A Homeowner’s Guide to Interior Doors and Accessories
Interior doors serve an important role in both the functionality and design of your home. They provide privacy, help manage sound, and contribute to the overall aesthetic of each room. Choosing the right type of interior door involves considering the material, style, and how the door will be used.
This article explores various types of interior doors, their uses, and the associated accessories needed to create a cohesive and functional interior door system.
Types of Interior Doors
1. Panel Doors
Panel doors are among the most common and traditional types of interior doors. They feature panels set within the doorframe, which can range from two to eight or more panels. These doors can be either solid or hollow core.
Uses:
Bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways
Closet doors
Benefits:
Available in both solid and hollow core options
Can be customized with different panel layouts and finishes
Provides a classic, versatile look
Considerations:
Solid-core panel doors offer better sound insulation and durability compared to hollow-core doors. Hollow-core doors are more affordable but provide less soundproofing and strength.
2. Flush Doors
Flush doors have a smooth, flat surface without any paneling or decorative elements. They are a simple and affordable option, often found in modern or minimalist homes.
Uses:
Closets and laundry rooms
Bedrooms and bathrooms in modern homes
Benefits:
Minimalist design that fits modern interiors
Affordable and easy to install
Available in solid or hollow core options
Considerations:
Flush doors are typically less decorative and may not provide the same visual appeal as panel or French doors. Hollow-core flush doors offer limited soundproofing and durability.
3. French Doors
French doors consist of two doors with glass panels running the length of the door. They are often used to separate rooms or provide an open, airy feel between living spaces.
Uses:
Between living rooms and dining rooms
Home offices or sunrooms
Benefits:
Allows light to pass through, brightening rooms
Provides a classic, elegant look
Can be used to create an open Floor Plan or closed-off space when needed
Considerations:
French doors offer less privacy and sound control due to the large glass panels. For added privacy, homeowners can choose frosted or Tinted Glass options.
4. Pocket Doors
Pocket doors slide into the wall, making them an excellent space-saving solution for smaller rooms or areas with limited space for a swinging door.
Uses:
Bathrooms and closets
Laundry rooms and small spaces
Benefits:
Space-saving design
Ideal for small or awkward spaces
Provides a clean, modern look
Considerations:
Pocket doors require a special track system inside the wall, making installation more complex. Repairs can also be more difficult since the door is concealed within the wall.
5. Barn Doors
Barn doors are a popular interior design trend, featuring a large door that slides along a track mounted above the doorframe. They add a rustic or industrial touch to any room.
Uses:
Bedrooms and living rooms
Closets or Pantry doors
Benefits:
Adds visual interest and a rustic or industrial feel
Saves space compared to traditional swinging doors
Available in various materials and finishes
Considerations:
Barn doors do not seal as tightly as traditional doors, which may impact privacy and sound control. The hardware and installation can also be more expensive than standard doors.
6. Bifold Doors
Bifold doors are made up of two panels that fold together when opened. They are often used in closets or laundry rooms where a full-swing door would take up too much space.
Uses:
Closets, pantries, and laundry rooms
Room dividers in open spaces
Benefits:
Space-saving design for narrow areas
Easy to install and operate
Available in a variety of styles and finishes
Considerations:
Bifold doors are typically less durable than traditional hinged doors and may not provide as much privacy or soundproofing.
Interior Door Materials
1. Solid Wood
Solid wood doors are made from natural wood and offer the highest level of durability, insulation, and soundproofing. They can be stained or painted to match any decor style.
Uses:
Bedrooms, living rooms, and other high-traffic areas
Home offices for better sound control
Benefits:
Strong, durable, and long-lasting
Excellent soundproofing and insulation properties
Can be customized with stains and finishes
Considerations:
Solid wood doors are more expensive than hollow-core or MDF options. They are also heavier, requiring stronger Hinges and hardware for proper installation.
2. Hollow Core
Hollow-core doors are lightweight and constructed with a wood or fiberboard frame filled with cardboard or other lightweight materials. They are an affordable option for interior doors.
Uses:
Closets, bedrooms, and bathrooms in budget-conscious homes
Less-used areas of the home
Benefits:
Inexpensive and lightweight
Easy to install and replace
Available in a variety of styles
Considerations:
Hollow-core doors are less durable and provide minimal soundproofing. They can be easily damaged and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas.
3. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
MDF doors are made from Engineered Wood fibers and provide a smooth, uniform surface. They are often used in modern homes and are a popular option for painted doors.
Uses:
Interior doors throughout the home
Painted or finished doors for a modern look
Benefits:
Smooth surface ideal for painting
Less expensive than solid wood
Resistant to warping and cracking
Considerations:
MDF doors are not as durable as solid wood and can be prone to damage from moisture or impact. They do not provide as much soundproofing as solid wood doors.
Interior Door Accessories
1. Door Handles and Knobs
Door handles and knobs are essential accessories that come in various styles and finishes, allowing homeowners to match their door hardware with their overall interior design.
Uses:
Bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets
Available in locking and non-locking options
Benefits:
Available in a wide range of styles, including traditional, modern, and vintage
Different finishes like brass, nickel, or matte black to match any decor
Considerations:
Choose durable materials for handles and knobs, especially in high-traffic areas. Handles with locks are ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms where privacy is needed.
2. Hinges
Hinges are crucial for attaching the door to the frame and ensuring smooth operation. They come in various sizes and finishes to match your door’s design.
Uses:
Used to attach the door to the doorframe
Available in different finishes to match door hardware
Benefits:
Provides support and stability for the door
Available in different finishes to complement door hardware
Considerations:
For heavier doors, such as solid wood or barn doors, consider using larger or more durable hinges to prevent sagging. Regular maintenance is needed to ensure smooth operation.
3. Door Stops
Door stops prevent the door from hitting the wall or furniture when opened. They are available in various designs, including floor-mounted, wall-mounted, and hinge-mounted options.
Uses:
Prevents damage to walls or furniture
Installed behind the door or on the floor
Benefits:
Protects walls and doors from damage
Easy to install and replace
Considerations:
Choose a Door Stop that matches your interior decor and provides adequate protection for both the door and the wall.
4. Soft-Close Hinges
Soft-close hinges are a popular upgrade for interior doors. These hinges slow the door’s closing motion, preventing it from slamming shut.
Uses:
Bedrooms, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas
Ideal for homes with children or noise sensitivity
Benefits:
Prevents doors from slamming shut
Reduces noise and wear on doors
Considerations:
Soft-close hinges are more expensive than standard hinges and may require professional installation.
5. Sliding Door Tracks
For pocket and barn doors, sliding door tracks are necessary to ensure smooth operation. Tracks can be installed in the wall (for pocket doors) or mounted above the door (for barn doors).
Uses:
Allows doors to slide open and closed
Essential for pocket and barn doors
Benefits:
Space-saving solution for small rooms
Adds a modern or rustic element to the room
Considerations:
Track systems need to be installed correctly to avoid misalignment and noise issues. High-quality tracks ensure smooth and quiet operation.
Further Reading
Wrap-Up
Choosing the right interior doors enhances the flow, style, and functionality of your home. From classic panel doors to modern barn doors, when rebuilding your home each style offers different benefits at different price points. In addition, proper installation and maintenance is part of a larger plan to keep your home safe, secure and attractive for years to come.