Many owners dream of a comfortable and spacious dressing room in their home. But in order to properly arrange such a “pantry”, you need not only to allocate space for installing the filling: cabinets and chests of drawers. You also need to carefully choose good sliding doors for your dressing room. Depending on the design and features of its operation, different types of door systems are distinguished. They can include several doors or be equipped with just one door leaf. Products are made from a variety of raw materials, which should also be taken into account. Depending on the door materials and their characteristics, both the maintenance conditions and the service life of the model may change. Below we have examined in detail all the options for doors for dressing rooms, indicating their features and operating principles. Also in our tips you will find tips on choosing the optimal material and design of sliding doors.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of sliding door units in dressing rooms include their efficiency. Unlike swing analogues, they will not occupy the free space of the room when opening. Thanks to the variety of materials, types of structures and designs, you can easily choose a door that will not stand out in the overall interior of the room. Ease of installation of any type of sliding systems is also important. As for their disadvantages, they include the noise of such elements. Indeed, when moving, the doors will produce little noise (swing analogues do not have this drawback). Timely cleaning of rollers and other mechanisms from dust will help to maximize the service life of the structure. Also, we must not forget about the need to constantly clean glass and mirror sashes. It is on them that both dust and fingerprints will be clearly visible.
What are the pros and cons of doors with a mirror?
The first thing you need to understand in order to decide whether you need interior mirrored doors is what their main features are: advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
- Visual effects - a mirror surface visually expands the room and makes it much more spacious.
- High strength - the mirror cloth can withstand severe mechanical loads, since, firstly, it is made of impact-resistant glass, and secondly, it is firmly fixed using special fittings.
- Additional lighting - thanks to the ability of mirrors to reflect sunlight, doors help make the room brighter. This ability is especially active in those rooms where the opening is located opposite the window.
- Double functionality - using such a door, you free yourself from the need to clutter the walls with mirrors, because you will already have one large and very convenient one.
A door with a mirror makes the room visually more spacious
Kinds
The main differences between different types of sliding wardrobe doors include the conditions for moving the doors. Namely, the mechanisms by which the opening and closing of the auxiliary room is carried out. Depending on the size and layout of the dressing room itself, the number of doors installed can also vary significantly. When choosing the optimal type of model, you should definitely take into account the complexity of their installation and subsequent maintenance. Also, the price categories, reliability and durability of doors that differ in operating principle will differ significantly. Below we reviewed the most popular options and described all their performance characteristics and features of use.
For mini-wardrobes, door models with small framing strips and 1-2 doors are optimal. For large dressing rooms, which are actually a full-fledged changing room, sliding doors with high doors and the most wear-resistant and reliable designs are more suitable.
Sliding (pencil case)
Sliding sliding doors include one leaf, which is enclosed in a special cassette. The cassette is a framing element of the structure with a U-shaped profile that ensures the movement of the sash. The advantage of such models is their compactness. They are perfect for arranging bedrooms, from which a transition to a dressing room is organized. They will also become a practical addition for hiding a narrow niche, which is a passage to equipped shelves, microlifts with things. The tightness of the structure is also important, preventing the penetration of any odors into the stored wardrobe. Installing sliding doors will provide good sound insulation: noise from the dressing room in the adjoining room will not be heard. True, the cost of such models is quite high due to the complexity of the cassette itself.
Doors – compartment
Compartment doors can include 2-4 or more panels. The movement of the shutters is ensured by installing a profile with rollers. As the doors move, they “overlap” each other. This option is ideal for minimally highlighting the entrance to the dressing room. The small thickness of the leaves and the small dimensions of the profile system itself ensure minimal use of the doorway. True, unlike sliding models, compartment doors make more noise when moving. In addition, they are distinguished by slight tightness when closing. This option is unsuitable for installation in a studio apartment; the entrance to the dressing room is arranged from the hallway. With such an arrangement of doors, there is a high probability of odors from the kitchen penetrating into the wardrobe and the appearance of unpleasant odors in clothes.
