Architecture: Sensational Sliding Doors and Gorgeous Glazing
The humble French window has had its time. These days, gorgeous glazing and designer doors are transforming our homes
Jo Simmons
2 May 2014
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Today’s innovative sliding doors and genius glazing ideas can take a home from dark and dowdy to light, bright and contemporary. Allowing easy access to the outside, they help us make the most of our exterior space, too, so that terraces and gardens become outdoor rooms rather than neglected add-ons. Check out the latest in sliding door technology, installed in these show-stopping homes…
Get into the fold
Folding doors allow inside and out to flow together seamlessly. Remember, though, that bi-fold doors work best fully open or fully closed. Pulling them across partially creates a concertina effect that can look fussy.
Read what to consider when planning bi-fold doors
Folding doors allow inside and out to flow together seamlessly. Remember, though, that bi-fold doors work best fully open or fully closed. Pulling them across partially creates a concertina effect that can look fussy.
Read what to consider when planning bi-fold doors
Choose sliding panels
This modernist home has a long wall of glazing containing two sliding doors. The centre can open up for easy access to the garden, while the fixed glazing at either end offers protection from the elements.
This modernist home has a long wall of glazing containing two sliding doors. The centre can open up for easy access to the garden, while the fixed glazing at either end offers protection from the elements.
Don’t neglect upper storeys
Sliding doors are not just for ground-floor rooms. Here, they lead onto the first-floor terrace of a modern, multilayered mews house, really maximising the outside space.
Sliding doors are not just for ground-floor rooms. Here, they lead onto the first-floor terrace of a modern, multilayered mews house, really maximising the outside space.
Use discreet glazing for safety
An almost invisible glass panel in front of this upper storey sliding door makes it safe, so the doors can be thrown wide open at any time for maximum fresh air.
An almost invisible glass panel in front of this upper storey sliding door makes it safe, so the doors can be thrown wide open at any time for maximum fresh air.
Meld ancient and modern
If you have a period property and feel modern glazing isn’t for you, check this out. A very modern extension has been built onto a Grade II listed house in Devon, which was designed by Regency architect John Nash, proving contemporary glazing can look good on all ages and styles of property.
If you have a period property and feel modern glazing isn’t for you, check this out. A very modern extension has been built onto a Grade II listed house in Devon, which was designed by Regency architect John Nash, proving contemporary glazing can look good on all ages and styles of property.
Make glazing a feature
This beautiful house in the Cotswolds has a huge, single-storey extension. A wall of glass lets residents enjoy the view, and, seen from the outside, the glass reflects the garden and sky, helping the structure blend to in.
This beautiful house in the Cotswolds has a huge, single-storey extension. A wall of glass lets residents enjoy the view, and, seen from the outside, the glass reflects the garden and sky, helping the structure blend to in.
Work with your angles
Sliding doors often sit across a simple, straight opening, but on a property with various angles, large-scale doors that open outwards work better, while still creating the contemporary, full-length glazing look.
Sliding doors often sit across a simple, straight opening, but on a property with various angles, large-scale doors that open outwards work better, while still creating the contemporary, full-length glazing look.
Opt for minimal frames
The silicone-jointed glazing in this extension gives the whole ground floor a light, delicate look. Taking it round a corner really makes the most of the view and daylight.
The silicone-jointed glazing in this extension gives the whole ground floor a light, delicate look. Taking it round a corner really makes the most of the view and daylight.
Extend glazing underfoot
Consider all areas where glazing can help to maximise light. Here, glass sliding doors open onto a petite glass balcony complete with glass flooring, allowing uninterrupted views and pulling in light from all angles.
Consider all areas where glazing can help to maximise light. Here, glass sliding doors open onto a petite glass balcony complete with glass flooring, allowing uninterrupted views and pulling in light from all angles.
Perfect a pitched roof
In a small extension with a pitched roof like this there is minimal space on the rear wall for a full-height glass door. Here, to boost light levels, folding doors are teamed with skylights installed down the spine of the roof and an attractive slit window alongside the doors.
Learn how to design around a pitched ceiling
TELL US…
Are you a fan of sliding doors? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
In a small extension with a pitched roof like this there is minimal space on the rear wall for a full-height glass door. Here, to boost light levels, folding doors are teamed with skylights installed down the spine of the roof and an attractive slit window alongside the doors.
Learn how to design around a pitched ceiling
TELL US…
Are you a fan of sliding doors? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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You can see more images of the glass here -
Good article, thanks Joanna Simmons
Here's a couple more inspirational sliding doors and panels which we love!