Renovating
Architecture: Alternatives to Bifold Doors to Open Up Your Extension
Folding doors need not be the only option when it comes to opening up an extension. Check out these other ways to link inside and out
Creating threshold-free access between the inside and outside of a house remains the ambition of many homeowners and architects, and folding doors are generally the go-to installation. They allow an extension to be opened up dramatically, but they do have their disadvantages. Folding doors can be heavy, the frames around each leaf can carve up the view when they’re closed, and they can stack up bulkily at one end when they’re open. So if you’re thinking of trying something different, check out these ideas for alternatives to the classic fold.
Add a single but generous door
Although the idea of having a glass extension that can be opened up expansively to the exterior is appealing, the reality is that the British climate doesn’t often facilitate this kind of living.
A smarter alternative could be to opt for a sheet of glass, so that plenty of light penetrates the building, even on a grey day, and then simply add a single but generous door to open up the extension when the weather permits.
This lofty glass box has a double-height door that opens the space up vertically and looks exciting and stylish, too.
Although the idea of having a glass extension that can be opened up expansively to the exterior is appealing, the reality is that the British climate doesn’t often facilitate this kind of living.
A smarter alternative could be to opt for a sheet of glass, so that plenty of light penetrates the building, even on a grey day, and then simply add a single but generous door to open up the extension when the weather permits.
This lofty glass box has a double-height door that opens the space up vertically and looks exciting and stylish, too.
Combine styles
This beautiful extension features multiple sliding doors to give interesting and ample access to the exterior. Two sliding doors open out from a corner to really maximise the indoor-outdoor flow, and another regular sliding door installed further back creates multiple routes in and out of the house.
Check out 10 great glass-box extensions
This beautiful extension features multiple sliding doors to give interesting and ample access to the exterior. Two sliding doors open out from a corner to really maximise the indoor-outdoor flow, and another regular sliding door installed further back creates multiple routes in and out of the house.
Check out 10 great glass-box extensions
Slide and show
Sliding doors are a sleek alternative to folding doors, but they typically cost slightly more. They usually comprise two or three panes that simply run along a track. This allows them to sit neatly at one end of the room when open, without the bulky concertina effect you find with folding doors.
They are also available with very slimline frames, producing a clean silhouette that allows maximum views over the garden when closed.
Read expert advice on what to consider when planning bifold doors
Sliding doors are a sleek alternative to folding doors, but they typically cost slightly more. They usually comprise two or three panes that simply run along a track. This allows them to sit neatly at one end of the room when open, without the bulky concertina effect you find with folding doors.
They are also available with very slimline frames, producing a clean silhouette that allows maximum views over the garden when closed.
Read expert advice on what to consider when planning bifold doors
Keep it simple
The white wooden frames on these smart, simple French windows help them look extra fresh and contemporary. The white also connects them with the exterior wall and the pale scheme within. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…
The white wooden frames on these smart, simple French windows help them look extra fresh and contemporary. The white also connects them with the exterior wall and the pale scheme within. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…
Open around a corner
If the dimensions of your extension are not huge, fitting sliding doors that open out from a corner will boost the feeling of connection with the outside. It’s possible to build in a frameless design for maximum openness, or design the doors with a simple column at the corner, as here, for a slightly more budget-friendly option.
If the dimensions of your extension are not huge, fitting sliding doors that open out from a corner will boost the feeling of connection with the outside. It’s possible to build in a frameless design for maximum openness, or design the doors with a simple column at the corner, as here, for a slightly more budget-friendly option.
Pivot perfectly
A pivoting door is an interesting alternative to folding doors. The pivoting door helps to create a very clean silhouette when shut, since there’s no need for a hinged frame. When open, it also allows for a greater flow of air, as the door pivots to create two openings to the outside. The slight protrusion into the room adds visual interest.
A pivoting door is an interesting alternative to folding doors. The pivoting door helps to create a very clean silhouette when shut, since there’s no need for a hinged frame. When open, it also allows for a greater flow of air, as the door pivots to create two openings to the outside. The slight protrusion into the room adds visual interest.
Take it tall
A double-height rear extension unites the basement and ground floor in this home. The space is fitted with spectacular 5m-high French windows, which allow the property’s lower two levels to be completely open to the outdoors.
This one might have to be left to those lucky enough to have mezzanine levels and super-high extensions, but a similar effect might be created with a single full-height door.
A double-height rear extension unites the basement and ground floor in this home. The space is fitted with spectacular 5m-high French windows, which allow the property’s lower two levels to be completely open to the outdoors.
This one might have to be left to those lucky enough to have mezzanine levels and super-high extensions, but a similar effect might be created with a single full-height door.
Try a trio
This extension features a trio of pivoting doors that can simply be turned through 90 degrees to connect the interior to the garden. Be aware that when the pivoting point is situated right in the middle of the door leaf, half will then protrude into the room when open, so this style might not suit an interior with a small footprint.
TELL US…
What do you think of these alternatives to bifold doors? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This extension features a trio of pivoting doors that can simply be turned through 90 degrees to connect the interior to the garden. Be aware that when the pivoting point is situated right in the middle of the door leaf, half will then protrude into the room when open, so this style might not suit an interior with a small footprint.
TELL US…
What do you think of these alternatives to bifold doors? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
This extension puts a very contemporary twist on the classic French window, with two almost entirely glass doors opening out from a glass box. Slimline black frames ensure maximum light reaches the kitchen beyond, and give the look an industrial edge.