Interior Doors Basics

Give your customers the interior doors basics they need to design the perfect home

By L. Newton
From the wall colors to the interior doors, every detail contributes to a home’s personality. There are several choices and styles when it comes to designing the interior of a home. Many home builders put much focus on construction details. Interior designers focus more on furnishings. People often overlook details such as interior doors. However, they have a big effect on the look of a home. Therefore, give closer attention to the interior doors that you add to your remodeling or new home construction. Learn more about interior doors basics.

Interior doors come in a variety of styles and also have a variety of uses. Some doors are simply decorative while others serve a major purpose of privacy. Interior doors open several different ways. Interior door manufacturers also use several different materials and colors to create customized doors. When thinking about which type of door will work best in your construction or home designing job, consider the following interior doors basics:

1. What purpose will the interior doors serve?

2. Which type of interior doors opening is most convenient for the location?

3. What type of material and color of interior doors will compliment the rooms best?

 

Consider folding interior doors to save space in small areas

Many prefer folding doors for small area openings. Closets, pantries, and storage rooms are within other rooms. When opened, standard pull open doors take up space in these rooms. This causes problems when doors open into beds, stoves, washers, dryers, and other home furnishings. Use a folding door to save space. Folding doors open into smaller sections than solid standard pull open doors. Purchase these doors in bi-fold and tri-fold. Buy these interior doors direct from the manufacture for savings.
Try: Bob Vila offers information about various types of interior doors. Builders Door Outlet also details the different types of interior doors.

Use standard solid front interior doors for more privacy

Bedrooms and bathrooms are areas where one desires a door for privacy. The interior door pick for these rooms are standard panel doors. Choose doors with a solid front for rooms of privacy. These doors are typically flat front or panel front. Panel interior doors are more decorative than flat front doors. The material most commonly used for standard interior doors is wood. Some prefer a stained wood look while others choose to paint their doors. Look for companies that sell wholesale interior doors.
Try: Learn more about folding interior doors from Interior Doors. Construction Index also gives information about interior doors that fold.

Select decorative glass interior doors when using privacy is not a concern

Interior doors that are in wide view of visitors and do not require a lot of privacy can have decorative glass and trimmings. These doors include entrances to sunrooms and dining rooms. People using these doors want less of a division between the two rooms and prefer a more open effect with the option of separation. Decorative glass doors come in a variety of opening styles. Many are double-pull open doors. Some open by folding and others open by sliding. These doors are typically the most expensive. Look for this style of interior door wholesale.
Try: HGTV discusses decorative style interior doors. Simpson Doors shows a variety of decorative interior glass doors, interior French doors, and custom interior doors.

 

  • When helping your clients determine the type of doors interior to the home, also discuss the type of lock that needs to be on the door. Rooms that need security should not have bi-fold or tri-fold doors. Standard one-piece doors offer the best locking options.