5 Ways to Add Double Action Hinges to Your Home

Want to upgrade your home’s functionality and flow? If you’ve ever wondered how to make a door swing both ways, double action hinges are your answer. These specialty hinges allow doors to open in either direction and automatically return to center—making them perfect for high-traffic areas or tight spaces where a standard door just won’t do.

Whether you’re learning how to make saloon doors, upgrading a pantry, or turning a regular door into a swinging one, this guide breaks down the benefits and applications of doors that open both ways.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how to turn a regular door into a swinging door using double action hinges
• Discover the best applications for doors that open both ways
• Saloon doors and swinging barn doors are both stylish and functional options
• Double action hinges are great for kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, and more

What is a Double Action Hinge?

A double-action hinge is a hinge that allows doors to swing both ways. When the doors are "closed", the hinge self-returns to center, swinging 180 degrees total, 90 degrees in either direction.

Double action hinges are great for interior doorways that members of the household will be going in and out of. It allows for traffic to flow smoothly in either direction without being hindered by a one-way door.

Once you walk through, the hinge will bring the doors back to neutral. This effectively "shuts" the door until someone walks through it again.

Double Action Hinges can be either a  gravity hinge or a spring hinges. A gravity hinge uses gravity to pull the doors back to the closed postion. The gravity gives the hinge an easy swing and most of these hinges also offer a hold open feature.

Spring hinges use a spring to pull the door back to the closed position. Spring hinges are normally a non-hold open hinge, but do have the ability to increase or decrease the tension. Tension with double action hinges is tricky, as too much tension will cause the doors to swing shut with a lot of force. Conversely, too little tension will cause the doors to sag and look bad.

Benefits of Double Action Hinges

Double action hinges are increasing in use across the country and for good reason. They make great home doors for your interior or for your place of business because of the convenience that they provide.

They allow for versatile doors that are practical and appealing for multiple uses inside your home or place of business. Here are some of the benefits that double-action hinges can provide you.

A double-action hinge is a hinge that allows doors to swing both ways. When the doors are "closed", the hinge self-returns to center, swinging 180 degrees total, 90 degrees in either direction.

Double action hinges are great for interior doorways that members of the household will be going in and out of. It allows for traffic to flow smoothly in either direction without being hindered by a one-way door.

Once you walk through, the hinge will bring the doors back to neutral. This effectively "shuts" the door until someone walks through it again.

Double Action Hinges can be either a  gravity hinge or a spring hinges. A gravity hinge uses gravity to pull the doors back to the closed postion. The gravity gives the hinge an easy swing and most of these hinges also offer a hold open feature.

Spring hinges use a spring to pull the door back to the closed position. Spring hinges are normally a non-hold open hinge, but do have the ability to increase or decrease the tension. Tension with double action hinges is tricky, as too much tension will cause the doors to swing shut with a lot of force. Conversely, too little tension will cause the doors to sag and look bad.

Benefits of Double Action Hinges

Double action hinges are increasing in use across the country and for good reason. They make great home doors for your interior or for your place of business because of the convenience that they provide.

They allow for versatile doors that are practical and appealing for multiple uses inside your home or place of business. Here are some of the benefits that double-action hinges can provide you.

Convenience & Hands-Free Entry

If you’ve ever struggled with a doorknob while carrying groceries, you’ll love doors that open both ways. These doors eliminate the need for a latch or knob and close behind you automatically.

Space-Saving Design

Unlike traditional doors, swinging doors take up less room and can be custom-fitted to your opening. They’re ideal for small spaces like pantries or master bathrooms.

Improved Privacy and Ventilation

Swinging doors provide partial privacy while still allowing airflow and light to pass through, helping keep your home bright and fresh.

Five Ways You Can Use Double Action Hinges

There are a lot of applications for double action hinges inside of your home or place of business that can make entry and exit a breeze. Here are some classics that you might love.

1. Saloon-Style Doors

Saloon-style doors are a great option for your home or place of business. They allow for light, air, and sound to flow through but provide a fair amount of privacy.

They can be used for the entrance to a bar, a bathroom, a home theater, a basement, or a wine room. They give a classy appearance to any part of your home. Whether you are looking for a traditional, barn style or modern style doors they are available as a saloon door.

2. Swinging Barn Doors

Swinging barn doors are also great if you are looking to add a more rustic appearance to your home. They are larger and provide more privacy than saloon-style doors, but work in the same way.

They are a great option for the entrance to a bathroom, basement, kitchen, or pantry. A nice benefit for swinging barn doors is that they can mount right to an existing door frame making door installation a breeze.

3. Pet and Baby Gates

Double action hinges are a great option for pet owners that want to put up a permanent gate for their dog or cat.

Because double action hinges allow for versatile doors, these gates can be mounted close to the floor to prevent your pet from scurrying under the doors.

They also function well as a baby gate. If you have a room that you want to keep your child confined to or out of, double action hinges are perfect for making a swinging door baby gate.

4. Pantry Doors

Swinging doors are also perfect for use at the entry of a pantry or cupboard. They are a perfect mix between having the privacy a door grants but still having easy access to everything inside.

They also are a great option because they take up less space than a traditional door would, allowing for more storage and easier entry and exit.

5. Master Bathroom Doors

A door on a double-action hinge is a great option for a master bathroom door. Since master bathrooms are connected only to the master bedroom, the same degree of privacy is not necessary as it would be for a normal bathroom.

A swinging door provides enough privacy that someone in the bedroom can't see in, but it is accessible enough that it's not an inconvenience when entering or exiting the bathroom.

How to Turn a Regular Door Into a Swinging Door

If you’re wondering how to turn a regular door into a swinging door, follow these simple steps:

1. Remove the existing hinges from your current door
2. Choose the appropriate size of double action hinges (based on door weight and width)
3. Install the new hinges according to the manufacturer’s instructions
4. Adjust spring tension or hinge alignment as needed
5. Test the door swing and ensure it returns smoothly to center
   

This simple project can turn any ordinary door into a door that opens both ways with minimal tools and effort.

Get a Custom Swinging Door for Your Space

Whether you’re learning how to make saloon doors or simply need an elegant solution for tight spaces, Swinging Café Doors can help. We offer custom double swing doors made to fit your exact opening size, with a wide variety of finishes, styles, and hardware options.

Ready to Make Your Doors Swing Both Ways?

Start your project today with a custom solution from Swinging Café Doors. Get a custom quote or shop our full selection of swinging door hardware and custom door designs built for style and function.