Traditional Hinged Doors

Traditional hinged doors work well for front doors, back doors and interior doors that transition from one room to the next.  They take up a great deal of space when they swing open, so be sure that there is enough room for them to swing open unimpeded.  Hinged doors offer privacy and are generally easy to secure.  They are available in interior and exterior styles that range from the simple, plain front to raised paneled detail.  Hinged doors, when there is enough room for them to open fully, work well in just about any doorway.

Sliding Doors

Sliding doors often work best for the transition from inside the house out onto a back patio or deck.  They are typically made entirely of glass and need to be installed on a track.  Sliding doors take up a large amount of space and can be challenging to secure.  They do allow a lot of sunlight to shine through, so place them only on walls where the heat of late afternoon sun will be avoided or plan for some type of sun blocking window treatment.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are doors that are recessed in the wall and slide out to either meet in the middle or connect to the opposite wall.  They work well in spaces where there are no electrical or telephone wires running through the walls and where the wall's integrity will not be compromised by being cut into.  Pocket doors provide privacy without taking up space.  They are great to transition the space between bedroom and closet or as simple room dividers.  These doors can be challenging to close securely and lock, so install them only in areas where complete privacy is not essential.

Folding Doors

Closets are the best places for folding door installation.  These doors have handles or knobs near the center and pull outward and together when opened.  They are installed on a track and can provide almost complete access to a space.  They do not take up as much space as hinged doors when they are opened, thus making them a great alternative for small spaces.

When selecting doors for the home, consider the actual space available in each room.  Traditional hinged doors may be a more economical choice, but if the usable space in the room will be dramatically reduced, it is worth it to examine other options.  By choosing the right doors for each space the first time, the home will flow smoother and be more comfortable to live in.  Take a trip to the local home improvement store and spend time browsing among the doors to get a feel for the looks and styles that will work best in the house.  As always, if questions about door choices arise, ask a professional for advice.

Article by Jessica Ackerman of WallDecorandHomeAccents.com - your top place to buy outdoor wall art sculptures and tropical wall art.