Internal doors are a vital part of any building. They prevent sound, smells, and cold air from passing from one part of the building to another. In many cases, they also prevent the spread of fire. Of course, on top of these benefits, they can contribute to the overall aesthetic of the building.
Internal doors come in many different shapes and sizes – and, if you’re running a construction business, you’ll need to be aware of what’s available, so that you can offer practical recommendations to your clients. So, what factors are worth considering?
Minimalist and Sleek Designs: The Rise of Clean Lines
Modern office buildings and contemporary flats are all characterised by sleek, minimalist doors. These come with flush finishes and hidden hinges, with the handles often built directly into the door itself. This can help to drive out visual clutter, and create a clean look. These doors also tend to be easily pushed open, which makes them a great choice for high-traffic hallways.
Smart Internal Doors: Technology Meets Interior Design
In some cases, internal doors serve an additional function: that of access control. Traditionally, the way to prevent certain people from entering a certain part of a given building is through a lock and key. But this approach has largely been supplanted in modern buildings by biometric locks, keyfobs, and other digital forms of access control.
These security measures are more affordable, and more secure. There’s no need to get keys cut, or change any locks, to prevent a former employee from entering the restricted area; the employee’s access code can simply be rescinded.
Sustainable Materials: Eco-Conscious Choices in Internal Doors
To stay on the right side of the building regulations, and to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers, it’s a good idea to look for sustainable materials. When it comes to doors, this tends to mean looking for FSC-certified timber and preferring low-VOC finishes.
Colour Trends: The Impact of Hues on Interior Spaces
The colour of a door can make a big difference to its contribution to a given space. After all, a door can consume a great deal of wall space. The safest option, and the one that’s been preferred by many homeowners and businesses for decades, is pure brilliant white. White internal doors are affordable, and easy to install and repaint.
On the other hand, if you’d like to make a statement, sourcing a different, bolder colour might be preferable. The natural, unconcealed grain of timber might hold a certain appeal. Present your client with options, and don’t be surprised when they stick to white.
Customisation and Personalisation: Tailoring Doors to Client Needs
Bespoke internal doors are more expensive – but this extra cost is often justified by the shape of the building. You might need to provide a certain fit or finish, so that the door being installed matches a listed property. If the door is going to be in a high-traffic area, like the entrance to a museum, then a bespoke design might be justified. Listen to the needs of your client, and be ready to customise the door when required.