What is a Double Swinging Door? Understanding Two-Way Swing Door Options

Looking for a door that opens from both directions? A double swinging door, also known as a double swing door or two way swing door, offers a seamless blend of convenience, style, and functionality. These versatile doors are designed to swing both inward and outward and are a great solution for improving traffic flow while maintaining separation between spaces.

Key Takeaways:

• A double swing door opens in both directions using specialized hinges.
• Ideal for residential and commercial spaces where bi-directional traffic is needed.
• Self-returning mechanism ensures the door always returns to the center.
• Available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and materials.
• Perfect for kitchens, dining rooms, laundry areas, and more.

What is a Double Swinging Door?

Also known as double-action doors, a double swinging door is a single or double door that can swing in both directions.

When the two doors are on the hinges, each door can swing independently of the other door and each door will swing in both directions. These types of doors are easily recognized in wild western movies, however, the improvements of a double swinging door since then are drastically different.

These doors are a cost-effective solution to solving two-way movement through any opening helping to provide some privacy to both spaces. The doors also provide a visual and/or sound barrier between the two areas.

Although they're necessary, you don't need to spend an arm and a leg to provide a solution. Make sure you're purchasing a door that works for your space.

Benefits of Double Swing Doors

• Two-Way Traffic Flow: Great for high-traffic areas, allowing people to pass through easily from either side.
• Hands-Free Operation: Can be pushed open with an elbow, hip, or hand—ideal when carrying items.
• Self-Closing: The doors automatically return to center using either spring-loaded or gravity-based hinges.
• Visual & Sound Separation: Offers a modest barrier between rooms while still promoting ventilation and flow.
• Custom Fit Options: Double swinging doors are available in various heights and widths to fit your existing openings without extensive modifications.
  

How Double Swinging Doors Work - Difference in Hinges

Unlike a single swinging door, double swinging doors are hung on double-action hinges or a pivot hinge. This gives the door the ability to swing in both directions and will self return to the center.

Double action hinges do not require door stops or a traditional door jamb like standard single action hinges.  Installation of double action hinges can be easy and fast. Double swinging doors can be installed in traditional or non-traditional openings.  There are several double action hinge options available with swinging doors. When selecting your hardware make sure to choose either a hold open or non-hold open feature, depending on your preference.

With the flexibility of double action hinge, swinging doors can be installed in a variety of places in the home. They're able to be placed in tight spaces and almost any opening size.

Choose Swinging Doors

Simplicity at its finest. Double swinging doors are an easy solution to any door issues you might have.

In some cases, you might want a door that provides privacy and functionality. Air conditioning and heat have problems transferring between rooms with standard doors. This is a common problem full-sized doors have trouble solving.

A double swinging door is often partial in length. This means airflow can travel below and above the door without interference. The doors do come in a variety of lengths and widths. This means you won't need to modify your opening but get a door that fits the opening.

These doors will also always stay shut. No seriously. The mechanism will automatically return the doors to the center making sure you never forget to shut the door again.

Applications for Two-Way Swing Doors

Double swinging doors are highly versatile and suitable for a range of environments:

• Residential: Kitchens, pantries, laundry rooms, dining areas, or playrooms.
• Commercial: Restaurants, cafés, bars, offices, and hospitals—where two-way traffic is common.
• Design Styles: Available in rustic, modern, louvered, glass-paneled, or solid wood finishes.
  

Why Choose a Double Swinging Door?

If you’re looking for a stylish, space-efficient door that simplifies everyday movement, a double swing door is an excellent choice. Not only do these doors promote ventilation and easy access, but they also enhance your interior design without sacrificing functionality.

Unlike conventional doors, double swinging doors stay closed thanks to their self-return mechanism—so you never have to worry about accidentally leaving them open.

Shop Custom Double Swinging Doors

At Swinging Café Doors, we specialize in high-quality double swinging doors and two-way swing door hardware. Whether you’re upgrading a home interior or outfitting a commercial kitchen, we offer doors in various lengths, widths, and styles to fit your space perfectly.

Have Questions About Double Swing Doors? Let’s Talk

Need help choosing the best double swing door for your application? Contact us at 1-855-343-6677 or email info@swingingcafedoors.com. We’re here to help you select the perfect door that combines functionality, durability, and style.