I know how anxious you may feel about finding the perfect sliding doors for your living room. There’s actually quite a lot to think about! You need to take into account not only how they will look in the room, but also their functionality.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t skip the rest of this guide. Here I will talk about the various types of sliding doors, important factors to consider before making a purchase, as well as the pros and cons of using them in the room.
Let’s start with a brief mention of the benefits that sliding doors can bring to your living room…
The Benefits Of Sliding Doors For Your Living Room
More and more homeowners are opting for sliding doors because of their unique features. Sliding doors not only give your space a stylish look but also provide many benefits.
These doors provide a smooth connection between the outdoor and indoor living areas, letting natural light in and creating a spacious atmosphere in the living room.
In addition, sliding doors save space, making them an excellent choice for smaller homes. Their modern and sleek look will also elevate the overall aesthetics of your home.
Types Of Sliding Doors For A Living Room
· Pocket Sliding Doors
These doors neatly slide into a recessed pocket within the wall, seamlessly blending into the wall and creating a hidden doorway when they’re open. Pocket sliding doors are ideal when your goal is to maximize space and maintain a clean, uncluttered look in your living room.
· Bypass Sliding Doors
These are made up of two, three, or more panels that slide past each other. Bypass doors are an excellent option if you have limited space since they do not require additional floor space for swinging like traditional hinged doors.
· Barn Sliding Doors
Inspired by rustic barn doors, these doors slide smoothly along a track and add a charming, cottage-style touch to your living room. They can be a great addition to the home for those who are aiming for a more traditional or farmhouse-themed décor or want to add an eclectic twist to their interior design.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Sliding Doors For A Living Room
► Measuring the size and space
Before selecting a sliding door, carefully measure the available space. Choose a door that fits the dimensions of your living room as it will allow you to open and close it easily without any obstructions.
What are the standard sizes of sliding doors?
According to Arthitectural, the standards for sliding door sizes are:
STANDARD SIZE DOOR
Height 80-96 inches
Width 60-72 inches
TWO-PANEL SLIDING DOOR
Height 80 inches
Width 60-96 inches
THREE-PANEL SLIDING DOOR
Height 80 inches
Width 108-144 inches
How do you measure your living room for a sliding door installation?
Follow the steps to measure your room:
1. As there are different types of sliding doors, choose the type that works best for your living room.
2. Measure the width of the opening: Use a tape measure to find out the width of the opening where you plan to install the sliding door. Measure from the left edge of the opening to the right. For best accuracy, it’s necessary to measure the opening’s width at the top, center, and bottom.
3. Measure the height of the opening: Find out how high the opening is, starting from the floor up to the top of the opening. Again, take precise measurements at the left, center, and right side of the opening.
4. Measure the depth of the opening: The measurement of the depth of the opening will help you find out the required sliding door size. Start from the front of the opening to the back.
5. Check for obstructions: Check the opening for possible obstructions such as light switches, electrical outlets, or vents. Measure around these areas to be sure that your sliding door will fit properly.
6. Determine the approximate opening size: The approximate opening size is the size of the opening required to install the sliding door. To specify the approximate opening size, add 1 inch to the height and 2 inches to the width of the opening.
► Deciding on style and design
The design of your sliding doors should blend harmoniously with the interior theme of your living room. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist or a more ornate design, ensure the doors align with your overall aesthetic vision.
► Considering the functionality and ease of use
Test the sliding doors before making a purchase. Make sure they move smoothly and effortlessly. High-quality doors will have a sturdy and reliable track system, and this will make them easy to operate for years to come.
► Picking the right materials
As sliding doors come in various materials. When making a decision, think about the overall style of your home and choose materials that complement the existing décor.
So, what are the best materials for sliding doors in the living room?
Wood – is a warm and traditional material that will add a classic look to any room. It is a good option for those who want to introduce a natural and warm ambiance to their living room.
Glass – sliding doors made from glass are a popular choice for modern living spaces. They provide a sleek and contemporary look and allow natural light to enter the room. They can be customized with different types of glass, such as tempered or insulated glass, that boost energy efficiency and safety.
Aluminum – they are durable and low-maintenance. This is a good option for those who want a modern and minimalist look for their living room. Aluminum sliding doors are also energy-efficient and can be customized with various finishes.