Techno style designs
Non-standard hinged doors have a very simple and reliable design. They do not require installation of a profile in the doorway: a guide with clamps for the panels is attached above the opening. Additionally, an auxiliary guide is mounted under the sliding leaves to move the sashes. Techno doors have the appearance of a stylish partition, so they will fit perfectly into the interior of a compact room. They take up minimal space and, in addition, differ from other types in their simplicity and low cost of repair. Thanks to the convenient design, they make it easy to adjust the gap between the canvases and the wall in front of which they will move. Therefore, there will be no problems with installing the plinth below. The material of the canvas can be any. But it is still not recommended to install wooden inserts with a large weight.
Folding
Folding doors are usually split in the middle. When the doors are opened, one of them moves to the left, the second to the right. Depending on the width of the doorway, the leaves on both sides may include 2-4 leaves. In the process of opening the doors, they fold like an accordion. This option is suitable for spacious bedrooms. Due to the resulting “folds”, when opening the doors, the internal space of the room from which the entrance to the dressing room will be used. Therefore, before installing such models, it is worth considering the need to maximize the space in front of the doors to create comfortable conditions for their use. Folding doors produce little noise. But to maintain their integrity and avoid deformation of the connecting sashes on the left and right, it is necessary to periodically adjust the hinges that connect the individual parts of the accordion panels. Another feature of the models is the presence of rollers mounted on the outer panels of both sides (located in the center of the opening when closing).
Accordion
Sliding doors in the form of an accordion are somewhat different from folding ones, but in general they have the same functionality. First of all, it is worth considering that the individual parts of the doors (which will be assembled into an accordion) are smaller in size. Therefore, even when folded, they will take up minimal space in the bedroom or hallway. The accordion door has no division in the center. This model moves during the opening process either to the right or to the left. This feature leads to the need for their reliable installation in the doorway. Due to the increased load on the hinge connecting the door and the wall, it is worth using reinforced fittings as fasteners for it. In addition, accordion doors may not be equipped with rollers, which allow them to evenly distribute the load and provide additional support. In this case, the canvases are made from the lightest materials.
Roto-doors
The original rotary door does not move to the side, but rotates inside the frame itself. It is ideal for equipping dressing rooms that are accessed by a narrow doorway. Typically, such models are used for installation in corner closets. Due to the rotation of the door around its axis to open and close, they do not require installation of guides and take up minimal space. True, it will not be possible to install such a structure with your own hands. After all, even the gap between the box and the installed canvas should not exceed 5 mm. Otherwise, it is simply impossible to guarantee a long service life of the product or prevent its deformation. In addition, the cost of the models is very high, and rotary doors require only professional maintenance.
DIY compartment door installation
To install compartment doors you will need the following tools:
- roulette;
- pencil;
- drill;
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- building level.
First prepare the surface so that it is level. Then the top and bottom rails are installed. The upper guide is fixed to a wooden block, which is attached to the wall using dowels. The required number of fasteners must be at least 6.
To install the bottom rail, a groove is made in the floor according to the dimensions of the guide. In this case, one level must be maintained to avoid distortions. To do this, use a drill with bits in the form of crowns. You can also use feather drills. A stopper is installed in the extreme position.
Then, using self-tapping screws, install the roller guide mechanism to the canvas. The installation of the door begins by inserting the roller at the top, and then inserting the bottom one into the rail. The seal is attached to the end of the leaf to soften shocks when closing.
At the last stage, adjustment is made. The lower mechanisms have special screws that allow you to raise or lower the blade.
Selection by material
Depending on the characteristics of the material, the complexity of maintenance and service life of sliding doors are determined. Therefore, before choosing a specific model, you need to consider all its pros and cons. Also, do not forget about the influence of the appearance of the construction raw materials on the design of the room being furnished. As for the practicality of materials, consider the following conditions when selecting models:
- In the dressing room, the entrance to which is located in the hallway, you should install doors made of easy-to-clean materials. Dust will constantly accumulate on glossy surfaces.
- The weight of the material directly affects the need to install a complex, highly durable or lightweight, simple system for fastening and moving the sashes.
