Make it work for you
SPACE-SAVING DOORS BETHANY’S CHOICE:
“Space-saving doors help homeowners get the most from each room, giving maximum flexibility to create both wide open areas and more private zones ” ALEX DAULEY, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF DAULEY DESIGN
Conventional doors swallow up room you might not want to give away, but they’re not the only option…
We could all use a bit more space in certain spots in our homes. Standard, side-hinged doors, opening outwards or inwards, cut into rooms – but there are alternatives.
Q What are my options?
The main choices are sliding or folding doors. Sliding types include pocket doors and surface-mounted doors. Bifold doors are hinged down the centre, so they fold in two and take up less space when open. Folding sliding doors fold concertinastyle and slide to one side.
Q Which works where?
Pocket doors slide out of sight in a cavity in the adjacent wall and suit tight spaces with stud walls, such as between a bedroom and en suite bathroom. Bifolding doors work well for small openings like narrow doorways, or on wardrobes and cupboards. Sliding, folding doors come in multiple sizes and make effective room dividers. Surface-mounted sliding doors hang from a track above the doorway, and slide sideways. They can be a visual feature, but you’ll need wall space to accommodate them.
Q What about looks?
Like any internal door, they can be painted any colour and can incorporate clear or obscure glass if you don’t want to block light. Pocket doors lend a sleek, contemporary vibe, as do surface-hung glass styles.
Q Can I DIY?
Almost certainly, provided your door opening is a standard size. Complete pocket door kits are readily available in a wide range of sizes and depths, as are off-the-shelf bifolds and multipanel folding door systems. Simple ‘barn-door’ track sliding systems are usually Diy-suitable, although some more expensive sliding systems require carpentry or building expertise.