Trend Inspiration: Internal Door Styles In 2020

The perfect internal door for your home should be able to play its part in controlling unnecessary noise and offering the required privacy. It should also be fully functional and blend in well with the home design. Your visitors literally walk through the door, making it the first thing that they notice. Make sure you choose a door that creates a lasting first impression and offers a strikingly prominent visual appeal.

Popular Internal Door Trends and Styles

Internal doors are no longer just functional barriers; they are architectural statements. Whether you are renovating a Victorian terrace or fitting out a modern apartment, the choice of door style, material, and hardware dictates the flow and feel of your living space.

Fire Doors: Safety Meets Sophistication

It's common for anyone to assume that fire doors only exist to save your life in the events of a fire breakout. This isn't entirely true. While fire doors can withstand fires and a considerable amount of heat by expanding after reaching a specific temperature, they don't compromise on aesthetics and style. When chosen strategically, a fire door strikes the right balance between visual appeal and functionality.

In the UK, domestic fire doors are typically rated as FD30 (providing 30 minutes of fire resistance) or FD60 (60 minutes). These doors are significantly thicker than standard internal doors—usually 44mm or 54mm compared to the standard 35mm. Just like standard doors, fire doors also offer room for customization. Besides choosing between multiple wind-load ratings, finishes, motor operations, and resistance times, you can match the door with the door hinges of your choice too! It is essential to use CE-marked, fire-rated hinges to ensure the door maintains its integrity during a fire.

French Doors: Timeless Elegance

French doors refer to a pair of identical doors that go side by side but open outwards. These doors are mostly installed towards the back of the house to open up a spacious route into the outdoor garden or yard. But French doors aren't the same as patio doors because unlike patio doors, French doors don't slide. French doors are an ideal door option for your living space, especially if you want to let more sunlight in. They offer a generous opening for the wind to pass through.

You can use them to create a separation between two rooms, especially between the kitchen and dining room, without overspending. They also offer a timeless architectural appeal like no other and give your house a sense of spaciousness. When installing internal French doors, the choice of internal door hinges is critical to ensure the weight of the glass panes is supported without sagging over time.

Bi-fold and Sliding Doors: Space-Saving Solutions

Bi-fold doors are also known as folding doors and sliding doors. Although you usually see bi-fold doors outside patios, they can be used for both internal and outdoor purposes. You can install them inside the house to optimize confined living spaces. Additionally, installing them outside helps you bring the outdoor view inside.

Bi-fold doors comprise a series of panels that fold up against the wall. Other than patios, sliding doors also work well for the pantries, closets, and behind curtains and draperies. The best way to install a bi-fold or sliding door is to opt for a sliding door kit. It offers generous room for customization when it comes to both design and functionality, and makes the installation process more convenient. Décor and Décor sources internal sliding door kits from the top manufacturers in London and ships them to you. We also deal in other components of internal doors, including premium and high-end door hinges.

Technical Specifications: Understanding Door Construction

When selecting internal doors, understanding the internal construction is vital for longevity and performance. There are three primary types of door cores used in UK homes:

• Hollow Core: These consist of a timber frame with a cellular "honeycomb" paper filling, finished with a veneer or plywood skin. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to install, but offer minimal sound insulation.
• Solid Core: These feature a solid centre made of particleboard, MDF, or laminated timber. They provide excellent sound dampening and a "heavy" feel similar to solid wood.
• Solid Timber: Constructed entirely from natural wood (such as Oak, Pine, or Walnut). These are the most durable and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades.

Standard UK Door Sizes

Before purchasing, it is essential to measure your door frame accurately. Standard UK internal door heights are usually 1981mm (6'6"). Common widths include:

• 610mm (24"): Often used for small cupboards or ensuite bathrooms.
• 686mm (27"): A common size for smaller rooms in older properties.
• 762mm (30"): The most standard width for internal doors in the UK.
• 838mm (33"): The standard width required for wheelchair access (Part M of Building Regulations).

The Importance of High-Quality Hardware

The functionality of any door is only as good as the hardware supporting it. For internal doors, the hinges are the most hard-working component. Standard internal doors typically require two 75mm (3 inch) hinges. However, for heavier solid wood doors or fire doors, three 100mm (4 inch) internal door hinges are recommended to prevent warping and ensure smooth operation.

