Decorating: An Open and Shut Case For Sliding Doors
Stylish and practical, sliding doors are a brilliant decorating tool both indoors and out
Lara Sargent
15 July 2014
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience writing for national magazines, newspapers and websites.
Houzz UK contributor. Freelance interiors journalist with over 20 years' experience... More
As one door opens, another one closes, goes the saying, but if you choose a set of sleek, chic sliding doors, it’s more a case of laying bare, screening off or creating space in a forward-thinking way. By replacing a standard hinged door with a modern sandblasted glass or solid timber sliding version, you can make the most of a slim space, create a stylish division between a bedroom and bathroom, or simply throw wide your living room to the great outdoors. Whatever the decorating dilemma, a set of sliding panels is a stylish solution. Step this way…
Utilise a narrow space
If you don’t have the space for an outward-opening door, then a sliding version is perfect. This narrow zone of the kitchen has been transformed into a practical, easily accessible storage cupboard thanks to the dove grey painted door on runners.
If you don’t have the space for an outward-opening door, then a sliding version is perfect. This narrow zone of the kitchen has been transformed into a practical, easily accessible storage cupboard thanks to the dove grey painted door on runners.
Recycle old features
Reusing old doors or reclaimed wood will add masses of character to any space. The entrance to this pantry has been made all the more spectacular thanks to this rolling, antique barn door.
Discover the beauty of reclaimed wood
Reusing old doors or reclaimed wood will add masses of character to any space. The entrance to this pantry has been made all the more spectacular thanks to this rolling, antique barn door.
Discover the beauty of reclaimed wood
Screen it off
Sliding panels of translucent glass are a brilliant way to screen off one area of a room while still allowing natural light to flood in. And nobody really wants an office space on display when the working day is over…
Sliding panels of translucent glass are a brilliant way to screen off one area of a room while still allowing natural light to flood in. And nobody really wants an office space on display when the working day is over…
Use a mix of materials
This sliding door has a distinct urban flavour and sits well with the bare brick walls and metallic accents in the bathroom. This is the modern industrial look at its most effective.
This sliding door has a distinct urban flavour and sits well with the bare brick walls and metallic accents in the bathroom. This is the modern industrial look at its most effective.
Fit a hideaway door
Open-plan might be a buzzword for today’s interior design cognoscenti, but, sometimes, don’t you just crave a little privacy? This all-in-one bedroom and bathroom scheme is a real delight, but if you want to enjoy a long, hot soak on your own, simply slide shut the hideaway door and relax in peace.
Open-plan might be a buzzword for today’s interior design cognoscenti, but, sometimes, don’t you just crave a little privacy? This all-in-one bedroom and bathroom scheme is a real delight, but if you want to enjoy a long, hot soak on your own, simply slide shut the hideaway door and relax in peace.
Add an elegant touch
Sliding doors add a final flourish to this Japanese teahouse, which was once an old brick building in the garden. The mix of easy-on-the-eye symmetry and authentic materials is totally in keeping with the contemplative vibe of the space, which is all about relaxation.
Sliding doors add a final flourish to this Japanese teahouse, which was once an old brick building in the garden. The mix of easy-on-the-eye symmetry and authentic materials is totally in keeping with the contemplative vibe of the space, which is all about relaxation.
Create a sleek division
A sliding door can create a simple yet striking division between one space and another. I love the way the decorating tempo changes dramatically here from the rich, purple hues and feel-good textures of the bedroom into the clean lines and sparse fixtures of the bathroom, just by taking one step past the sliding glass pane.
A sliding door can create a simple yet striking division between one space and another. I love the way the decorating tempo changes dramatically here from the rich, purple hues and feel-good textures of the bedroom into the clean lines and sparse fixtures of the bathroom, just by taking one step past the sliding glass pane.
Make small changes
Doors are not merely functional pieces of kit, they can be a design statement in their own right. By substituting standard hinged doors with modern sliding versions, you’ll add a super-slick touch throughout your home.
Doors are not merely functional pieces of kit, they can be a design statement in their own right. By substituting standard hinged doors with modern sliding versions, you’ll add a super-slick touch throughout your home.
Enjoy the view
Replace bricks and mortar with a single wall of sliding glass – a must-have feature for anyone who wants that indoor/outdoor vibe. And could there be anything better than lying in bed with uninterrupted views across the landscape?
Be inspired by bedrooms with dazzling views
Replace bricks and mortar with a single wall of sliding glass – a must-have feature for anyone who wants that indoor/outdoor vibe. And could there be anything better than lying in bed with uninterrupted views across the landscape?
Be inspired by bedrooms with dazzling views
Transform one wall
This vast, no-frills picture window shows exactly how sliding doors can totally change a space. It’s amazing how such an ‘invisible’ fixture can have such a huge impact.
TELL US...
Do you have sliding doors in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This vast, no-frills picture window shows exactly how sliding doors can totally change a space. It’s amazing how such an ‘invisible’ fixture can have such a huge impact.
TELL US...
Do you have sliding doors in your home? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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I really love the idea of the internal sliding door. Do you have any idea what the technical term is for the runner which holds the door in place at the top? I would love to reproduce this idea in my home but am not sure how to source the hardware.
Thanks very much and festive greetings!