When should I consider doors in the design process?

During a build, internal doors may often be an afterthought for many people. However, considering them at the close of the project could prove a costly mistake – both in monetary terms and in the design compromises you’ll inevitably have to make so late on. 

Internal doors are no longer simply a functional product – don’t miss the opportunity to install beautifully design-focused doors that command attention as a feature in themselves. Planning ahead and considering their design and configuration at the very beginning of the project will ensure the capacity to specify the perfect internal doors for your home. Here, we explain why it’s crucial internal doors are considered at the very beginning of a project and consider how much creative freedom this early planning provides.

There’s a lot to think about when choosing internal doors – more so than there ever used to be. The way we use and interact with our homes has changed and manufacturers and suppliers have to keep up with changing trends and meet that demand. It’s for this reason internal doors should be considered in the planning stages of a project. Think about whether you’re designing vast open-plan spaces that require partition only some of the time or whether you’d like doors that slide completely out of view to maximise space-saving qualities of a room. You should also consider door sizes – is there scope for an oversized door to create real impact or do you need a door for an awkwardly shaped space?

When you consider doors at the very beginning of the design process, there’s the opportunity to align their design and details with your plans for the surrounding interiors. You can specify material, colour and finish at this stage and feel confident you’re tying it all in to your overall vision for the space.

For self builds in particular, it’s crucial door choices are made in the project’s planning stages, alongside your architect’s advice. That’s because depending on what you envisage, the walls may need to be constructed for the door. Pocket doors, for example, can be installed within stud walls as the build progresses – but it’s vital to have these requirements before the walls go up. Aside from being a stunning feature that slides completely out of view when open, a pocket door gains you an average 10 square feet additional floor space (compared with that of a traditional hinged door).

The right doors can make the most of any natural light in the house – and can even encourage more of it in and help strategically move it around a space. Clever use of glass can be an effective way of dividing up large spaces as well as capitalise on the amount of natural light flowing through. Fully or partially glazed doors offer a sophisticated addition to any room and are extremely practical too.

A made-to-measure service ensures installation of doors that are perfectly tailored to your unique requirements and personal tastes – and that in turn allows for a lot more choice. This bespoke solution enables doors to be manufactured entirely to suit the space, whether that’s an awkwardly shaped corner of the room or you want an effective oversized door to fit in with a grand entranceway.

In the early stages of a build and still need inspiration for internal doors? Talk to Deuren and get expert advice for how you can create statement pieces for any space.