HOME STYLING
OPEN TO NEW POSSIBILITIES
With homeowners increasingly looking for open plan living and to maximise all available space, David Saxby of IronmongeryDirect explains the many benefits of installing pocket doors in self- build homes, and how they can transform the amount of light and space
P
ocket doors are a great way to add a modern, practical and stylish touch to any property. Now a common feature
in many European homes, they have become increasingly popular in UK interior design due to their neat, slick appearance and functionality.
CREATING SPACE Whatever the requirement, pocket doors can provide an innovative solution to optimise floor space anywhere in the home. Unlike traditional hinged doors, pocket doors simply slide along a horizontal track into a cavity in the wall, mitigating the need to use extra space around each doorway. They are a particularly good solution for loft conversions or ensuite bathrooms, where space is often at a premium.
Pocket doors come in many variations and styles, creating a sleek and seamless look that cannot be achieved with swing doors. While it is a much simpler process for pocket doors to be specified during a new build, they can also be retrofitted in existing properties as part of a renovation project. By not swallowing up unnecessary floor space with doors that open into a room, properties can feel instantly larger. The extra floor space created by the doors can also improve accessibility for wheelchair users or those who are blind or sight impaired.
VERSATILITY
Pocket doors can provide homeowners with all the benefits of open plan living while also offering the flexibility of being
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able to divide up a room, changing the function of a space as need and occasion dictates. The sense of flow between rooms can also be improved and this investment is returned with better value when reselling a property.
For those living in compact studio apartments, installing two single pocket doors together as a double door system can add a level of privacy and create clear and distinct ‘zones’ for living, eating and socialising. This option avoids the problems of adding solid walls and doors that can make a space feel smaller and darker.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACOUSTICS Although there are countless benefits to open plan living, a downside is that sound travels more easily, meaning that noise levels are often elevated. Using pocket doors to divide areas dampens the sound, providing a comfortable level of privacy and solitude without closing off rooms completely.
A soft closer can also be fitted to allow the doors to open and close quietly while reducing the risk of trapped fingers. This is particularly valuable for cohabiters working on different time schedules or for families with young children.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
It is well known that exposure to natural sunlight provides a whole host of health benefits including boosting the immune system, improving sleep quality and boosting vitamins B and D. As a result, glass pocket doors are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners in order to
maximise light when building a home or undertaking an extension or renovation. As well as making a home lighter and brighter, natural light also gives the illusion of more space and softens the barrier between the outside and inside of a property. With the current focus on emphasising the relationship between humankind and nature, glass pocket doors remove frame lines that could impair a view of the garden and provide a seamless blend with nature all year-round.
A STYLISH ADDITION TO THE HOME While adding a level of practicality, sliding doors do not have to be plain and can add
july/august 2019
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