Doors not only provide security and privacy but also serve various functions: for example, they can offer thermal insulation, soundproofing, and even be impact-resistant and fireproof, while significantly contributing to the overall style of an interior. If you are planning to build or renovate a home, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different types of doors early on. In this guide, we will introduce you to the most important types of doors so that you can make an informed choice for your home based on the pros and cons of each type.
Different types of doors vary not only in appearance, materials, and shapes but also in how they open. Here, you can learn which types of doors are suitable for your home.
A Variety of Interior Doors
You can choose from a wide range of door models for indoor use. The most common types are hinged doors, sliding doors, and bi-fold doors. The most common materials for interior doors are wood, glass, and WPC (wood-plastic composite). In addition to standard models, there are also soundproof doors, smoke and fire-resistant doors, or impact-resistant doors.
The materials and colors of interior doors, along with their size, appearance, and shape, greatly influence the overall look of a room. Room doors are essentially no different from exterior entry doors. Practical single-panel room doors are typically installed in buildings, but there are also other types of interior doors. If you want a room to look representative, consider French doors with two panels or large sliding doors with glass elements. These sliding doors can also serve as room dividers, such as pocket doors or barn doors. Decorative elements like framed panels, glass inserts, and integrated LED lights can enhance the aesthetics of interior doors. Of course, if you want a seamless design with the walls, hidden doors can meet your needs.
How to Differentiate Door Types?
Door types are categorized based on different criteria, primarily divided into exterior and interior doors. More differentiated options become apparent:
- Applicable Locations
- Materials
- Functions
The materials used to manufacture a door significantly affect its appearance. Door types are also classified based on their materials:Wooden Doors
- Glass Doors
- WPC Composite Doors
- Metal Doors (e.g., wrought iron glass doors, forged iron doors)
Elegant Pivot Doors
Pivot doors are connected to the upper wall and floor by vertical hinges and rotate around a “pivot.” You open these doors by gripping the handle; they swing around the hinge point. Due to this design, such doors are also known as rotating doors. Locks and handles are usually installed on the side opposite the hinges, allowing you to open pivot doors both inward and outward. You can customize pivot doors in various configurations and sizes from door manufacturers based on your room layout and family movement patterns or overall interior decor style. If possible, purchasing doors from China can yield great value.
By the way: Pivot front doors are perfect for wide entrances; they are sturdy enough to withstand weather conditions while sealing the entrance against drafts and odors. Their elegant, unique style is ideal for creating a distinctive entrance or as a pivot shower door.
Space-Saving Sliding Doors
If your space is limited or you need an elegant solution for wide wall openings, Grandsea strongly recommends using sliding doors. Sliding doors can be made of wood or glass and come with one or two movable panels; fixed components can also be an option. Sliding doors do not always seal rooms tightly because there may still be gaps between the walls or frames and the panels or door leaves. However, they are practical enough to effectively block kitchen smoke or dust. Sliding doors can also serve as room dividers like barn doors. In our guide, we showcase the different features and detailed configurations of sliding doors.
Sliding doors connect interior spaces in a space-saving manner.
Some sliding door designs feature rollers at the top and tracks at the bottom; this is a common design for patio sliding doors—Grandsea continually enhances manufacturing techniques to achieve flush sliding door designs that minimize tripping hazards when family members enter and exit. Some complex sliding door models only require top-mounted sliding hardware; this is what barn doors utilize. The top roller track can even be mounted on walls, ceilings, or lintels, meaning that when using sliding doors, they can visibly move in front of walls or disappear into wall pockets. We excel at designing and manufacturing sliding pocket door systems that operate within wall cavities. We recommend contacting us before purchasing; we will patiently provide professional buying advice and product services!
French Doors: Practical Structure Creating Chic Atmosphere
French doors open from both sides. The panels swing around special hinged mechanisms known as hinged doors. Compared to sliding doors, they take up more space when opened but can sometimes be more comfortable—especially in frequently used passages. For instance, it’s challenging to open an elegant sliding door when carrying filled shopping bags or laundry baskets; dirty hands may leave fingerprints on handles while heading to the restroom. White French doors have become particularly popular among young people. Imagine opening white French doors to reveal a sunlit European garden filled with greenery—how romantic!
In smart double front doors, adjustable hardware allows you to control how much pressure is needed to open the panels. This feature is especially useful for families with small children or elderly members who may lack strength in their hands. If needed, a 90-degree locking function keeps the front door open. If you prefer chic designs, choose elegant door hinges.
Multifunctional Doors
If a door needs to provide effective smoke protection, fire resistance, or climate control, consider multifunctional doors. These types of doors are common in public facilities or objects but are also used in private new or old buildings. Such special-purpose doors are manufactured according to safety regulations that manufacturers must adhere strictly to produce various functional door types that meet specified characteristics such as bottom seals, hinges, and locks for comprehensive protection. The sturdiest types include fire-rated doors for boiler rooms or similar areas.
Soundproofing performance plays an important role in selecting interior doors—but this doesn’t necessarily require multifunctional designs; proper assembly of door panels and frames along with appropriate design can effectively reflect, isolate, and absorb sound.
Special Door Shapes for Patios and Commercial Stores
In addition to classic door types like rotating, sliding, and hinged options, there are other models used in specific situations. On one hand are balcony and patio doors; essentially these two types represent a special form of glass door that opens like floor-to-ceiling windows leading out onto patios. Balcony and patio doors can be either hinged or sliding.
Another special type is folding doors. Like sliding models, accordion folding doors work well in large spaces—for example; a retail store could utilize them to create an entire window wall effect while still allowing customers to see products when closed; when opened they allow free access into the store. We can also customize folding windows with security features against theft.
How to Find the Right Type of Door for Your Home
What kind of door is the best for you? It’s all about your individual preferences and the look that you most like. Different opening mechanisms and features come with different benefits in different rooms of your house or apartment.
Aluminum sliding doors save space while fitting modern architectural styles; conversely farmhouse doors look better in rustic or Scandinavian designs but need matching classic furniture like Chesterfield sofas.
Besides these stylistic considerations, there are other reasons behind choosing one type over another—for example pivot doors help improve energy efficiency at home while sliding options offer comfort ideal for barrier-free living spaces; sturdy security entryways make it harder for thieves to break in.
