, slide into a cavity that has been built into the adjacent wall. They are incredibly useful in places where space is very limited, as they disappear when opened, so the space around the doorway is all usable.
They are also perfect for minimalist properties, as the door is completely hidden from view when open.
However, pocket doors are more complicated to install in renovation or refurbishment projects. This is because the cavity needs to be created within the adjacent wall.
Choosing the right space saving doors
When choosing space saving doors, consider factors such as the available space, desired functionality and aesthetic preferences.
Opt for sliding doors or bi-fold doors for tight spaces where swinging doors are impractical.
Don’t forget to measure the dimensions accurately to ensure a proper fit. Look for features like smooth-gliding mechanisms, sturdy construction and high-quality materials to ensure durability and ease of use.
Additionally, consider the design and style of the door to complement the overall decor of the room.
If you have any questions about space-saving doors, and which is best for your latest project, feel free to call our helpful team on 01752 422 501 and they will be able to offer advice and guidance.
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