When you’re working with a relatively small space in home decor, every inch can make a difference. Doors are the most overlooked element when it comes to saving space.
You might not see it yet, but doors can take up valuable square footage and make an already cramped space feel even smaller. Luckily, some creative solutions can not only help you save space but also add personality to the interior. Let’s explore the best doors for small spaces to help you maximize your space.
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Why Traditional Doors Aren’t Always Ideal
When you are working with very little space, a hinged door can become a problem since these doors require a big area in which to open and close. This can take a lot of space on the floor where there could be furniture, storage, or just space to maneuver around. In particular, when you are dealing with small rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, and even small bedrooms, then the space looks even more limited, and the room is almost not functional at all.
Apart from the space constraint issue, traditional doors also limit design freedom. For instance, if you place your furniture close to the door, it may hinder the door from opening correctly, forcing you to change your designs. Similarly, they can create bottlenecks in narrow hallways or cramped entryways.
This is all the more relevant for apartments, where space optimization is a given more often than not. What is more, 76% of the renters in the multifamily space reside in small buildings, ones that host 5-49 units at most. Given that such a large number of people face the problems of compact living, it is not surprising that other types of doors are gaining popularity.
Top Space-Saving Door Solutions
Choosing the right doors for small spaces makes a massive difference to the utility and aesthetics of the area. Below are some of the great door solutions that can assist you in getting the most out of your space:
Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are most common in small spaces because rather than swinging in or out, they slide across the room along a track. Sliding doors are very functional and available in many styles, from sleek glass to wooden doors with country appeal. They are great in bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and as walls between two rooms.
The benefits of sliding doors include:
- Space efficiency: These doors do not require clearance to swing, making them ideal for any confined space.
- Ease of use: Sliding mechanisms are smooth and quiet, adding a touch of luxury to your space.
- Aesthetic appeal: They give the house a sleek, modern outlook that complements various kinds of interior design.
For a wide selection of stylish and functional options, explore sliding doors to find designs that suit your home.
Source: Pinterest
Pocket Doors
If you’re looking for the ultimate space-saving solution, pocket doors are your best bet. These doors can slide into a cavity within the wall and therefore are almost invisible when the door is open. This makes them a perfect fit for small spaces such as small bathrooms, laundry, or even a walk-in closet space.
Advantages of pocket doors include:
- Maximum space-saving: Another advantage of pocket doors is that they do not have external wall space for the track like the sliding doors.
- Streamlined design: The hidden mechanism helps manage the wires and leads, preventing a messy appearance.
- Flexibility: These can be applied to single and double doors and thus installed in different areas of the house.
Installation may involve some structural adjustments, but given the space-saving aspect of pocket doors, they are well deserved, especially in homes that have limited space.
Source: Pinterest
Folding/Bi-Fold Doors
If you have a space where even a complete sliding or pocket door is not practical, then go for folding or bi-fold doors. These doors are made up of panels that fold onto themselves and require far less clearance space than other swinging doors.
Key benefits of folding doors include:
- Compact design: Folding doors have a compact design that’s most suitable for spaces like closets, pantries, or laundry areas where you want quick access without taking up floor space.
- Stylish options: Contemporary bi-fold doors come in a variety of finishes and designs that can match your interior decor.
- Smooth operation: There are more advanced designs, like Invisible Folding Doors that blend smoothly with your decor while staying functional.
Source: Pinterest
Barn Doors
If you’re looking for a door that makes a statement while saving space, a modern barn door is an excellent choice. Unlike traditional barn doors, modern versions are sleek, stylish, and versatile, fitting into contemporary as well as rustic interiors.
Why choose barn doors?
- Space-saving design: Like sliding doors, they glide along an external track, requiring no floor clearance.
- Style: Barn doors add a unique and eye-catching feature to any room.
- Versatility: They’re ideal for bedrooms, offices, and even as decorative partitions for open-concept spaces.
Source: Pinterest
Pivot Doors
For a sleek, contemporary option, consider a wood pivot door. Unlike traditional hinged doors, pivot doors are mounted on a pivot point at the top and bottom, allowing them to swing open effortlessly while requiring less clearance on either side.
Why pivot doors are a smart choice for small spaces:
- Compact operation: They only need a small gap to open, making them suitable for narrow spaces.
- Modern aesthetics: The clean lines and unique mechanism make them stand out in any home.
- Durability: Wood pivot doors combine functionality with elegance, offering a robust solution for entryways or small rooms.
Pivot doors are especially appealing if you want to achieve a high-end, luxurious look without compromising practicality.
Source: Pinterest
FAQs
What is the best door for a small space?
The best door for a small space will depend on your requirements, but sliding, pocket, and folding doors are some of the best. They are space-saving and can provide utility and aesthetics at the same time.
What is the smallest door per code?
Building codes typically require doors to be at least 24 inches wide for interior use, with 32 inches being standard for accessible spaces. Always check your local codes for specifics.
What is the smallest acceptable door width?
The minimum width that is considered reasonable for a door is 24 inches, but, of course, one must consider the practicability of the door—wider doors are normally more convenient.
What kind of doors save space?
There are different types of space-saving doors, and these include sliding doors, pocket doors, barn doors, and folding doors. These options do not have the swing radius of conventional doors, which makes this species suitable for cramped spaces.
Wrapping Up
When you don’t have a lot of space, it’s important to be smart about how you use it. The doors you choose can have a big impact on how your space looks and how well it works. There are many options, like sliding doors, pocket doors, and barn doors. You can find a door that matches your style and helps you get the most out of your space.
At MANNLEE, quality is the only standard we believe in. Explore our custom window and door solutions that bring elegance and durability to your space. Visit us today to find the perfect fit for your home!
