Looking to save space in an interior design or building project? Sliding doors provide many benefits to make a home or workplace functional and beautiful. Utilizing a range of materials, these designs can feature wood, glass or metal, and they come in a variety of styles. As one of the best door systems that can be specified today for flexibility and adaptability, sliding doors are a natural choice for commercial and residential projects alike.
For nearly a century, KLEIN’s sliding door systems have offered innovative solutions for a wide range of clients. In the following article, we outline five different considerations when looking to save space and transform interiors. Used on their own or in combination, these ideas provide a framework for designing and specifying the right doors for your project.
Take Advantage of Pocket Doors
When considering how to save space and transform interiors, there are many advantages to using pocket doors. First, they create more usable floor space. An area of 10 square feet or more may be needed to accommodate the swing of a traditional door. A pocket door makes the space more usable as there is no longer any obstructed space.
Pocket doors are also ideal for smaller rooms that don’t have a lot of space, such as an office or a small half bath. A conventional door occupies 32 – 36 inches of wall space when opened. Pocket doors can also be placed in pairs for wider spaces or double-wide doorways to separate two-room spaces. In terms of materials, a glass pocket door can create the appearance of a more open floor while still allowing privacy.
Balance Different Work Types with Different Doors
In workplace design, building owners are looking for ways to bring in natural light while balancing different ways to work. They need areas that support a balance of thinking and collaboration, and there is a diverse range of options for sliding door selections that can meet clients’ needs while also supporting office well-being. There are many non-traditional doors available that can be used for upgrading a workspace. For example, telescopic sliding doors retract into each other, and are an option when considering floor space.
Alternatively, bi-parting sliding doors can be used. This kind of door features two units that slide away from each other. They enable occupants to create spaces with a wider opening. Interior bi-folds can be a useful alternative in spaces where standard doors just won’t work. You might also suggest a corner sliding door. A corner sliding door comes equipped with two sliding doors that join together in a synchronized manner at the corner. To open the door, each side simply slides away from each other. In doing so, it also creates visual impact and identity for the larger office while saving space.
Choose Flexible Systems
For the Rosa María Vivar Foundation’s Day Center in Spain, the team needed to create a project for the constant adaptability of indoor spaces. Inside, the wings centralize the information, orientation, and counseling services available to patients and families, as well asl support for caregivers.
From organizing different, simultaneous workshops in each separate and independent module, to allowing all users to share a single, ample common space, changes needed to be effortless. The concept of transformable spaces was extremely important, and the KLEIN® LITE FOLD system made this possible. With different set-ups installed in each module, the system allows spaces to be reorganized however and whenever the user wants. Thus, a larger room or building can be transformed into several small rooms by simply sliding the folding panels. It’s an ideal solution for the daily use of a multipurpose space. In term, it provides flexibility for the Foundation.
Consider the Hardware that’s Used
Instead of using a swing and hinge hardware set, consider how wall or ceiling mounted hardware can save space in your home and provide you with a room that is more functional and spacious. Sometimes, wood-framed walls that contain pipes or wiring can make it difficult and costly to install traditional pocket doors. With the right hardware, a door that slides open means a table, chair, desk or other furniture can be placed beside the doorway without interfering with the door’s operation.
Whether using pockets or sliding doors, both styles save space as a well-known alternative to traditional internal doors, and remember to consider the hardware that’s used for each. However, they are also perfectly suited to cupboards, wardrobe and ensuite doors too.
Create Open-Concept with Natural Sightlines
For workplaces, systems like corner sliding doors allow open-concept spaces to function seamlessly while balancing the need for more private and separate areas. More natural lighting can also boost staff productivity and well-being. At the same time, teams will feel less cramped inside a room when seamless, clear door openings. Whether it’s in a hospital or office, natural light pours into glass doors with no additional space required for the door to open or close.
Save Space with the Right Sliding Door for Your Project
While there are many ways to save space by selecting the right door system, you can always reach out for professional advice. Making the right selection can transform a project, whether it is for residential or commercial spaces. For more information, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further.