For modern interiors, the "hidden" or "concealed" hinge is becoming increasingly popular. These are mortised into the door and frame so they are invisible when the door is closed, providing a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Alternatively, ball-bearing hinges offer the smoothest operation for doors that see high traffic, such as the living room or kitchen.

Internal Sliding Door Systems

Sliding doors have evolved from simple "pocket doors" to architectural features. Using an internal sliding door kit, homeowners can convert standard door openings into sliding systems. This is particularly useful in "broken-plan" living, where you may want to close off a home office or playroom without the "swing space" required by a traditional door.

A standard sliding door kit typically includes:

• An aluminium or steel track.
• Hangers with nylon rollers for silent movement.
• Floor guides to prevent the door from swinging.
• Door stops to limit the travel distance.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Internal Door

Selecting the right door involves more than just picking a style. Follow these steps to ensure a perfect fit:

1. Measure the Opening

Measure the width and height at three different points (top, middle, and bottom). Use the largest measurement for the height and the widest measurement for the width. Also, check the "squareness" of the frame by measuring the diagonals.

2. Consider the Environment

For bathrooms and kitchens, ensure the door is moisture-resistant. For bedrooms and home offices, prioritise solid core doors for better acoustic insulation. If the door leads to a garage or a kitchen in a multi-storey house, check if a fire-rated door is a legal requirement under UK Building Regulations.

3. Choose Your Finish

• Pre-finished: These come factory-painted or varnished, ready to hang immediately.
• Primed: These have a base coat applied and are ready for you to paint in your chosen colour.
• Unfinished: Raw timber that requires sanding, priming, and finishing. This offers the most customisation but requires the most labour.

4. Select Matching Hardware

Ensure your door hinges match the finish of your door handles or knobs (e.g., satin chrome, polished brass, or matt black) to maintain a cohesive design language throughout the home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Door Weight: Buying lightweight hinges for a heavy solid oak door will lead to the door dropping, causing it to rub against the floor or frame. Always check the weight capacity of your internal door hinges.
• Incorrect Trimming: Most doors have a "trimming allowance" (usually 6mm to 10mm per side). Trimming beyond this can compromise the structural integrity of the door, especially on hollow-core models.
• Forgetting the Floor Clearance: When measuring, account for the thickness of your flooring (carpet, laminate, or tile). Failing to do so may mean the door needs to be removed and trimmed after the flooring is installed.
• Mixing Fire Door Components: If you are installing a fire door, you must use fire-rated hardware. Using standard hinges on a fire door invalidates its safety rating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many hinges do I need for an internal door?

For standard, lightweight internal doors, two hinges are usually sufficient. However, for doors over 20kg, solid wood doors, or fire doors, three hinges are required to prevent warping and ensure safety.

2. Can I turn any door into a sliding door?

Most standard internal doors can be converted into sliding doors using a sliding door kit. However, you must ensure the door is wide enough to cover the entire opening with a slight overlap on both sides.

3. What is the difference between a fire door and a normal door?

Fire doors are thicker (usually 44mm+), heavier, and constructed with fire-resistant materials. They are designed to withstand heat and smoke for a specific period (FD30 or FD60). Standard doors are typically 35mm thick and offer no certified fire resistance.

4. Do I need a professional to install a sliding door kit?

While a competent DIY enthusiast can install a sliding door kit, it requires precision to ensure the track is perfectly level. If the track is not level, the door may slide open or closed on its own.

Conclusion

Choosing the right internal door is a balance of aesthetics, safety, and practical engineering. From the robust protection of fire doors to the space-saving ingenuity of sliding systems, your choice impacts the daily functionality of your home. Remember that the "hidden" details—such as choosing the correct door hinges and using a high-quality sliding door kit—are what truly define the longevity of your installation.

At Décor and Décor, we specialise in providing the high-quality hardware that brings your interior vision to life. Whether you are looking for premium internal door hinges or robust sliding solutions, our curated collection ensures your doors perform as beautifully as they look.

Ready to upgrade your home? Browse our full range of door hardware and sliding kits today to find the perfect finishing touch for your project.