The modern market for door products is overflowing with many different proposals for closing the openings between rooms. Popular among them are hinged products and sliding structures. But among all this mass of ordinary door solutions there is something new and extraordinary. These are radius doors. These designs allow you to add your own flavor to any interior.
Non-standard solution
Today, such products are being discussed more and more. For inexperienced buyers, this is, of course, a new product. The features of these systems are little known, as is their design. This is very simple to explain - radius doors have been widely represented on the markets of our country for only two to three years.
For sophisticated buyers, manufacturers have already presented many different partitions in a variety of designs. For example, among sliding doors there are hanging, hidden mechanisms. Traditional swing, folding and lifting systems are also offered.
Radius doors are the latest innovative idea for closing the openings between rooms. These designs are widely in demand where it is necessary to create a unique and original interior. The design features will allow such a door to give the interior a non-standard shape.
Interior sliding partitions and radius doors are distinguished by smooth corners and smooth line transitions. This design is completely free of any straight lines. Doors come in different sizes according to their design. They can have different shapes and curvature. Typical solutions are called radial.
Sliding doors - types and types of guides used
The extensive group of sliding doors includes products of different designs:
- compartment doors;
- sliding and retractable;
- cascade doors;
- accordion doors (as well as book doors);
- radius doors.
The type of door determines the type of guides that are best suited for its installation: with one or more gutters, straight or curved, with one or two rails (top and bottom). The variety of sliding doors has become the reason that the sets of fittings for them differ from each other in many respects: sizes, cross-section configurations, materials and installation methods.
Sliding doors require the mandatory use of a lower guide, since it is precisely on which the door leaves are not installed and rest. The upper rail performs only a corrective role and ensures a strictly vertical position of the door leaves. The number of gutters in the structure depends on the number of sashes moving within one section.
Sliding door mechanisms
Sliding doors can have a guide with one channel, because they have only one moving leaf. There can be two guides - bottom and top, although the top one, in most cases, successfully copes with the load. Doors of this type consist of only two leaves, and the moving part moves along its own line without touching the stationary leaf. Sliding models are often purchased because they are easy to install and convenient to use. You can install such doors yourself, as the manufacturers provide them with detailed instructions.
Areas of use
The main difference between radius doors and sliding doors is that the main function here is not saving valuable space. The maximum benefit can only be obtained if installed in large, spacious, well-lit rooms.
But such designs can also be found in small city apartments. In this situation, they solve the problem of separating some space. For example, they often create an “island” kitchen. But at the same time, radius sliding doors should not contradict the overall design. It is necessary that the partition be combined with other parts that have a streamlined outline.
Modern designers claim that the absence of right angles makes a room of any size more spacious. If necessary, you can even purchase single-leaf radius structures.
Solutions based on radius doors will look great in apartments or country houses, offices or administrative premises, business centers. The design of the walls, which can have a round shape, encourages the purchase of such systems. Today, such buildings can be seen more and more often.
As for the styles where these products would be appropriate, these are modern, pop art, techno. Exclusive and sophisticated solutions with luxurious finishes and stained glass windows can fit perfectly into Baroque style rooms.
Materials used in the manufacture of doors
Radial profiles are made from metal, wood or plastic.
Plastic is the cheapest type of profile. May have different radii of curvature. The plastic profile is fire-resistant, which allows it to be installed in rooms with an increased risk of fire. It is easy to use and does not require special care. Using film allows you to imitate the texture of wood or stone. Plastic profiles have good thermal insulation and protect against noise.
Aluminum is the most common type of profile. It can be cold and warm. In the second case, the kit includes a thermal insert that provides protection from drafts. The metal is reliable, durable and has a long service life. Often complemented with glass inserts.
Important! Wood is a noble, expensive material. It is environmentally friendly and durable. To extend the service life, the surface is varnished. Wood is sensitive to moisture, so it is not suitable for installation in bathrooms. Wooden profiles add comfort and coziness to the room.
A separate group consists of all-glass panels. They are made from triplex, reinforced or tempered glass. Glass ceilings have a stylish design, a large selection of decor, durability and increased light transmittance.
