If you’re looking to install new doors in your home, you may want to think about a set of bifold doors. Ideal for homes that are on the smaller side or for homeowners who want to install something a bit more unique than traditional hinged doors, bifold doors are a perfect mix of modern style and functionality. You can also take your extension or patio to the next level with a set of bifold doors, bringing in natural light and granting a great view of your back garden.

If you’re considering getting bifold doors for your home, we’ve put together this buying guide for all you need to know about bifold doors before you commit to your purchase. Continue reading for all you need to know on what bifold doors are, how they work, where they work best and how to dress them.

What are bifold doors?

Bifold doors are made up of panels that are hinged together and slide on runners in the floor and upper lintel or beam of a doorway. Rather than swinging open, like hinged doors, bifold doors open sideways to help create more space in a room.

The most common type of bifold doors fold in half, but some, known as accordion doors, can also fold up into more sections.

How do bifold doors open?

When a bifold door opens, the panels simultaneously slide and fold back into a compact storage area. Only one panel needs to be opened for quick access on a regular basis, which makes this door type one of the most functional for large indoor spaces that need separation.

The number of panels alters how the bifold opens. An odd number of panels means you’re able to have all panels sliding one way, whereas an even number does not.

Bifold doors can open inwards or outwards. Take note of the position of any furniture and fittings before deciding which direction they open. If you have limited space and your furniture sits close to where the bifold door will be installed, it’s best to have it fold outward. If the doorway leads to a smaller outdoor area, such as a balcony, you’ll likely have to install an inward folding door.

A big advantage of a bifold is that there are many configuration options available. For example, you can choose for your doors to open in just one direction, from the left or the right, or in two directions, with the doors opening from the middle.

What are the options for bifold doors?

There are a variety of options when it comes to bifold doors, including both internal and external doors. There are also options for how many panels the door has, ranging from two to seven and different materials available, such as aluminium, and composite. Wooden bifolding doors are also available, made from either hardwoods, such as oak, or softwoods, such as pine.

Benefits of bifold doors

Bifold doors have become a popular alternative to French and sliding doors for closing large doorways and can add value, ambience and space-saving functionality to homes and commercial spaces.

A great benefit of bifold doors is that the structure and large glass surface area allow for increased natural lighting within a room, even when it’s closed. They also help to open up the barrier between the interior and exterior of your house, such as a garden, allowing you to get closer to nature without compromising floor space.

In fact, installing bifold doors allows you to utilise as much as 90% of a doorway area, with some styles requiring a little space at the ends where the ‘leaves’ are stored in an open position.

Are bifold doors energy efficient?

Energy efficiency is an important concern for any homeowner, particularly in the colder months. If you have older patio doors or doors that are poorly fitted, you may find that they are draughty and let heat escape.

Modern external bifold doors are thermally efficient. Double or triple-glazed panels trap heat from sunlight behind the glass and naturally warm the room. This allows you to set the thermostat a little bit lower than normal, saving money on energy bills in the long term.

How secure are bifold doors?

Security should be the most important factor when buying doors. Because of their functionality, bifold doors are easy to assume will not be secure. However, if they’re purchased from a reputable source, installed properly, and the right precautions are taken, they are just as secure as they are an attractive feature in your home.

If your door has an odd number of panels, you can also benefit from a multi-point locking system on a single leaf for extra security and easy access when opening and closing the door.

Disadvantages of bifold doors

Like all types of doors, bifold doors have disadvantages as well as advantages. While they are still a fantastic option for many homes, it is also important to be aware of these drawbacks in order to avoid any potential problems when buying and fitting bifold doors:

• Higher cost: Bifold doors tend to be more expensive to buy and install than conventional doors. In particular, if you are looking to install doors in a large area, there will be a noticeable difference in price.
• Space concerns: Another potential issue with larger bifold doors is that the leaves will take up more space when folded open. This may be inconvenient if you only have a limited amount of space around your doorway.
• Low-Level Design: Bifold doors are at a lower level than other doors. When fitted externally, this could mean that water is swept in from outside, so it is important to have good drainage to prevent this.

Where to put bifold doors

Bifold doors are incredibly versatile and can be fitted throughout your home. If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve listed some of the rooms that can benefit the most from bifold doors.

Conservatories

If you have a conservatory, an easy way to keep it on-trend and feeling modern is to install a set of bifold doors. For a unique twist, you could opt for a contrasting colour or material for your doors to turn them into more of a feature. Alternatively, stick with the same colour as the rest of the conservatory to keep it minimalist and classic.

Kitchens

Kitchens, particularly north-facing ones, can feel pretty dark. Installing bifold doors will not only maximise space but also allow in a new level of natural light to illuminate dark kitchens.

A long garden-facing kitchen will look stunning with bifold doors, and choosing hardwood doors painted white or ivory will brighten the space even further while adding a delicate, weightless look.

Internally, you can use bifold doors to divide your kitchen from the rest of your home or turn the space into a multi-use location. For kitchens that are installed in small nooks of your home, you can hide the appliances away and prevent your cooking from making the rest of your home smell.

You can also use bifold doors to separate the kitchen from the dining room, turning one large space into two smaller ones with a set of wooden bifold doors, or use glazed bifold doors to create an open-plan space that keeps you connected to your guests.

