Guide to Interior Door Styles and Types
When it comes to designing your dream home, every detail matters, and interior doors are no exception. Interior doors not only provide privacy and separate living spaces but also contribute to the overall aesthetics and ambiance of your home. Choosing the right door style can significantly enhance the interior design and create a seamless flow throughout the house. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various interior door styles that can elevate the appeal of your home and complement your unique taste and lifestyle.
- Materials for Interior Doors
- Interior Door Types
- Traditional Panel Doors
- Interior French Doors
- Interior Barn Doors
- Pocket Interior Doors
- Shaker Interior Doors
- Dutch Doors
- Glass Paneled Interior Doors
- Louvered Doors
- Bi-Fold Interior Doors
- Solid Wood Interior Door
- Arched Interior Door
- Vintage/ Rustic Interior Door
- Chalkboard Interior Door
- Frosted Glass Interior Door
- Wood Plank Interior Door
- Slab Interior Doors vs. Pre-hung Interior Doors
- Slab Interior Doors
- Pre-hung Interior Doors
- Interior Door Styles: Conclusion
Materials for Interior Doors
Interior Wood Doors
Wood doors are crafted from either solid wood or wood elements. They serve as both interior and exterior doors. Variants include solid wood doors and solid core doors.
Interior Glass Doors
Glass doors are made up of glass panels that are held in frames made of either wood or metal. These doors can be used both indoors and outdoors, adding a versatile touch that complements various design styles, ranging from contemporary to traditional.
MDF Doors
MDF (Medium-density fiberboard) doors are produced by combining wood fibers with resin and wax. These doors have become popular among homeowners for their cost-effectiveness and extensive selection of styles.
Interior Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass consists of glass fiber reinforced polymers, akin to the materials used in the construction of airplanes, surfboards, and cars. These doors possess strength and durability, while also replicating the appearance and texture of solid materials such as wood.
PVC Doors
PVC doors are constructed from polyvinyl chloride, which is also used for pipes. This synthetic material imitates the appearance of various materials, such as wood. These doors are utilized for both interior and exterior applications.
Aluminum Doors
Doors made from aluminum are not only strong and durable, but they also offer the added benefit of being easy to clean and maintain. With their sleek and modern appearance, aluminum doors are a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications. Whether it’s for your home or office, you can trust that aluminum doors will provide the perfect combination of strength, style, and functionality.
Interior Door Types
Traditional Panel Doors
Traditional panel doors are timeless classics that suit a variety of interior design styles. They feature a series of panels, typically raised or recessed, and a stile-and-rail construction. These doors often come in various configurations, with the most common being 3, 5, or 6 panels. Traditional panel doors can be made of wood or engineered materials, offering a wide range of finishes and colors to choose from. This 6 paneled door is a great choice for a home as its design coordinates with newly every decor style and appeals to nearly everyone.
Interior French Doors
Elegant and charming, French doors (some times called double doors) consist of two panels that open outwards or inwards. The glass panels allow ample natural light to flow between rooms, making them an excellent choice for connecting spaces like living rooms and dining areas. French doors can be solid or have a mullioned glass design, which adds a touch of sophistication to your home. These French doors are a great addition to this home as they can separate the two distinct spaces without being completely closed off.
Interior Barn Doors
Rustic and stylish, barn doors have gained immense popularity in contemporary interior design. Originally used in barns, these sliding doors are now used indoors to save space and add a unique statement. Barn doors can be made from various materials like reclaimed wood, metal, or glass, providing an eclectic touch to your home décor. Barn doors are a great choice for a space like this as they slide and do not take up valuable floor space. I love this design for this space its modern yet coordinates well with the wood paneling accent wall.
Pocket Interior Doors
If you’re looking to maximize space, pocket doors are the ideal solution. These doors slide into a hidden pocket within the wall, completely disappearing from view when open. Pocket doors are excellent for small rooms or areas with limited space, as they don’t require swing clearance. They come in various styles, from simple panel doors to modern designs with frosted glass panels.
Shaker Interior Doors
Shaker doors are known for their minimalistic and clean lines, making them a versatile choice for both traditional and modern interior designs. The doors feature a flat panel surrounded by a frame, and they often come in solid wood, offering a simple yet elegant look. I absolutely adore these types of doors. When I finally settle down in my forever home I will certainly be using this interior door style.
Dutch Doors
Originating from Dutch farmhouses, dutch doors are divided horizontally, allowing you to open the top and bottom separately. These doors are ideal for homes with pets or children, as you can keep the bottom half closed while allowing fresh air and light to enter. Dutch doors come in various styles and materials, adding a touch of charm to any room. These doors are awesome, I never really considering using them in my home but they are perfect. They allow you to keep an eye on what’s happening outside without the fear of letting creatures in or out. Dutch doors are certainly one of the more uncommon interior door styles but certainly one of the more useful.
Glass Paneled Interior Doors
Glass panel doors are a great way to introduce an open and airy feel to your home. They feature one or more panels of glass, which can be clear, frosted, or even stained for privacy. Glass panel doors are commonly used for interior spaces that do not require privacy like home offices, libraries, or sunrooms, where natural light is essential.
Louvered Doors
Louvered doors are a practical choice, especially for rooms that require ventilation, such as laundry rooms or utility rooms. These doors consist of horizontal slats that allow air circulation while maintaining privacy. Louvered doors can be made from wood, composite materials, or even metal, making them suitable for various interior styles. I have had these doors in my home before and they may not be the most aesthetically pleasing. They do serve an important purpose. The louvers allow airflow to enter the room that’s why you usually see these on spaces that have have your homes mechanicals in them, in my case our homes air handler was located on the other side of the louvered door.
