Folding interior doors - a compact solution in the interior

Folding interior doors - a compact solution in the interior. They serve to delimit the space and give the design of the room a complete look. These designs are unique, have a number of features and stand out favorably against the background of classical analogs.

The main feature of folding interior doors is their compactness. They are relevant in different spaces, and especially in small-sized premises. In this case, the choice of compact doors will be an excellent solution for interior decoration. If the classic door for opening requires about 1 meter of space, a folding variety is enough 8 - 10 cm (this is the minimum width of the lamella).

Folding interior doors have advantages:

• Large selection of raw materials used in the production. Because of this, you can choose the perfect door in style, which will emphasize the individuality of the apartment interior.
• Easy installation. This design can be used for openings of non-standard sizes.

• Security. They do not slam down from the draft, and the lack of a nut on the floor eliminates the possibility of a fall.
• The variety of textures. They differ in the texture of the surface, which can be glossy, matte, smooth, embossed.

The folding design of these doors is not perfect:

• The disadvantage of this type of door may be a certain fragility of fittings. They are not recommended to be established in places with big passability, and also as input.
• The gaps between the canvas and the floor will not allow to achieve good sound and heat insulation. This deficiency can be partially eliminated by using seals.

On the modern market there are two main types of folding interior doors:

• door-accordion;
• door-books.

Each species has its own characteristics:

• Doors-harmonicas represent an unlimited set of sections, folding on the side of the doorway. Lamels are 8 cm in size and are connected to each other through loops. The design is similar to the vertical blinds, gathering accordion. This type of door is suitable for any openings.

• Doors-books - analogues with a different opening system. They consist of two sections, so you will need more space to open them. Sash in such models can be symmetrical or of different sizes, which allows to achieve the desired visual effect. Folding panels are interconnected by a powerful canopy. More solid and durable design of these doors is suitable for the design of the doorway in a classic style.

Both models of folding doors can be single and double, folding in both directions.

The raw materials of which folding interior doors are made are varied:

The most reliable material is wood. Such models are made from tree species of different varieties: conifers, as well as beech and ash. These doors have a presentable appearance, they are environmentally friendly, reliable and durable.The disadvantages of wood are high sensitivity to moisture and high price.

The line of quality materials includes furniture board (chipboard). It is made by gluing and pressing waste wood production. Since formaldehyde resins are used as a binding element, it is recommended to install only laminated doors from this raw material in the dwelling. Wrapping film is of high quality performance and seamless technology. Such material is not afraid of moisture, but it is more difficult to install and fix accessories.

MDF made from wood chips, which are pressed under the action of high temperature, is very popular. The binding components are wood resin and paraffin.

There are several options for processing MDF:

• PVC film;
• enamel;

• veneer;
• solid wood.

Such a variety of textures makes it possible to choose a door for every taste.

Installing plastic folding doors has several advantages, among which are particularly important:

• high noise and heat insulation;
• moisture resistance;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• low price.

The door of this material is in harmony with plastic windows. However, when choosing such a construction it is necessary to remember that indoors with these doors a stuffy atmosphere can be created. Plastic can not be called durable material.

Making interior door, you can opt for glass double doors. Folds can be mirrored, transparent or frosted. When choosing this material, it is important to pay attention to tempered glass or triplex. If the door is broken, in the first case the fragments will have even rounded edges, in the second they will remain on a special film. This will help avoid injuries and make cleaning easier.

Installing a folding interior door does not take much time, it is a relatively easy and quick process. The design of the folding type is a set of sections-canvases and the mechanism itself - parts for installation.Let us analyze the installation process on the example of a system of two canvases.

The kit includes:

• door leaf;
• guide;
• blade holder;
• hidden loop;

• stopper;
• upper and lower pivot points;
• side fixing panel;
• side lock panel;
• videos;
• screws.

First install the side locking panel on the side in which the door will open. The lock panel is attached to the opposite side using stoppers. On the upper part of the section put the blade holder, pivotal hinges and rollers (according to the instructions). The panels are fastened together by hidden loops. The guide rail is fastened upward of the opening and the ready-made door leaf is inserted into it. On the fixing panels fasten the side rails.

Finishing the installation, transfer the door to the closed position and mark the place for the lock. If you wish, you can close the visible part of the opening with passages and install the trim. If you carry out the installation carefully, the result will meet the expectations and will look professional.

The installation system does not seem complicated, although there are a number of nuances that should be considered:

• it is better to choose steel or aluminum guides: these materials are the most durable and less susceptible to deformation;
• rollers should be rubberized and on bearings: this will ensure easy sliding, will eliminate unpleasant sounds;
• silent operation of the mechanism contributes to the regular lubrication of all parts (especially hidden hinges, which are responsible for folding the valves in half);

• during installation it must be remembered that the upper and lower hinges should be at the same level, the distance between the doors of the door leaf should be minimally reduced;
• if a folding door is used as a partition, the installation of an additional bottom rail is recommended: this design, as a rule, is large, so the additional rail will be the support and reliable fastening of the sliding sections;
• If the design contains an insert with glass, you need to take care of additional clamps.

Modern manufacturing techniques of folding interior doors allow you to create interesting models by combining various materials. Often, manufacturers complement sections with all kinds of inserts, which makes the door an independent element of room decor. Folding designs save room space. If you add an insert with a mirror to such a door, this will visually expand the boundaries of the room. Having established a mirror surface opposite to a window, it is possible to let in more room of light. You can use mirrors of different types: normal, bronze or gray.

If the choice fell on a glass door, it can be decorated with sandblasted pattern. This technology is a glass processing abrasive substance. Using different algorithms in the work, you can achieve a different pattern: smooth, embossed or colored. The finished element is covered with a protective varnish that protects the image from dirt.

