Interior bifold doors are a fantastic way to introduce modern elegance to your home, while also maximising space and light. But with a variety of options available, you may start to wonder which are the best bifold doors? Let’s help you navigate the key considerations…
How to Choose Bifold Doors: Space and Functionality
Measure Up
Knowing the exact dimensions of your doorway is crucial. Standard sizes are available for cost-effectiveness, but custom bifold doors ensure a more perfect fit.
Number of Panels
This depends on the opening size and desired effect. More panels with slimmer profiles create a more open feel, while fewer wider panels offer a bolder look. Consider traffic flow – a single “traffic door” within the bifold system allows easy access without unfolding everything.
Folding Action
Bifold doors can fold inwards or outwards. Inward folding offers a cleaner look, while outward folding might be better for tight spaces on the hinge side.
How Much Smaller Should a Bifold Door Be Than The Opening?
Bifold doors typically need to be slightly smaller than the opening to ensure proper functionality and ease of installation. The exact amount you need to subtract depends on a couple of factors.
Bifold Door Height
Bifold doors generally need to be 1-1/2 inches (3.8 cm) shorter than the finished height of the opening. This space allows clearance for the top track and rollers.
Bifold Door Width
Here, a smaller gap of around 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) is subtracted from the width of the opening on each side (1 inch total). This clearance is needed for smooth operation of the folding mechanism and to account for any potential minor variations in the doorway.
How To Measure Bifold Doors
When measuring your doorway, take measurements at multiple points (top, middle, bottom) to ensure accuracy. Use the smallest measurement obtained as your reference for ordering the bifold door.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s installation instructions for specific recommendations, as there might be slight variations depending on the brand and model. Research bifold door installation methods online and consult with a professional bifold door installer. They can ensure accurate measurements and a smooth fitting process.
Take a look at this article about how to find a joiner to fit doors, put together by our friends at CLIMADOOR. We also recommend using sites such as checkatrade.com to find local tradespeople.
How to Choose Bifold Doors: Style and Finish
Track or Trackless
Tracked systems have a bottom track, while trackless systems hide the hardware in the top track for a minimalist look. Both have pros and cons: tracked systems can be more affordable and handle heavier doors, while trackless systems offer a cleaner aesthetic.
Material Matters
Aluminium bifold doors are popular for their sleek look, durability, and low maintenance. Wood offers a classic feel and can be painted or stained to match your décor. Consider composite materials for a balance of aesthetics and affordability.
Glass Options
Clear glass maximises light flow and openness, while frosted glass provides privacy. You can also explore textured or tinted glass for a unique touch.
How to Choose Bifold Doors: Additional Considerations
Floor Clearance
This type of door may require a slight clearance at the floor level to account for carpeting or uneven surfaces. You may not realise it, but small (yet noticeable) details like this can sometimes reduce property value. Not ideal if you’re planning to sell up in the future.
Budget
Bifold door systems can vary significantly in price depending on size, material, and hardware. Determine your budget early on to guide your choices and look for bifold doors on sale to keep projects from spiralling wildly out of control, Grand Designs style.
Home Security
There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re safe in your own home. When you buy internal bifold doors online, look for features such as multipoint locking mechanisms and toughened safety glass for complete peace of mind.
Browse our special offers page to find the cheapest bifold doors. Plus, learn more about how to boost property value by adding features such as bifold doors. You may also be interested in our guides on smart home technology and the different types of locks available.
What Trend Is Replacing Bifold Doors?
Internal bifold doors themselves aren’t necessarily being entirely replaced by one single trend. Instead they face competition from designs that also create a spotlight stealing focal point within your home. No doubt influenced by the accent doors trend.
Sliding Doors
These offer a sleek, modern look that can create a feeling of spaciousness. They’re ideal for smaller areas where bifold doors might require clearance space for folding. Modern sliding doors can be very wide, offering a similar open feel to bifold doors when fully open.
Steel Look Doors
For a more modern aesthetic, opt for black steel-look doors (often called Crittall-style doors). Steel-look doors offer a unique industrial look and boast high durability. If you’re looking to create more of a focal point, this design might be best for you. They also complement the current black home exterior trend that’s recently dominated the world of architecture.
Classic French Doors
This versatile design suits period properties and countryside homes as well as new builds; epitomising elegance and traditional design. Internal French doors are a good option if you want to keep spaces clearly defined rather than open plan. Think: playrooms and home offices.
Pocket Doors
From closet doors to utility room doors, there are some spaces that will always require a sleeker design. Pocket doors disappear into the wall (rather than folding or swinging open). This is perfect for achieving a streamlined finish. Although, single bifold doors are available too.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and style preferences. Rest assured, internal bifolds are still a popular option, but these trends offer interesting alternatives that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Seeking more interior door inspiration? Find out more ways to use doors as design elements with our expert tips.
What Is Better Than A Bifold Door?
Generally, bifold doors may not be ideal when you’re working with limited space. When open, folding doors require some wall clearance for folding. This can be an issue in tight spaces. There’s also noise control to consider; due to the multiple panels, soundproofing might not be as effective as with solid doors.
It’s also worth noting quality bifold systems (particularly with features like large glass panels or advanced hardware) can sometimes be a little more expensive than other alternatives.
Bifold doors shine when open space is a requirement. They offer the widest possible opening, creating an easy transition between rooms or indoor and outdoor areas.
With their ample glass panels, bifold doors also help to boost natural light, making rooms feel brighter and more spacious. Overall, their iconic folding design creates a clean and contemporary look that complements both modern and classic interiors.
Installing bifold doors is the perfect way to refresh your space and fall back in love with a property. It allows you to use rooms in different ways and see your home layout in a new light without excessive building work and disruption. Learn more about affordable alternatives to a full renovation in our more detailed guide.
Where Do Bifold Doors Work Best?
Living Areas
Internal bifold doors excel at creating a connection between your living room and another space, like a dining area, sunroom, or patio. This is perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a bright and airy living environment.
Kitchen Expansions
Similar to the living area, bifold doors can open up your kitchen to an adjoining space, like a breakfast nook or a deck. This fosters a more open and social atmosphere while cooking or entertaining. It’s good for keeping an eye on little ones and pets too.
Bedrooms with Ensuites
Folding doors create a feeling of openness between a bedroom and an ensuite bathroom, making both spaces feel larger. They also offer easier access compared to a traditional swinging door. However, consider privacy needs – frosted or textured glass can be a good option here.
Multi-Functional Rooms
If you have a room that serves multiple purposes, like a guest room/home office combo, interior bifold doors can provide flexibility. Open them up to create a bright and airy workspace, and close them for privacy when needed.
Conservatories
Interior bifold doors are ideal for connecting your conservatory to the main house. They allow you to seamlessly integrate the extra light and space of the conservatory into your living area, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors.
Discover more essential conservatory ideas for your next project and take a deeper dive into the glass box extension trend that’s recently exploded in popularity.
“We’re always happy to help our customers find the right system for their renovation or property development. Our friendly aftercare team is available to answer questions on finding the right joiner and give guidance on bifold door installation. Offering so much versatility and flexibility, bifold doors are a timeless trend that look great in any property. Take care to measure up accurately and make time for ongoing care and maintenance, and you’ll be able to enjoy them in all seasons for many years to come!”
John Shaw Director of Vibrant Doors
Buy Interior Bifold Doors Online With Confidence
Now you know how to choose bifold doors, It’ll be super-easy to selection a system that enhances your home in every way. Before you begin, remember that consulting with a professional bifold door supplier can be invaluable. So, why wait? Talk to our team about your options today or discover more inspiration over on our Pinterest and Instagram. We’ll see you there.