Fiberglass – these types of doors are versatile and can look like natural wood. They come in many wood grain textures and can be painted to match your décor. Fiberglass sliding doors are also energy-efficient and require minimal maintenance.
Vinyl – they are affordable and easy to maintain. Vinyl sliding doors are a good option for anyone who wants a simple and functional door for their living room. On the downside, vinyl has limited color options and chunkier sightlines when compared to other materials.
Pros And Cons Of Sliding Doors For A Living Room
Overall, sliding doors can enhance a living room but you should evaluate the specific needs and preferences of your household before making a decision. Here’s an overview:
SLIDING DOOR ADVANTAGES
· Space-saving
Sliding doors do not require any extra space for opening and closing. This makes them a great choice for small living rooms.
· Aesthetically pleasing
Sliding doors are sleek and contemporary, and can instantly elevate any living room.
· Increased natural light
Sliding doors typically have larger glass panels than traditional hinged doors. This allows more natural light to enter the room, creating a bright and welcoming ambiance.
· Improved ventilation
When the weather is nice, you can open the doors to promote better airflow and ventilation.
· Accessibility
Sliding doors are easy to open and close, thus, they make a great option for elderly or disabled individuals.
SLIDING DOOR DISADVANTAGES
· Limited insulation
Sliding doors may not offer the same level of heat insulation as traditional doors, that is, they may not be as effective at keeping cold or hot air out. This will lead to potential energy loss unless they are specifically designed for energy efficiency.
This type of door may also offer limited sound and odor insulation. It may not be as effective in blocking noise or odors, which can be a concern in some places.
· Expensive to install
The cost of sliding doors and their installation can be higher compared to regular doors, especially if you go for high-end materials or energy-efficient models.
· Maintenance
The tracks and rollers of sliding doors require regular cleaning and maintenance, such as lubrication, to keep them functioning properly.
· Security
Sliding doors may not be as secure as traditional doors since they can be lifted off their tracks or forced open.
Can Sliding Doors Provide Enough Insulation For The Living Room?
As mentioned above, sliding doors may not provide the same level of insulation as the regular solid doors, but they can still offer decent insulation when equipped with the right features like curtains, blinds, rugs, or draft stoppers.
Yet, the level of insulation may differ, based on various factors such as:
· Quality of materials
Higher-quality sliding doors that have insulated glass and energy-efficient frames can provide better insulation than cheaper options. When purchasing sliding doors, look for ones that have low-E (low-emissivity) glass, which can help reduce heat transfer.
· Weatherstripping
Sliding doors that are designed well and have effective weatherstripping can reduce drafts and improve insulation.
· Double or triple glazing
Typically, sliding doors have larger glass areas, which can allow more heat go in and out of the room. But doors with double or triple glazing have extra layers of glass, and this can increase insulation by creating a barrier against the transfer of heat.
· Sealing and installation
Also, proper installation and sealing of the sliding doors is essential to prevent insulation from being compromised by any gaps.
These doors may not close as tightly as traditional doors, which leaves small gaps around the edges. This can result in less privacy and reduced sound blocking ability.
Final Thoughts
Picking the optimal sliding doors for your living room can be a daunting task at first, but they can ultimately transform the space into a seamless and stunning area.
Think about the design of your living room. Since sliding doors come in different styles, including sliding glass doors, French doors, and pocket doors, choose a style that works for your home and complements its design. For instance, if your living room is modern, a sliding door with clean lines and a minimalist design would be a good fit.
Choose a sliding door made of energy-efficient materials such as vinyl, fiberglass, or wood to keep your living room warm during the winter and cool during the summer.
Determine the location of the sliding door in your home. If you want the door to lead from your living room to the backyard, a pocket or 4-panel sliding door would be a good option.
Consider the maintenance that would be required for your new sliding doors. Some materials need more upkeep than others, so choose one that fits your lifestyle.
Decide on your budget and invest in a door that fits within that amount. Keep in mind that the installation cost may vary depending on the size and type of product you opt for.
Finally, enjoy the benefits of sliding doors such as increased natural light and space-saving qualities. However, be mindful of their limitations like poor insulation and maintenance demands.