- The selected material, both in color and presentation, should fit into the interior of the bedroom or hallway. Otherwise, it will simply not be possible to maintain the overall style of the existing furnishings and the element being installed.
Wooden
Sliding doors made of wood and derived raw materials (for example, with veneer finishing) are considered classics. They will suit different designs. The most popular are sliding or sliding (accordion) models, complemented by thin frames around the perimeter of the canvas. There are also types whose canvases are supplemented with wooden slats (similar to ordinary blinds) and a wooden lattice. True, they should only be installed in bedrooms. The location of such doors in the hallway will allow dust to directly enter the dressing room. As for the design, painted models are most often used. Products coated with varnish are more suitable for installation in rooms with natural finishes. Dark wood will complement the strict classic design well.
Wooden doors are quite heavy, so they require the installation of a strong framing system and the strongest possible profiles.
Glass and mirror
Mirrored panels of sliding doors allow you to visually increase the area of the room in which they are installed. Translucent glass models will add lightness to the interior. Mirror surfaces can easily fit into both classic and unusual interiors. But translucent glass inserts will be an ideal complement to any of the modern trends. Such glasses are produced in any colors. Due to special production technology, they have increased wear resistance and reliability. It is extremely difficult to damage such a canvas. Mirror and glass panels in coupe and folding models can be combined with other materials. For example, in similar models from Ikea, glass is usually combined with plastic inserts or veneer sheets. Mirrored doors can be complemented with sandblasted patterns, and mirror or glass inserts can be separated horizontally by thin wooden or aluminum strips.
Plastic
Plastic wardrobe doors will look good in both a discreet, cozy or bright interior. Plastic inserts used for canvases are produced in a variety of shades. They can be completely opaque or translucent. The plastic on wardrobe doors is made from durable and wear-resistant polymers. This material is not afraid of the negative effects of the sun. Due to special toners, they are resistant to fading or yellowing. Plastic doors may have a matte surface. But to add dynamism to the interior, it is recommended to choose models with gloss. Typically, plastic inserts are separated into separate pieces by horizontal strips. Even with a small door width, they can visually expand the room. To visually raise the ceiling, you should select canvases with solid pieces of plastic.
Bamboo or rattan
Unusual sliding doors made of rattan or bamboo can enhance home comfort. They can be produced in any design, which greatly simplifies the selection of original models. True, the price of such systems is quite high. Natural raw materials will create a special climate in the room being equipped. Additionally, they will be able to emphasize the non-standard interior design. It is recommended to choose such doors for installation in dressing rooms (or mini-wardrobes, reminiscent of a spacious closet) in bedrooms. In hallways, a large amount of dust will collect on the embossed surface of the doors, which will lead to the need for constant cleaning.
Sliding doors made of bamboo or rattan are more suitable for loft, Scandinavian, modern or urban style. In the classical direction, Art Deco or Provence, they will look out of place.
Types of mirrors
Usually an ordinary mirror is installed on the door and used for its intended purpose. People look into it to evaluate their appearance. But you can create a real masterpiece from a simple design if you decorate the surface with various patterns. There are several types of such mirror planes.
Grooved
As a rule, it is made according to individual sketches, but there are quite a lot of ready-made copies on sale. The volumetric pattern looks very impressive and will be quite an original decoration.
Stained glass
To create such a surface, you will need high-quality painted parts. With their help, unusual pictures are created on the mirror that can attract attention.
Patinated
Artificial aging is widely used when using various styles of room decoration. For example, in the direction of shabby chic or eclectic. A mirror that looks like it has been used for many years is very popular in the now fashionable loft.
Tinted
Folding mirror doors for a dressing room can be made from colored glass using amalgam. Such products are luxurious and perfectly used in the art deco style.
Patterned
The surface is decorated with a pattern or inscription, which is applied by etching. For this purpose, the surface is sandblasted. Such decorations look equally good in any design.
With beveled edges
The edge of a mirror, processed at a certain angle, can also reflect objects. As a rule, to create the effect, several mirrors are required, which will create an unusual three-dimensional image. Such designs are suitable for any style of room.
