Saloon Doors vs. Accordion Doors vs. Bi-Fold Doors: Which Is Best for Your Space?

Choosing the right interior door can transform how your space functions and feels. From accordion doors to saloon doors to bi-fold doors, each option has its own strengths depending on your layout, aesthetic, and usage needs. Whether you’re outfitting a closet, pantry, or wide doorway, understanding your options helps ensure a seamless fit for your style and space.

Let’s break down the pros, cons, and ideal use cases of these three popular space-saving door styles.

Key Takeaways:

• Accordion doors for small spaces are flexible, space-saving, and ideal for wide or outdoor openings
• Accordion style doors are often best for patios or large partitions but may lack visual appeal in interior applications
• Bi-fold doors are great for closets but require more maintenance and hardware compared to alternatives
• Saloon doors offer a stylish, low-maintenance alternative and can be custom-built for any opening
• If you’re seeking accordion door alternatives, saloon doors may offer better function, aesthetics, and ease of installation

What are Accordion Doors?

A Flexible Option for Large Openings

Accordion doors are foldable panels that slide along a ceiling-mounted track and collapse into themselves—just like an accordion. They’re great for wide doorways or open spaces where traditional swinging doors would take up too much room. Accordion doors for small spaces are especially useful in banquet halls, closets, or as patio dividers.

Modern accordion style doors—especially glass-panel exterior models—are being used in upscale homes to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Interior accordion doors are usually made from vinyl or lightweight composite materials, which can limit durability and design appeal.

Pros:

• Great for large openings (over 72”)
• Minimal swing clearance required
• Ideal for patios or room partitions
  
  

Cons:

• Require a ceiling-mounted track and more installation effort
• Limited material/design options for interiors
• Can be difficult to open and close; hardware may wear over time
• Less durable than solid wood options

Understanding Bi-fold Doors

A Familiar Choice for Closets and Laundry Rooms

Bi-fold doors fold in half along a central hinge and slide along a top track. They are commonly used for closet doors and are considered one of the best bifold doors for standard-size openings. Like accordion doors, they require space at the jamb when opened and depend on proper track alignment for smooth function.

Pros:

• Familiar and widely available
• Suitable for standard closet and utility openings
• Fold neatly to the side
  
  

Cons:

• Require manual effort and handles
• Limited in customization
• Hardware requires regular maintenance

Saloon Doors: A Stylish Accordion Door Alternative

What Makes Saloon Doors Different?

Saloon doors (also known as swinging café doors) are a unique and functional accordion door alternative. These double swinging doors operate with double action hinges, meaning they can open in both directions and self-return to center. Saloon doors require minimal installation, no track hardware, and can be pushed open without a handle—ideal for hands-free operation.

Benefits of Saloon Doors for Interior Spaces

Saloon doors work well in spaces where a full swing door would be cumbersome or unnecessary. Use them to divide kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, or even home offices.

Pros:

• Custom-made for your opening size
• Easy installation—no frame or jamb required
• Multiple height, wood species, and finish options
• Stylish designs: western, modern, traditional, louvered, etc.
• Can remain open at 90° or self-close to center
  
  

Cons:

• Best suited for openings under 72” wide
• Not designed for outdoor use
  
  

For those seeking accordion doors for small spaces, saloon doors provide a visually appealing, easier-to-use, and more customizable option.

H2: Use Cases: Which Door Type Fits Your Need?

Use Case	Best Door Type
Wide patio openings	Accordion doors
Closet or laundry rooms	Bi-fold doors
Kitchens & bathrooms	Saloon doors
Modern room dividers	Saloon or accordion
Rustic or Western look	Saloon doors
Accordion door alternative	Saloon doors

Saloon doors, also known as swinging café doors, are a type of foldable door that swing open and closed on a hinge. They are commonly used in restaurants, bars, and homes to add a rustic and charming touch to the space. 

Accordion doors, on the other hand, are a type of foldable door that fold in on themselves like an accordion, allowing for a wide opening width without taking up much space. These doors come in a variety of sizes, with 72 inch wide accordion doors being a popular option for larger spaces.

Additionally, accordion closet doors are a practical solution for those looking to save space in their bedrooms or closets. Bi-fold doors are another type of foldable door that fold in half, typically consisting of two panels hinged together. They are commonly used for closets or as room dividers. Flexible vinyl is a popular material choice for foldable doors due to its durability and affordability. Foldable doors and folding windows have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility and space-saving benefits.

Saloon doors and accordion doors are both popular options for adding style and functionality to any home or business. Accordion doors can be found at home improvement stores, with options like accordion closet doors at Home Depot. These doors are available in a variety of sizes, including 24 inch accordion doors for smaller spaces. Custom doors or saloon doors can be used in a variety of settings, such as a bathroom or bedroom door. The flexible vinyl hinges make them easy to open and close, and they can also be used as double doors for larger openings.

Looking for a Better Alternative to Accordion Doors?

If you’re shopping for accordion doors interior or accordion door alternatives, consider the charm and convenience of custom saloon doors. At Swinging Café Doors, we specialize in creating beautiful, functional swinging doors tailored to your exact specifications.

Shop our full selection of custom saloon doors or request a custom quote to get started on your one-of-a-kind interior door solution.