Well-chosen doors are like a chameleon – they fit perfectly into the arrangement. On the other hand, an ill-considered choice of this element will spoil even the most interesting interior.
Doors are primarily a natural delimiter of zones, as they separate individual parts of the interior. However, they play not only a functional role, but also a decorative one – they can enhance the style that dominates the interior , and even influence the proportions of the room.
How to choose the perfect door? There is no single ideal model, but what counts most is consistency and the ability to look at the whole arrangement in a broader way. The first step, which I, as an interior designer, suggest when choosing doors, is always to analyze the style of the apartment and determine its assumptions. Only then can you begin searching for the perfect door for a specific arrangement.
In this post, you will learn why doors are so important in interior design and how they can be adapted to different styles. I will also recommend my trusted door and door handle manufacturers .
Division of doors according to the type of opening
Standard doors – open outwards from the room.
Standard right-hand doors open to the right, the handle is on the left.
Standard left-hand door – opens to the left, the handle is on the right.
Reversible doors – open towards the interior of the room, from the outside they resemble hidden doors, i.e. they blend in with the wall. Here too, there is a division into left and right doors.
Division of doors according to style
Milled doors - the kingdom of classics have decorative grooves, which most often take the shape of one large rectangle or two small ones. They are most often associated with elegant arrangements in the French style , where they are accompanied by decorative moldings. They also fit perfectly into the classic or glamour style.
The largest door manufacturers offer the possibility of personalizing the pattern . This gives you full control over the final effect. The milling can be delicate or very decorative, but the most important thing is that it matches the entire interior. Another variable is the surface finish of the milled door. They can be varnished, painted or covered with veneers. This allows for the perfect matching of the door to the style of the arrangement.
Milled doors are a timeless solution that fits perfectly into elegant interiors. In my projects, I always use the services of a proven carpenter, who makes each door to order based on my drawing. In the photo you can see my favorite project - a noble classic inspired by the historic doors in the Geneva apartment .
Download technical drawing
Architect's advice:
It is worth matching the milling to the wall moldings – this way the interior will gain timeless elegance and Parisian style. Even anti-burglary entrance doors can be complemented with this classic pattern. In most cases, you can remove the external panel and replace it with one that is consistent with the rest of the arrangement.
Modern doors flush with the wall
Flush doors , also known as hidden or non-rebated doors, are a discreet, minimalist solution. They are in line with the wall, without a characteristic setback. Importantly, with the help of matched materials and colors, hidden doors guarantee the effect of complete integration with the wall , which is why they fit modern arrangements in the modern style.
Maximum spatial effect
Hidden doors optically enlarge the space , which is why they are perfect for small interiors. They do not disturb the wall surface, eliminate unnecessary distractions, and also take up the smallest possible space. They help to hide the entrances to the wardrobe, bathroom or utility room in a stylish way.
Hidden doors open wider than classic doors – up to 180 degrees .
Technical challenges
The secret of flush doors is the hidden frame, made of steel or aluminum - it allows the hinges and door frame to be hidden inside the wall. For this reason, the installation of concealed doors requires more advanced masonry and finishing works compared to standard doors. If you want to decide on concealed doors, remember a few important things:
The wall in which the door will be placed should be at least 6 cm thick (which means that it can also be installed in partition walls).
The walls must be perfectly straight and smooth .
The door frame is installed during wet works (i.e. at the same time as any window replacement or wall construction).
In addition to properly fitting the door to the frame, you must also remember to use appropriate seals that will ensure good acoustic and thermal insulation.
Architect's advice:
Hidden doors do not like close placement of light sources, so avoid lamps mounted directly above the door. Wall sconces and spotlights can make not only the installation, but also the everyday use of the door difficult. Additionally, strong, spot light can highlight unevenness or create contrasting shadows.
Recommended companies specializing in hidden doors
This is a Warsaw company created by enthusiasts of modern design. Friendly and professional service guaranteed! One of my favorites is the finishing of doors with polymer glass, which does not leave fingerprints. PIU Design also offers a huge selection of quality door handles.
photo: PIU Design
World design straight from Italy. I love Rimadesio for its attention to every detail and timeless quality. Proof? In investments I designed eight years ago, doors from this Italian company still work perfectly. Note – during the holiday season, delivery delays are possible, so it is worth placing an order in advance.
photo: Rimadesio
Playing with proportions
Doors, like windows or mirrors, can optically enlarge the interior. The rule is simple - the higher the door, the more exclusive and spacious the interior seems . Standard doors are usually just over two meters, but depending on the arrangement, you can experiment with models that are three meters or opt for the increasingly popular full-height doors .
photo: Rimadesio
Doors up to the ceiling
Full-height doors, from floor to ceiling, optically raise the ceiling and make the interior seem higher . Because such doors are most often flush with the wall and create one smooth surface, they guarantee the impression of order and tidiness. This solution, first present in offices and shops, is becoming increasingly popular in modern apartments.
It is worth remembering that due to their size, ceiling doors are usually heavier than standard solutions, so it is worth ensuring their professional installation.
Wooden or MDF doors – what to choose?
Wood – a natural and durable material that insulates sounds perfectly. The standard solution in Polish homes is pine, oak or beech wood. Wooden doors are the first choice for premium segment apartments. However, you should remember about their proper care.
MDF board – made of wood derivatives, can boast a much more affordable price and the possibility of forming than solid wood. The disadvantage of MDF board is, however, lower resistance to damage. It is also not recommended for rooms with high humidity, e.g. bathrooms.
Door personalization
It is worth remembering that doors can be personalized . The elements you can influence include:
color,
material,
decorative elements (e.g. glazing),
fittings (hinges and handles),
door size and type.
The most popular choice is a single-leaf door with a width of 80 cm . However, there are many alternatives - doors can be up to 110 cm or consist of two leaves. Another idea is sliding doors , ideal for small rooms, or loft doors , consisting of a metal frame with glazing.
Interior designer advice:
To make the interior look coherent and refined, all doors in the apartment should be the same (this also includes door handles and door height).
In the land of door handles
It may seem that door handles are an insignificant functional element, but it is the details that determine the perception of the entire space. Especially when they can also serve a decorative function.
Door handles are usually not offered with doors and must be selected independently. They are most often made of wood, ceramics, glass or metal, and can come in various finishes. Before choosing them, you should answer a few questions - Which handles match the selected doors? Will they match the entire arrangement? Will a lock also be useful in the given room?
Recommended door handle manufacturer
During my projects I often cooperate with Studio Klamek , owned by Ewa Szymańczyk. This is a place where you can always count on professional help and a huge selection . My favorite in the assortment of Studio Klamek is the Dutch company Formani create exclusive and durable products that will work well in any arrangement.
photo: Formani
Doors have a huge impact on the character and perception of a space. They can either emphasize the style of the arrangement or completely disrupt it. They are a basic element of the apartment's equipment, used daily by household members. Unlike furniture or the color of the walls, doors are a permanent part of the decor and will accompany us for many years, so their choice is worth considering carefully. They should be functional, timeless, and consistent with the aesthetics of the interior.
How to Choose the Perfect Door – Tips in a Nutshell
Match the style and type of door to the arrangement (hidden doors, traditional doors, sliding doors).
Choose appropriate materials (wood, MDF, glass).
Remember about the possibility of personalization (dimensions, handles, finishing).
Make sure the installation is professional.