"Exploring 5 different door options to maintain maximum natural light and stunning outdoor vistas, beyond the traditional bifold design"
In the world of home renovation, doors play a significant role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a space. Here's a look at some popular door options currently gracing homes, each with its unique advantages.
Sliding doors, with their slimline aluminum frames, are proving to be a popular choice for achieving panoramic views. The current trend towards slim sliding doors is due to an appreciation of the uninterrupted view you get through the expansive glazing of these doors. Slide-and-turn doors, a hybrid option, bridge the gap between bifold, sliding, and French doors. These doors have panels that slide along a track and park vertically, allowing for both a wide opening and slimmer sightlines.
French doors with glazed sidelights are a traditional choice that offers a convenient everyday 'traffic door' and plenty of natural light. For period homes or smaller openings, French doors with glazed sidelights remain a good-value and straightforward choice.
Pivot doors, on the other hand, rotate on a pivot hinge mechanism, allowing for larger, heavier panels and wider openings. They are ideal for homes with larger, sheltered locations, providing an elegant solution for maximising natural light and views. However, a pivot door requires a decent amount of clearance to open and may not be the right choice for homes with smaller or awkwardly shaped gardens.
Pocket doors, which recess back into an envelope and are almost completely hidden from view when open, can be a suitable alternative to bifold doors for creating a completely open space between home and garden. However, pocket doors can be costly to install.
Bifold doors aren't going out of style, but demand has broadened to include other types of doors. If maximising the size of an opening out onto a terrace is a priority, bifold doors remain a solid option. Incorporating fixed glazing around a set of patio doors can give the illusion of an indoor-outdoor space, further enhancing the appeal of these versatile doors.
In conclusion, each door type offers unique benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the homeowner. Whether it's the sleekness of sliding doors, the traditional charm of French doors, the grandeur of pivot doors, or the versatility of bifold doors, there's a door to suit every home and every taste.
Sarah Handley, the Section Editor for Renovation since September 2024, oversees the creation of informative articles like this one, aiming to provide readers with valuable insights into the world of home renovation.
