Although they are a centuries’ old invention, bi-folding doors are getting increasing popular in modern home design as a unique way of increasing the walkway width. Unlike the traditional doors, bi-fold doors zig-zag onto themselves like an accordion so they take up very little space when folded. They have been used since ancient times for shutters and cabinets, modern materials made it possible nowadays to have large bi-folding panes made of glazed glass.
The No-Wall Wall
If you delete one whole wall from a living room and replace it with a bi-folding door, your perception of a living room will change completely. Its convenience is evident especially in summer. Such a large bi-folding doors need to slide on runners, so that they can be manipulated more easily, and are safe to use, which is important if you have kids.
Hidden Shelves
Apart from being used as doorways, they have found use in hiding television sets or cluttered shelves in the living room. You can even hide away a small office and separate it from the living room to avoid the cluttered look.
Dual Role
You can create an amazing vista for your living room by installing more than one set of glazed bi-folding doors, no matter if they are open or shut. In a recent chat with Sydney-based suppliers of cedar doors, I discovered that even if a room is furnished by a single set of doors, a window on the opposite wall, preferably one at 90 degrees can really augment the effect of the doors and enable you to have a complete view of the summer garden never having to leave the comfort of your air-conditioned living room.
Internal Space Dividers
From their primary use as patio doors, bi-folding doors have evolved into outstanding internal doors. If you want to keep the consistent design between the rooms and still want to divide the interior of your home, invest in a pair of glazed internal dividers. Instead of having boring doors all over the place you can shut away the dining room from the living room, or separate your study from the bedroom. On the other hand, when there is an occasion that callas for more space, you can fold them and there you have it.
Go for Timber Look
If they are smartly combined with the ceiling, wooden framed bi-folding doors may look stunning. They are a sort of decoration, so you want to make them stand out and not blend in the overall décor, by choosing wooden frames instead aluminum and polyvinyl. You can complete a lovely veranda by adding it a set of bi-folding doors made of the same timber.
