Choosing doors wisely: a designer's guide
Before purchasing interior doors, determine these key parameters to avoid future issues.
First: door slab – flush or panelled/glazed.
Naturally, much depends on the chosen interior style. For a classic interior, doors will harmonize with the rest of the decor – featuring panels, delicate mouldings, and stained glass. Such doors are works of art in their own right, so order only from specialists and do not be lured by low prices (quality craftsmanship cannot come cheap).
For minimalist, modern interiors, flush door slabs are preferred – sleek, without ornamentation, but with an intriguing texture. Concealed doors are particularly relevant (more on them below). It is also worth noting that this design offers better sound insulation.
Second: single or double doors
Single doors are self-explanatory. As for double doors, they are an excellent choice for entering a spacious living room (imagine how grand and stately such an entrance looks).
Most often, such doors feature glass or stained-glass inserts, allowing more natural light through and creating a lighter, more airy feel.
Third: choosing the color
White doors remain at the peak of popularity. Nearly every door manufacturer offers white models, ensuring you will find the perfect match for your interior. Moreover, they seamlessly suit both classic spaces and minimalist studios.
Another trendy option is vibrant, colorful doors.
These can correct architectural imperfections, make a room feel visually larger, or quickly revitalize a mundane setting with a striking accent.
Fourth: selecting materials
Naturally, natural wood will always stay in demand and remain one of the most desirable materials for doors. Alternatives like veneer and MDF also stay highly sought-after across various interiors. Glass doors look remarkably stylish and natural in many settings. Another fresh option that has become a trend in 2020 is porcelain stoneware slabs. These 'stone' doors may not suit every interior, but they make a powerful visual statement.
Fifth: door construction
Functionally, all interior doors can be divided into hinged (swing) and sliding.
Hinged doors come in two main types: concealed (frameless) and framed (with casings). The latter are the classic, familiar option, installed after the finishing works are complete.
Concealed doors feature no visible frame, casing, or hinges (everything is hidden). Such structures must be installed in the early stages of renovation. It is crucial to choose the supplier and door models in advance to know the exact dimensions and prepare the opening.
Most importantly, because these doors lack casings, their shape can be virtually anything – from 3-meter floor-to-ceiling heights to beveled, low designs tailored for under-stair spaces.
Concealed door slabs can come with factory finishes or be decorated on-site (to make the door virtually invisible, it can be painted the same color as the wall, wallpapered, adorned with mouldings, etc.).
As promised, here is a list of local door showrooms that our team frequently works with:
"Gorod Masterov", "Stalnaya Liniya", InDoors, "Novyy Gorod", Doors, "Gipprofi"
These are the five key aspects you should address either with your designer or independently before investing in interior doors.
