A Complete Guide to Choosing Internal Doors for Your Home

The great thing about being able to close your front door at the end of another long day is that you can do whatever you want once you’re inside. Your home is your castle in so many ways, and that means you can set the tone for how you want to use it by reshaping your decor whenever the mood takes you. 

To help you on your way, we’re going to guide you through how to choose the best internal doors for your home. Let’s start with the most fun step! 

Choose the Style First

Cottage doors and barn doors are rustic and homely, whereas single-panel doors with vertical detailing are modern and minimalist. In the middle, you have bifold doors, French doors, and classic options like glazed or multi-panelled doors. 

Don’t worry, we don’t expect you to be able to describe each and every one of these styles, but we do think you should take a closer look at them. Take your time to look at each style, one at a time, and then think about whether or not it is aligned with the vibe you want to create. The more browsing you do, the more likely you are to find the perfect set of interior doors when you want to elevate your interior decor. 

Select the Right Material

MDF, glass, and wood…there are a variety of different options when it comes to internal doors. You may also want to think about how you can get your internal doors to match your front door, especially if you have a white PVC door. 

While the aesthetics of each material largely speak for themselves, many of us may not be all that familiar with the durability side of things. The truth is that provided the door has been crafted with care by a reputable manufacturer, it is going to last for years to come. That said, oak is renowned for being extremely durable and robust and it doesn’t take on moisture from the air and swell or warp over time. 

Consider the Space Constraints

A door in the corner of the room that leads to an en-suite will have a different set of space constraints and restrictions to a large set of double doors separating adjoining rooms. Before you worry about how to measure up, visualise yourself using the new door and think about whether or not it’s going to be practical. 

For cases where you have little to no space to open the door, you may wish to consider a bifold door that folds in the middle. This compact yet stylish option allows you to get the balance right and doesn’t force you to completely upend the existing layout. 

Think About the Finishing

Sites like internaldoors.co.uk are good places to go for this one as they will offer you plenty of sparks of inspiration to consider. Clear finishes that celebrate the grain of the wood can create a very different atmosphere and aesthetic to painting or staining a door. None are right or wrong — you’re the one who gets to decide what shape your decor takes — but seeing a range of different options laid out in front of you may help you decide what you like. 

Find the Right Accessories

It can also be really useful to shop for the handles and hinges at the same time as the door itself. Modern doors will typically have brushed metal handles that are bold and minimalist. More traditional doors may work better with black wrought iron, brass, or perhaps even a painted ceramic knob. Taking a moment to think about how the accessories will elevate the overall aesthetic of the door and the surrounding space, is what will make the difference. 

Measure Twice to Fit Once

Tried and tested materials like oak can be a little heavier than cheap MDF doors, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave them on the shelf. Hiring a handyman for an hour will allow you to measure twice and fit once — you measure and order, and then he hangs and fits while you put your feet up. This is the final piece of the puzzle and it’s the one that brings your vision to life. 

Work through the steps above one at a time and you will be able to settle on the right internal door faster than you think. It’s all about taking your time, getting it right, and arriving at a home that welcomes you with open arms from the moment you put your key in the door.