Sliding doors or hinged doors? Which one to choose for your wardrobes?
Hate not being able to see all your clothes in the wardrobe in one go, hinged it is! Or maybe you prefer the space saving of a sliding door? The great debate continues, each have their merits. If you’re planning a new wardrobe for your home and can’t decide then stay put. This is the article you have been waiting for.
Which style to choose?
When it comes to choosing the right wardrobe for your home, the style of the doors is an important choice. There are two main types of wardrobe doors, sliding doors and hinged doors. While both types have their advantages and disadvantages, there are some distinct benefits between sliding wardrobe doors and hinged door wardrobes that make the decision harder for some homeowners.
One of the main advantages of sliding wardrobe doors is that they can save space. Unlike hinged doors, which swing out into the room, sliding doors slide open and close on tracks. This means that you don’t need to leave any space in front of the wardrobe, which is very useful in smaller bedrooms. With sliding doors, you can maximize the available space in your room while still having plenty of storage space in your wardrobe.
Sliding door wardrobes
Sliding wardrobe doors offer a sleek, modern look that can complement any existing design schemes. They are available in a range of styles, finishes and materials which makes it easy to match the style of your room. Some examples are Polytec’s colourboard range , a polyurethane finish, a thermolaminate finish, mirror or white glass. Polyurethane finished doors are the most expensive, with thermolaminate doors being similar in price. White glass, mirror and melamine doors are the most cost effective. All mirror and white glass doors do require an aluminium frame, they also have a protective plastic sheet on the back to ensure safety should something break. A mirrored sliding door can really help a smaller room feel more spacious and help provide more light to the room.
Hinged door wardrobes
Hinged door wardrobes also have their advantages. They are a more traditional option and can add a classic touch to a room’s décor while still having a modern look, particularly when finished in polyurethane. Hinged doors offer the ability to fully open the wardrobe, which can make it easier to see and access all your items at once. A hinged door wardrobe also allows for a more customised internal layout as the internals are often made with full carcass solid construction. This means you have sides, tops, bottoms and backing in your wardrobe.
The maximum width for a hinged door is 600mm as the weight can become to much and the doors will bow. If your home has pitched ceilings, no problem, the doors can follow the angle along. Or if you have high ceilings extra cabinets can be put above to maximise your storage space. Bespoke designs will transform your bedroom storage .
Polyurethane & Thermolaminated sliding or hinged doors
The reason polyurethane finishes are the most expensive is due to the labour involved. Polyurethane doors are hand painted, just like a car finish. As it is a paint, it can be scratched or chipped. The main advantage with polyurethane is the option for different door designs. The most popular options are Shaker style, V groove or flat panel doors. Often the choice may be to match the existing style of your home. You have more choice of colours, choose any colour you want from Dulux or other paint ranges! With both sliding and hinged polyurethane doors you are not required to have an aluminium frame around the door.
Themo is a plastic wrap which wraps around your door. It is slightly lower in price from polyurethane and is more durable. Whilst there are not as many colours to choose from, you do have a choice between shaker or V-groove profiles. The vinal wrap is guaranteed for 7 years, however it’s worth noting the plastic could peel off.
How to decide?
Ultimately, the choice between sliding and hinged wardrobe doors will depend on your individual needs, investment, and style preferences. If you have a smaller bedroom and want to save space, sliding doors may be the better option. If you prefer a more custom look or need full access to your wardrobe, go with hinged doors. Choosing a classic look will ensure your wardrobes will not date or feel out of place in years to come. With the wide range of styles and materials available for both types of doors, you can find a wardrobe that meets your needs.