How to choose between bi-folding and sliding doors

When you invest in premium quality solutions for your home, you want them to be perfect. And for things to be perfect, you need to spend some time absorbing different ideas. Perhaps you head to a few trade shows or binge episodes of Grand Designs? However you find inspiration it’s easy to become overwhelmed as well as excited.

Take bifold and sliding doors for example. As two of the biggest interior trends of the last few years, there’s no escaping their influence on the world of design. And because there’s such a wide range, it can be hard to pinpoint the ones that are right for you. So to help you find your dream doors, we’ve put together this super-handy guide.

What are bifold doors?

Sometimes referred to as ‘folding sliding doors’, bifold doors are a fantastic way to open up an entire wall of your home. Formed of multiple, hinged panels that concertina together, they open up to 90%, perfect if you want to maximise space or let in some extra light.

What are the pros and cons of bifold doors?

When it comes to the design of your bifold doors, there’s plenty to choose from. Popular choices include hardwearing and thermally efficient aluminium or strong durable timber. But bifold doors can be made to any specification, so they’re ideal if you have a particular aesthetic in mind.

Bifold doors should also be the choice for those wanting complete flexibility within their living space, while still creating a flow from inside the home to the outdoors. Because they only need to open up part-way, pets and little ones can head out into the garden with no fuss.

While bifold doors can help to blend the outdoors with the indoors, the frames mean you may miss out on a full view of your garden. And continually having to slide doors open may not be to everyone’s taste.

What are sliding doors?

The choice for trendsetters, sliding doors are the sleek, modern doors we often see adorning the pages of interior magazines.

Sliding doors open up by sliding panels to one or both sides, with the panes fitting behind each other on tracks. You can’t open them fully, but when closed they offer the wider panes allow you to indulge in unbroken views of your garden and beyond.

What are the pros and cons of sliding doors?

Sliding doors have a slimmer frame than bifold doors, offering you a sleeker look and minimal sightlines. If you want to host late night dinners or thriving bonfire parties, sliding doors are sure to tick every box for your needs.

However, sliding doors are modern in style and such a contemporary look may not suit every style of property. They aren’t able to fully open like bifold doors - and that glass won’t clean itself!

Support to make the right decision

We understand that nothing beats getting up close and personal with your product options, so why not chat with one of our super-smart experts? They can talk you through different options that suit your lifestyle and arrange for you to see the products in real life. Get in touch today and get a little closer to your dream home.