5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Interior Door- Pocket Doors, Swinging Doors, Saloon Doors & More

Choosing the right interior door can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room and also serve functional purposes. Here are some tips to consider when selecting an interior door.

1. Interior Door Style: 

There are several styles of interior doors to choose from, including saloon doors, double doors, pocket doors, barn doors, and swinging doors. The style you choose should complement the overall design of your home and serve your specific needs. 

Pocket Doors: 

Pocket doors are a great option for those looking to save space in a room. They slide into a pocket in the wall, taking up no floor space when open. Pocket doors are perfect for small rooms or closets where a traditional swinging door might impede movement.

Traditional Door and Jamb: 

Traditional doors with a jamb are the most common type of interior door. They swing open and closed on hinges, making them a functional and versatile option for any room in the home. Installed on butt hinge, swing in open direction, most pre-hung interior doors. 

Swinging Doors: 

Swinging doors are a classic option for interior doors. They come in a variety of styles, from panel doors to French doors, and can add character and charm to any space.

Saloon Doors: 

Saloon doors are a unique and fun option for interior doors. These double swinging doors are available in a wide range of designs, styles, and sizes. Install full length or saloon style doors can be done within a few hours with little no construction work necessary.  Saloon doors can be custom made to fit your door opening size, in a modern, traditional, classic, or western-inspired look and are perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to a room.

Barn Doors: 

Barn doors have become increasingly popular in recent years, adding a touch of industrial chic to any space. They slide on a track and come in a variety of materials, making them a versatile and stylish option for interior doors.

2. Door Size: 

Standard door dimensions are typically 80 inches tall by 32 inches wide, but they can range from 24 to 36 inches in width. Consider the rough opening size when choosing the right door, as you want a door that fits snugly and operates smoothly in its opening. If the rough opening is wider than the standard door width, a door with a 28-inch rough opening may be necessary.  First determine if you have a rough opening or a finished opening. 

• Rough Opening: The rough opening is the hole in the wall where the door will be installed. It is the measurement taken before any construction or finishing work has been completed around the opening. The finished door opening size will be smaller than your current rough opening size.
• Finished Opening: The finished opening is the final measurement of the door opening after all construction and finishing work has been completed. It is the measurement taken after the walls have been plastered, the floor has been installed, and any trim or molding has been added around the opening.

Depending on the style of opening you currently have one door style might make more sense then other door styles.  Select the door style that will work the best for your application. If you have a finished opening, opening up the wall and all the additional constructions will add time, effort and cost to your overall budget. Purchasing a full length swinging door (double action or butt hinges) will be a simple, faster, and an overall easier solution.  

Measure the width of the opening, which is the hole in the wall where the door will be installed. This measurement should be taken at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening.

Measure the height of the opening, starting at the top of the opening and extending down to the floor or subfloor. This measurement should be taken at the center of the opening. Make sure to account for any flooring that might need to be installed.

Check for any obstacles in the opening, such as electrical boxes or pipes, that may affect the size of the door or how the door will swing.

3. Door Color: 

Bedroom door paint colors are typically chosen to match the wall color or accent the decor of the room. Neutral colors such as white, off-white, or beige work well in most spaces, but bold colors like blue, green, or red can add a pop of interest.

• Coordinate with wall colors: Choose a door color that complements the wall color in the room. For example, if you have neutral walls, a bold colored door can add a pop of color and interest to the space.
• Match trim and molding: If your home has trim and molding in a specific color, consider selecting a door color that matches or coordinates with it.
• Consider the room’s function: Different rooms may benefit from different door colors. For example, a calming blue or green may be a good choice for a bedroom, while a bold red or black may work well for a study or home office.
• Go for contrast: If you want to create a dramatic effect, choose a door color that contrasts with the wall color. A white door against a dark wall or a black door against a light wall can create a bold and modern look.
• Consider natural light: The amount of natural light in a room can affect the appearance of door colors. It may be necessary to test a color in the room to see how it looks in different lighting conditions.

4. Budget:  

Whether you are shop at a local lumber store or purchasing custom made doors, set a budget that will allow you to purchase a door that functioning in your space. A pre-hung door purchases from Menards or Lowes is a cheap option, but when you figure in construction cost, extra materials, and the inconveniences and mess of opening up a finished wall, a difference solution like a custom swing door might make more sense.  Make sure to include the cost of supplies, doors, hardware, and contractor cost in the overall door cost. After considering all the material cost, select the best option for your application. The cost of a door will depend on the style, size, and material used.

5. Availability:

Once you have decided on the best door option for your location, then it become time to determine manufacturer and delivery date. Custom unfinished doors can typically be made within 7 to 12 days, allow for customization and quick delivery options. 

In conclusion, choosing the right interior door for your home is a crucial decision that can greatly impact the overall appearance and functionality of your space. From traditional swinging doors to modern pocket doors, there are many options to choose from. Saloon doors and barn doors can add a unique and rustic touch, while double doors can create a grand entrance. It's important to think about the style of your home, the size of the door opening, and the frequency of use when selecting the right door style for your home. Carefully consider door styles, determine the proper door opening size, and understand the distinction between rough and finished openings to ensure a successful installation. It's also important to consider the door jamb and exterior doors when selecting a door style, as well as the purpose of the door, such as closet doors or entry doors.