Care and operation
Depending on the selected sliding door system and the door material itself, the conditions for caring for the models will vary significantly. The sashes can be cleaned using the following products:
- Special sprays for removing dust and dirt from matte or glossy surfaces (for plastic, glass and mirrors).
- Gentle gel chemistry for wood care (wood, bamboo and rattan, as well as veneered surfaces).
- Fine abrasive powders for removing deep stains (suitable for wood, rattan, bamboo, but should be used only when absolutely necessary).
As for the movement mechanisms, dust should be thoroughly removed from profiles and similar blocks once every 1-2 weeks. To do this, you can use special soft brushes or a vacuum cleaner with a thin nozzle. The frequency of tightening door hinges directly depends on their quality and operating conditions. The recommended frequency of adjustment is once every six months or a year.
Accessories set
Since sliding systems have a unique structure, the fittings for them must be appropriate. Locks for sliding doors resemble a bolt made in the form of a hook. When you turn the key in the lock, the bolt should extend. The set includes handles made in the form of “shells”. They should form a recess in the door leaf.
The main difference between the handles is that they are hidden in the canvas. This is provided so that the doors slide to the side without problems. If we compare the locks of sliding structures with standard elements, their main difference is the vertical latching.
You have to choose special fittings in cases where they are not included in a single set. The choice must be made carefully as door hardware is unique to each type of structure. For high-quality installation of locks and handles, it is best to contact a specialist.
If you pay attention to additional fittings, you can include different types of fasteners, complete with the door leaf. Step-by-step instructions for installing doors will help you install all the elements. The presence of a brush seal in the kit allows for protection and shielding.
Design and colors
When selecting original sliding doors to equip a dressing room, you should take care of their appropriate appearance in the overall interior. The following style tips will help you choose products in suitable colors and designs:
- Scandinavian: gray, white, light brown, brown and even black doors made of wood, plastic;
- loft and country: wooden models with varnish, bamboo or rattan models;
- Provence: light-colored plastic or glass models without patterns or horizontal dividers, lightened wooden models or wooden doors painted white, cream or light gray;
- modern: gray, white, black wooden models or glass doors in similar colors, mirrored models with horizontal dividers;
- hi-tech and minimalism: dark brown wooden models or doors in matte gray, black, white;
- classic: wooden painted or varnished models, mirrors with or without patterns, frosted glass doors in light gray, gray and black tones.
We are preparing a storage room in a Khrushchev-era building for a future dressing room
The first thing to do before making a dressing room is to put the pantry in order, that is, lay tiles on the floor, level and paint the walls.
| Rice. 1. Storage room before renovation |
| Rice. 2. The floor of the storage room is tiled, the walls are leveled and painted. |
Cabinet design
Before assembling the wardrobe, you need to finally decide on its drawing and location. Everything is individual here, and there can be no specific advice, just find a good place for the closet. This could be a closet, a niche in the wall, or just a corner in the room.
If free space is not limited, then choose the size of the cabinet according to the golden ratio rule, that is, the ratio of height to length should be 1.62.
Thus, if your ceiling is 2.5 meters high, then it would be optimal to choose a cabinet length of 154 centimeters (250/1.62=154.3). The depth of standard furniture parts is usually 60 centimeters; there is no need to make it more, otherwise it will be inconvenient to get distant things from the upper shelves. Also note that all internal parts should be at least 10 centimeters narrower due to the width of the doors.
Next, when you decide on the installation location, you need to draw up your own drawings. You must make a detailed diagram of the cabinet and all shelves with dimensions. This can be done both on paper and in programs such as Basis Cabinet or even in Excel. Specialized programs will be able to give you with one button the number and dimensions of the required parts for cutting, which is very convenient.
When modeling interior shelves, you can’t do without your significant other, otherwise you’ll have to redo everything later. This is one of the most important stages, which should be devoted to a separate topic, so now just briefly - we will present to you our sliding wardrobe project with dimensions.
This sliding wardrobe diagram is designed to be created in a closet, with a beam at the top. Therefore, mirrored doors will not go all the way to the ceiling.