Another decor option is stained glass. It is made by cutting glass, different in shape and color, then collected. Depending on the manufacturing technique, there are several types of stained glass:

• Classical - glass elements are interconnected by a metal profile and sealed joints;

• Tiffany - the edge of the glass is wrapped with copper foil with a sticky layer and soldered along it (this allows using smaller parts in the work);
• Fusing - method of sintering at high temperatures: the contour of the image on such a stained glass window is blurred, since in the furnace different glass elements are melted and mixed together.

For a decor of a glass door use photo printing. The technology is quite simple: the image is applied by UV printing with special inks. The advantage of this decor is the possibility of applying to the surface of any pattern (from landscapes to photos of family members).

Deserve attention and decorative lattice. In addition to simple decoration, they contribute to filling the room with air. Such lattices are of two types: louvered and with a pattern. Lattices with a pattern are mostly made using a substrate of steel or brass, painted in the desired color. Material production is often plastic, less metal.The decorative lattice of wood is almost impossible to find, they are made to order, they are very expensive. It is possible to purchase this design with an integrated valve (sound absorber).

Thanks to a wide range of decorative methods of door leaf, everyone can choose the option that is suitable for the price and corresponding to the interior of the apartment. Moreover, the choice is so diverse that it allows you to purchase a design to match the existing furniture or individual furnishings.

Dimensions of folding doors are varied. There are certain recommendations for the size due to the characteristics of the device.

Doors-accordion consists of a set of sections, the number of which can be changed to achieve the required size. Usually one lamella in width is 8 - 20 cm. The most common type is 15 cm, the others are less common. The height of such a door varies from 220 to 230 cm. The total width of the leaf is from 50 cm (minimum size) to 600 cm (maximum).

If the door is a partition, the height and width may be larger. It is necessary to install an additional guide to ensure the stability of the structure.When installing door leaves of non-standard sizes, you need to take a responsible approach to the choice of material. From this will depend on the strength and reliability.

Doors-books differ in their size requirements. Dimensional mesh depends on the material of manufacture.

Consider the size range on the example of wooden (most heavy) and plastic folding (maximum light) doors:

• The total width of the structure of wood should not exceed 300 cm, the height varies from 80 to 300 cm. One leaf in length usually varies from 44 to 120 cm.
• Plastic products in width do not exceed 250 cm, the height range is from 64 to 240 cm. One section has a size of 49 - 94 cm in width.

When choosing a door-book, you must pay special attention to the quality of fittings. The weight of each of the two canvases exceeds the weight of one section in the accordion door. Therefore, the service life of the product will directly depend on the mechanism.

It is necessary to approach the choice of folding interroom doors thoroughly, considering a number of features. This type of construction does not provide for intensive use, so they are not suitable for rooms with high maneuverability:

• Doors have poor sound insulation, therefore it is not recommended to install them in bedrooms. If there is no other alternative, the choice is better to stop on wooden models, using additional seals.

• Plastic doors are ideal for the pantry. This material is unpretentious, easy to clean. But he misses the air, which can be a problem in residential areas, although in the back rooms it does not matter.

• When choosing a model for the kitchen, it is worth considering the fact that wood is subject to negative environmental influences: it absorbs moisture and unpleasant odors. If the room is not installed a good hood, you should pay attention to other materials.

• The opaque tempered glass processed by special structure preventing emergence of spots and handprints perfectly will be suitable for the kitchen room.

Folding interior doors receive good reviews.Their undoubted advantage is the possibility of saving space. People who have installed this type of door mark their indispensability in small apartments. A large selection of decor is another plus. Buyers pay attention to the variety of materials and finishes, which helps to emphasize the individuality of the interior.

The downside of these designs, customers consider low noise insulation and short service life. People who are thinking about the choice of such doors are concerned with the fragility of the structure. To avoid possible problems, they try to choose high-quality components and a trusted manufacturer. Some reviews suggest the need for additional insulation when purchasing components of the structure. Comments indicate that the choice of models should be well thought out: this way you can avoid negative consequences, enjoying the beautiful view, convenience and high-quality design of the doors.

In modern apartments, functionality, convenience and originality of design is appreciated.

Folding doors provide ample opportunities in the design of the room:

• The sensation of lightness and zero gravity of the interior is emphasized by glass doors. Choosing a canvas with a pattern or photo printing, you can create an independent and unique accent decor. Stained-glass windows reflect the refinement of style and act as a bright accent. Matte door is suitable for modern high-tech styles and minimalism.

• Door leaf made of wood is a classic. A folding door in bright colors will not look cumbersome in a small room, although it will create a feeling of solidity and tradition. By combining wood and glass, you can visually lighten the design and let more light into the room.

• Mirror models are perfect for installation in the dressing room. They will visually increase the area and eliminate the need for additional installation of the mirror.

• For the pantry or kitchen are good plastic doors. A rich choice of colors and textures will allow you to harmoniously fit the door leaf into the interior. Due to the qualitative characteristics of the material, such doors can be installed even in the bathroom.

• Often for the separation of the premises choose folding partitions. They will successfully fit into the interior, made in ethnic style.Natural materials from which partitions can be made will help to create a feeling of comfort and naturalness. Leather, cloth, bamboo and rattan will create an atmosphere of identity and exclusivity in the room.

  Folding interior doors - an excellent choice in a limited space. Different materials from which they are made, provide an opportunity to purchase a high-quality, comfortable and beautiful model. Undoubtedly, this door will be a good solution in the interior design of the apartment.

You will learn about the mechanism of the folding interior door from the following video.