Bi-Fold Interior Doors
Bi-fold doors consist of several panels that fold against each other when opened. They are typically used for closets or pantries. Like the previously discussed interior door styles I have also had these in my home. I did end up swapping most of them out as they are hard to keep on their tracks, especially with children. I would consider using these doors again especially in a space with limited floor space for doors.
Solid Wood Interior Door
A solid wood door is a timeless option that suits any interior décor. These doors are made from a single piece of wood, making them strong and sturdy. They offer a great combination of beauty, durability, insulation, and soundproofing. Solid wood doors come in various styles and finishes. These types of doors are great because you can truly customize your wood stains with white wood stain, gray wood stain or even blue wood stain. One thing to remember with solid wood doors is the cost these types of doors are always more expensive then other types of doors. It may be worthwhile to check out reuse stores in your area to see if they have these doors used for cheaper.
Arched Interior Door
An arched interior door adds a classic and unique touch to your home. The curved top is an eye-catching detail that will make any room and door stand out from the rest. Like any other door, these can be made of wood or engineered materials, with various configurations available. Arched doors are often used in entryways and formal living rooms to create a luxurious look and feel.
Vintage/ Rustic Interior Door
If you’re looking to bring a rustic touch to your home, vintage or rustic doors are the perfect choice. These doors often feature distressed wood with a weathered finish, which adds character and authenticity to your space. Rustic doors come in various designs, from panel doors to barn-door styles. They add visual interest to any room while creating charm and warmth.
Chalkboard Interior Door
For an unexpected element to your home, consider talking any of these interior door styles and making them into a chalkboard door. A chalkboard door is perfect for children’s bedrooms and playrooms as it gives them a creative outlet without having to sacrifice style. Another great idea is using a chalkboard door as part of your families message center. I have created many large chalkboards for this very reason.
Frosted Glass Interior Door
Frosted glass panels are a great way to add privacy to interior doors. These translucent panels give off a soft light, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere while allowing you to keep your space private. Frosted glass doors come in various shapes and sizes, so there is something for every style and budget.
Wood Plank Interior Door
For those looking for a more rustic look, a wood plank door is the perfect choice. These doors feature multiple slats or panels of wood, giving your home an old-fashioned charm. Wood plank doors come in various sizes and finishes, allowing you to customize it to fit your décor. They are great for entryways, kitchens and sunrooms.
Slab Interior Doors vs. Pre-hung Interior Doors
Slab Doors vs. Prehung Doors: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Option for Your Home
When it comes to selecting interior doors for your home, you may come across two primary options: slab doors and prehung doors. Each type has its own advantages and considerations, and understanding the differences between them is crucial in making the right choice for your specific needs. In this article, we’ll delve into the characteristics of slab doors and prehung doors to help you make an informed decision.
Slab Interior Doors
Slab doors are simply the door leaf itself, without any hardware or framing attached. They come in a variety of designs, materials, and finishes, offering great versatility and customization options. Here are the key features and considerations of slab doors:
Installation
Installing a slab door can be a more complex task than prehung doors, as it requires mounting the door to an existing door frame or creating a new frame from scratch. This process demands more skill and precision, making it a suitable option for experienced DIYers or professionals.
Customization
Slab doors allow for a high level of customization. You can choose from a wide range of styles, materials (such as wood, MDF, or metal), and finishes to match your interior décor and personal preferences. If you have a unique door frame size or shape, a slab door can be trimmed to fit precisely.
Cost
Slab doors generally tend to be more budget-friendly compared to prehung doors, mainly because you’re not paying for the added hardware and frame. However, the overall cost can vary depending on the door’s material and design.
Pre-hung Interior Doors
Prehung doors are doors that come pre-assembled with the door slab, hinges, and door frame. They are ready to be installed directly into the rough opening in your wall. Here are the key features and considerations of prehung doors:
Installation
Pre-hung doors are designed for straightforward installation, especially for new constructions or situations where the door frame needs replacement. They are a convenient option for DIYers and contractors alike, as the door comes with the frame already set up and aligned.
Efficiency
Because prehung doors are factory-assembled, they ensure precise alignment and a tight fit. This can result in better energy efficiency, as there are fewer gaps for air leakage, leading to potential energy savings.
Time-saving
Installing a prehung door can save you a significant amount of time compared to setting up a slab door within an existing frame. The door and frame come pre-aligned, reducing the need for complex adjustments.
Variety
While prehung doors offer a wide range of designs and materials, your customization options may be somewhat limited compared to slab doors. However, many manufacturers still provide various styles to choose from.
Cost
Pre-hung doors are generally more expensive than slab doors due to the additional components and the convenience they offer. However, the time and effort saved during installation might offset the cost difference for some homeowners.
Interior Door Styles: Conclusion
I have already discussed exterior front door ideas and design which you can check out once you have checked out these interior door styles.
Selecting the right interior door style for your home can significantly impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of your living spaces. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of traditional panel doors, the rustic charm of barn doors, or the elegance of French doors, there’s a wide array of options to choose from. Consider your interior design theme, space constraints, and personal preferences when making your decision. With these interior door styles, you can create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that truly reflects your taste and enhances your home’s appeal.
