Doors are probably one of the most overlooked aspects when remodelling your house or starting from the ground up. But, doors, especially interior ones provide quieter spaces and privacy between living areas, as well as help discourage clutter in closets, pantries, and other storage areas. Moreover, replacing old, outdated doors can drastically change the appearance of any room.
So, if you want to enhance the look of your space and add some refreshing change to it, the following guide might give you a hand in choosing the right doors for that purpose.
Range of Styles
When narrowing down your choices, you will see that there is a wide range of styles available. And picking the right style can make or break your décor game. Therefore, when looking for next-level options that are appealing and durable enough choose a premium traditional door design constructed from the finest timber as these are the hardest to beat on the market.
These traditional doors, also called French ones have multiple lites (panes of glass) throughout the length of the door that offers minimal privacy while allowing light to filter in from adjoining rooms. Usually placed in a pair side by side, each door opens independently of the other. And, because of their classic appearance, they bring a touch of elegance to any space.
Furthermore, in situations where visual privacy is not a priority, such as sunrooms and home offices, clear-glass versions are a fantastic option for adding style and reducing noise. On the other hand, glass panels for bathroom or bedroom doors might be mirrored or frosted.
Besides creating a sense of openness and connection with the outdoors, making spaces feel larger and more inviting, while also being energy efficient, traditional wooden doors with glass panels are a terrific choice for creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. This feature is particularly desirable for those who enjoy entertaining or simply want to enjoy a seamless connection to their gardens or patios.
Having said that, advancements in door technology mean that today’s traditional door design is more energy-efficient than ever. Features like double-glazing, weather stripping, and improved framing materials help in maintaining indoor temperatures and reducing energy costs in general.
Another great traditional door style is the stable or the so-called Dutch door. This design allows you to open the top and bottom separately. Stable doors are a centuries-old design common to rural homes, particularly cottages. The top of the door could be opened to let fresh air into the home without letting animals or kids inside. Additionally, it would prevent dirt from a farmyard from drifting into the kitchen. The Dutch design is perhaps the most common option for rural homes, particularly for a kitchen door that opens to the exterior.
The Right Size
It's also important to consider the size while upgrading or installing new internal doors. Understanding your internal door sizes and any restrictions to your entryways will help you filter out inappropriate solutions and find the one that best works for you.
In Australia, 820mm wide by 2040mm high is the most common standard size. However, many contemporary homes have larger entrances, measuring 2340mm, therefore this is quickly becoming the standard size for many ranges. Manufacturers and dealers may also refer to this door size in inches in their listings or descriptions. However, a lot of manufacturers provide unique measurements so that their clients can have the style in the right size.
Finishes
The amount of time and money you're willing to invest in the process will determine the finish you choose for your new door. Primed doors are prepared with a coating that helps the stain or paint stick better by sealing the wood.
A stained door enhances the natural wood pattern and creates an even colour tone, allowing the natural wood to shine through. Stains come in a variety of shades from lights, such as honey maple or white oak, to darks, like black or espresso.
Prefinished doors are completed at the factory and prepared for installation. These have been stained or painted with precut doorknob holes and hinge screw holes. All you need to do is install it.
Compared to prefinished doors, unfinished ones are a blank canvas and need more work. They're not painted or stained, just presanded.
Material Selection
The material selection will vary from property to property depending on the homeowners' needs, tastes, and other ever-changing factors. There are numerous species of wood, each with unique characteristics and appearances. Oak is one of the greatest materials for interior doors because of its ability to insulate against heat and sound. Oak is a very long-lasting hardwood, making it an excellent choice for busy houses, dog-owning households, and homes with small children.
The material's capacity to provide security, robustness, and weather resistance makes timber doors a popular choice as well. Its superiority in terms of sound and heat insulation is renowned.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) doors, on the other hand, are durable, as well as water- and fire-resistant. Moreover, they come in a variety of colours to enhance any décor.
Aluminium and glass doors are valuable choices for those who want practical and cost-effective solutions. Still, in terms of style and appearance, nothing beats the wood alternatives.