Designs, types, forms
In terms of design features, these panels and blocks are practically no different from traditional sliding solutions. The only difference is in the shape of the valve, which is most often semicircular. The radial block is equipped with roller mechanisms. An aluminum profile is used as a frame for the door.
The frame can be finished with absolutely any type of materials to suit your taste, as well as based on interior needs. Types of finishing include plastic, wood, glass and other materials.
In frequent cases, the designer’s imagination can combine several types of door blocks in one partition. For example, some radius doors can combine not only sliding, but also hinged and even fixed leaves.
As for classification, these products are distinguished by shape. So, the door can have a concave or convex shape, round or oval. Combined solutions are also sometimes used.
An interior door in this format can have a different appearance and design. Among the canvases, solid, partially glazed or combined, fully glazed options are offered.
Based on the opening method, there are radius sliding doors, which occupy a leading position and are in high demand, but there are other types. There are classic swing doors, where the doors are made in an unusual design. Manufacturers also offer folding partitions. Fixed partitions are also available. But they are no longer doors.
The production technology of radial door structures is similar to the process of manufacturing furniture facades.
Design Features
The design features of radius sliding doors and leaves with other types of opening have a number of undeniable advantages. It should also be said that there are practically no shortcomings in standard systems, which makes these models an excellent purchase.
Floor coverings can fit perfectly into absolutely any type of interior of a modern or classic apartment, as well as country houses of various types. These canvases perfectly complement the design in buildings that were built according to original designs. In such buildings, like nowhere else, non-standardism in internal equipment and interior design is necessary.
Sliding systems have advantages over swing systems. They still save space. This makes it possible to install the leaf in places where a swing door cannot be installed. Such a door uses only two leaves, and the sliding structure can consist of four or more leaves. Canvases and blocks can be moved apart along the walls or cascaded to one side.
The suspension system allows you to completely get rid of thresholds. The upper mechanism is quite powerful and will support the weight of the canvas. If necessary, a virtually invisible bottom rail can be installed in the floor.
Materials
For production, as well as for decorative finishing, only the highest quality materials are used. Due to this, radius interior doors have such a high price. Most often these models are made according to individual orders. But there are ready-made options that are no worse.
As for the materials themselves, these are usually natural wood of expensive species, veneer of the same expensive types of wood, leather and aluminum.
Positive aspects of using radius interior doors
This type of door system has many advantages. In standard radial-type designs there are practically no disadvantages, but there are a lot of advantages:
- Door slabs can organically complement any residential and non-residential design in buildings of various functions. The radius door will perfectly complement the existing furniture ensemble, but it looks exceptionally well in houses and premises created according to original design developments. Where it is necessary to emphasize the exclusivity of the interior design, doors of semicircular shapes will become indispensable in the arrangement.
- For decorative purposes, only high-quality finishing materials are used. Since the production of radius blocks is certainly not a “budget” option, the rationale for selecting a finish with improved characteristics seems obvious. In the vast majority of cases, when ordering radius doors, we are always talking about individual production according to the dimensions of the specific opening being equipped. The most popular finishing materials are rare wood veneers and natural wood. Sometimes, to give the interior exclusivity, radius panels are made using leather.
- The radius type is a favorite choice of customers who are keen on the meaning and application of Feng Shui. The design is such that it meets the basic requirements for housing from the point of view of Eastern culture - minimal angles, absence of sharp lines. Thanks to the possibility of using any finish from any material, the scope for imagination when combining the door with the interior is little limited.
- The ability of a radius design to visually expand the space is especially appreciated , which is useful when used in an apartment with a small area.
- Thanks to the radius type, effective zoning and special emphasis on style (“modern” or art deco) became possible.
Great choice for a special style
If it is necessary to create a special style, such solutions are preferred by lovers of the East and its culture, as well as connoisseurs of Feng Shui. In this culture, right angles and traditional sharp lines are unacceptable. The radial door is fully capable of satisfying these needs. In addition, the finish can be almost any, which will allow you to choose the right product even for exotic interiors.
Another advantage of radial door blocks is a visual increase in space area, expansion of boundaries, and division of the room into functional zones.
A non-standard approach to the design of a doorway
For many connoisseurs of quality design, the design of radius doors is a little-studied topic.