Patios and balconies

Fitting bifold doors out onto a balcony or patio can extend your living space and bring you closer to nature, allowing you to enjoy some much-needed sunshine in the summer months. Even if you only have a minimal amount of outside space, opening up your home with bifold doors will make the most of it and create the feeling of a larger space.

Extensions

When you’re building an extension on your home, thinking about the doors is a big part of getting it customised to perfection. Bifold doors are the perfect way to let in light and bask in the good weather while still helping the area feel spacious and bright. They can also be added to small extensions to make them feel larger than they actually are.

Even installed in a Victorian property, bifold doors will suit and add value to your home. Combining it with traditional windows on your extension will respect the historic design while adding a modern twist with a new level of functionality.

Living & dining rooms

If you have a large living and dining room, bifold doors can create two smaller, more intimate rooms. This is perfect for entertaining, as it allows you to add a degree of separation between your eating and entertaining areas or open the full space up to allow everyone space to mingle. It can also help you save energy, as you only need to heat one smaller space rather than the entire larger area.

Wardrobes

Whether you have a regular built-in wardrobe or are lucky enough to have a walk-in, bifold doors make the perfect addition to it. They open wide so you can see everything inside, but because they fold sideways, you don’t have to compromise on floor space.

Mudrooms

Perfect for compact spaces, you can use bifold doors to make the most of a mudroom or utility room. The doors can hide away unsightly washing machines, muddy boots, and coats and be easily opened and pushed out of the way to give you full access any time you need it.

How much do bifold doors cost?

When it comes to the cost of bifold doors, several factors should be considered. Size, style, material, and installation will all play a role. Optional extras, such as double glazing and other thermal insulation, and specific security requirements, should also be considered.

Should you dress bifold doors?

Another consideration is if you want to dress your bifold doors. Many people choose to leave their bifold doors uncovered in order to take full advantage of the light allowed in through the glass. However, if you feel your property is overlooked by neighbours, or if you wish to keep a room feeling safe, secure and cosy late at night, you may instead wish to dress your bifold doors with a covering, such as blinds or curtains.

Considerations

When choosing how to dress your bifold doors, it’s important to consider a few things that will help you decide if you should fit curtains or blinds for your home:

• How much light do you want to enter your property at any one time?
• How much space would you like the furnishings to take up when not in use?
• How much room do you have for the furnishings to be installed?
• How much are you willing to spend on new furnishings and on getting them installed?
• Will having a light covering be enough to keep your room private and secure, or would you prefer something heavier?

How to dress your bifold doors

If you do decide to dress your bifold doors, there are a number of options to choose from. We’ve broken down the main advantages and disadvantages of each one below.

Blinds

Blinds for bifold doors are a more contemporary option that complements a modern look. They are also a practical option if the space above your door is too small for a curtain rail.

There are a wide variety of blinds to choose from, including roller blinds and Venetian blinds so it’s important to think about which style will best fit in the space that you have.

A roller blind rolls neatly and tightly into a small cylinder at the top of your door, whereas Roman or Venetian blinds collect together and require more space. Fitting a vertical blind may remedy this, but this type may also not suit the aesthetics of every home as it is often associated with offices and other business-tailored spaces.

Curtains

A great benefit of installing curtains for your bifold doors is that they open and close to let in as much or as little light as you would like. Curtains are also great for reducing heat loss during winter months.

Heavy curtains are commonly made from wool and cotton to keep in heat and block out sound. However, they also require a strong curtain pole, as the curtains may droop under their own weight.

If you’re thinking about getting lighter curtains, muslin ones are very affordable and versatile, while voiles are an elegant option for white bifold doors. Lighter curtains such as these would, however, mean more loss of heat and more sound getting in from outside the house.

Double-layered curtains for bifold doors

If your biggest concern is privacy, or you’re not sure whether to go for light or heavy curtains, choose both and go for layered window treatments. Double curtain poles will help you with this. They can allow you to layer your doors with two pairs of curtains hanging simultaneously from the same fitting. You can also add matching holdbacks to create a more cosy and classic touch to your interior.

Privacy glass

Don’t want blinds or curtains? Consider privacy glass. It’s a modern and minimal option that can provide instant privacy using smart glass. The smart glass uses an electrical current to switch between being transparent and opaque, though it can have a milky appearance when it is switched to the transparent setting. It is worth noting that this is a much more expensive choice and can look quite commercial for a residential setting.

How do you clean bifold doors?

Bifold doors can give you an amazing view of the outdoors so it's important to maintain this by keeping them clean. For the best results, you should clean them at least once a year or, ideally, every six months if you have time.

First dust the door and then wipe any stains with a rag or sponge. If you have wooden bifold doors, be careful not to use too much water as it may soak into the wood. If you have glass doors, use a window cleaning solution or lightly soapy water to give it a sparkling finish.

When cleaning bifold doors, you will also want to clean the track to ensure that the door opens and closes smoothly. Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to clean up any large objects like pebbles that may be obstructing movement, and then use an old toothbrush to scrape away any dried mud or dust that may have accumulated. Finally, wipe down the track with a rag and apply WD40.

Bifold doors at Leader Online

We hope that this blog has given you insight into what to think about before buying bifold doors. If you’re ready to explore your options, see our full collection of internal and external bifold doors to find the perfect addition to your home.