Top 5 things to consider when choosing an interior door

The careful choice of door is one of those subtle necessities which can make a big difference in your home. Often, like mouldings, skirting and trim, doors can go fairly unnoticed but still have a dramatic effect on how a room looks, so plenty of thought should go into choosing one! Here are the the top 5 things we think you should consider when you’re door shopping:

1. Door styles

There’s no rule that says you can’t mix and match your styles a little - it can give your home a fun and eclectic look - but otherwise, keeping them the same will give a sense of flow throughout the house. Be aware that in a smaller room, a large or overly ornate door can overwhelm it.

2. Door swing

Usually, when your order and customise a door you will be given the option of a right-hand or left-hand swing. This will determine which way the door opens and closes and where the hinges and handles are. When you are deciding on this, try to make sure your doors never open into a hall or corridor, but rather into each room. Keep this in mind when you are choosing which way your door should swing.

3. Door framing

Make sure you install a good door frame; if a door is not framed properly, this can quickly detract from the value of a beautiful door. Doors can be damaged through the use of cheap framing materials or construction shortcuts, costing you more money in the long run.

4. Door sound ratings

All internal doors should have an STC (Sound Transmission Class), which measures the amount of sound loss through the door, and will largely depend upon what material the door is made from. The higher the STC number, the less sound will pass through it; 25 is at the lower end of the scale whilst 60 should be almost completely soundproof.

5. Types of doors

There are so many types and styles of door to consider, but before falling for a particular design, make sure you are practical in your choices. Sliding doors: these are usually made of wood or glass and are often used as closet doors. They are a great space saver as they slide along the wall rather than swinging open. Pocket doors: these are used all over the house. These, like the sliding doors, are a space saver as they slide into the wall, rather than along the side of it. Folding doors: usually in a bi-fold form, the door folds on either side and are most often used in closets, pantries and other small spaces. a more contemporary design, these are simple doors which are smooth on both sides and generally made of plywood or MDF. Panel doors: the most common style of door found in houses today, these are usually made with solid wood or MDF and are designed with a classic pattern of rectangular panels. French doors: these have a frame around one or more glass panels and are used to maximise the amount of natural light in a room.