You probably don’t think too much about the design of the doors you walk through. Until you walk up to a building with a fantastic entry door, or you see your friend’s trendy new barn door for their closet. Explore the options you have when it comes to interior and exterior doors, and you’ll be surprised at just how many choices there are. No matter the room or the style, there’s a door that’s perfect for you.
Dutch Doors
These doors are usually used as exterior doors. The top half opens independently from the bottom half, making them versatile and adorable. They are excellent options for patio doors to let pets in from the backyard easily, or they can be used as kitchen doors to the outside to let in some fresh air.
French Doors
French doors are statement doors that give an elegant feel to a space.
Usually, they are fully or partially glass. This lets sunlight filter into the house and gives the space a more open feel. They are two doors that swing in or out together and are usually used as exterior doors but could also work as home office doors.
Bifold Doors
These are lightweight interior doors that fold inward toward the sides of the doorway. They are usually used to cover closets, kitchens, and utility rooms, but they could also be used as home office doors. Their designs are traditionally with horizontal slatted wood down the front of the door, allowing for some airflow. However, other designs are more solid and can cut down on the noise of laundry rooms. They have a unique look, which makes them a lovely statement piece, but they often don’t get used because of their annoying habit of getting stuck or not opening and shutting with ease.
Sliding Doors
You’ve likely seen sliding doors as large glass doors to a deck or patio. These doors are ideal for those situations since they won’t take up space inside the home while open and offer a large open space for natural light to filter into the house. While they are typically used as exterior doors, they can also be used inside the home in closets.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors are kind of like an interior version of sliding doors. They are great for smaller spaces since they don’t have to swing in or out and take up more space. Instead, they slide right into the wall and stay out of the way but provide privacy when needed. Usually, they are used in bathrooms or closets, but they could be used anywhere in the home.
Barn Doors
Barn doors are very similar to pocket doors, except they slide on a track outside the wall, giving them a very distinct look. The track and the door are meant to be seen and are usually an essential part of the room’s design. While they are traditionally used as exterior doors (like on barns), they are now being used as interior options as the farmhouse-style home maintains its popularity. Just be aware that these could dent and scratch the wall behind them.
Pivot Doors
Pivot doors are great for interior use or exterior use. They have a unique way of opening by turning on two points at the top and the bottom of the door. Because of the design, they typically lend themselves to a more modern style home. The frame design allows these doors to be heavier than other frame types, which means you can use heavy-duty materials and not worry about the wear and tear of the frame.
Saloon Doors
We all know the famous scenes in Western movies when the main character walks into the saloon and dramatically bust through those tiny doors. Although these aren’t as popular anymore, they are still an option if you’re into their aesthetic. They allow airflow to move through the spaces while still covering up what’s on the other side; this could make them great for kitchens or dining rooms. And since they have hinges that swing both ways, you can walk through them easily, even when you have your hands full.
Now you are equipped with all the information you need to choose the perfect door for your home. Don’t let what they are traditionally used for throw you off, and use door design as an essential part of the aesthetic of your home. It’s often overlooked but can be an excellent way to show off your unique style.