The reason that radius doors have not gained sufficient popularity is due to particularly close attention to standard solutions designed to equip modern residential and non-residential spaces in a short period of time and with a modest budget. In recent years, non-standard and uniqueness have been increasingly valued, and the radius design fully meets the stated requirements for modern interior design. It would seem that the market offers such a variety of doors of standard and unusual designs, using traditional and innovative technologies. However, radius doors especially stand out among the rest of the range of floors. Thanks to the emphasis on uniqueness , every serious manufacturer of this type of door is able to satisfy the customer’s needs for exceptional design, creating multi-format structures in the chosen style.
The modern buyer can choose the most suitable option from among the following radius designs:
- sliding (with suspended, hidden, roller installation principle);
- classic swing;
- folding type;
- lifting options.
Disadvantages of radius sliding solutions
It is imperative to take into account the parking location of the canvas when using a system with an external mechanism. The finishing of the canvas is selected based on this. In this case, it is best to choose the cascade option. It will significantly save space.
Another disadvantage is the noisy operation. The rollers of the sliding mechanism of the hanging canvas will in any case make sounds during operation. Manufacturers are trying to develop silent designs. There are even similar models on the market, but their prices are very high.
Often, the canvases are already equipped with all the necessary fittings. But if you need to purchase handles, choose those that can be integrated directly into the canvas.
Pros and cons of radius sliding doors
Semicircular structures have many positive qualities:
- Suitable for both residential and commercial properties. They fit perfectly into home furnishings and into the interior of a hotel or office.
- They can give the interior originality and uniqueness. Door partitions made according to individual designs may not have an exact copy.
- Due to the high price, customers do not save on finishing. For this purpose, only high-quality materials are selected. These include valuable wood, veneer, and leather.
- Suitable for apartments designed according to the teachings of Feng Shui. According to his laws, there should be no sharp corners or clear lines in the house. Eastern culture requires harmony. Thanks to the wide variety of finishes, it is easy to create a design that is close to the East.
- It is successfully used in zoning when it is necessary to build in a wardrobe, separate a dining area or a bathroom.
- In small apartments, sliding interior radius doors visually expand the space.
- Glass panels let in a lot of light, which makes the room brighter and more comfortable.
The only negative is the high price. In addition, if the room has standard openings, then redevelopment will have to be done to install radius doors. Sometimes this is not possible due to load-bearing walls and the lengthy procedure for obtaining permission.
Installation methods
Swing radius models are attached in the same way as traditional ones. There are hinges on the door frame.
In the case of radius sliding doors, the guides are fixed to the ceiling or to the wall. There are also mechanisms for mounting on a doorway. But this is only available if the doors slide inside the wall.
Sliding models can have two types of fastening - a compartment and a hanging mechanism. A coupe is when guides are installed above and below the canvas. The hanging mechanism is installed only on top of the canvas.
Profile Features
Radius partitions are very attractive with their profile. Thanks to it, radius doors, for example, for a dressing room, allow you to create unique shapes, decorated with stained glass windows with a luxurious finish.
Among all the available types of profiles, the most popular is aluminum with various alloying additives. Technologies will allow you to create a profile with a laminated coating, and the color range is amazingly diverse.
Although these designs have a very high price, due to their features they allow you to create unique interiors and realize even the wildest design dreams. Today, these products attract many owners of luxury housing who strive for originality, elegance, spaciousness and follow the latest fashion trends in the form of interior solutions and construction.
Facing coating for radius doors
Radius doors are lined with the same types of coatings as conventional ones. The material of the canvas is glass, MDF, plastic or aluminum. A pattern is applied to it, artistic painting or photo printing is used.
To give wood structures an aristocratic appearance, artificial aging or staining is used.
Glass canvases have more decor options:
- sandblasting printing;
- stained glass;
- matting;
- applying patterns;
- artistic drawings.
Plastic doors are decorated to look like wood or stone. It can be marble, granite, any type of wood.
Important! Finishing of MDF floors with noble wood veneer is popular. This reduces the price of the finished product, and the doors look no less noble in appearance.
Often several materials are combined in one canvas, for example, wood with glass, plastic in an aluminum frame.
