Wardrobes have doors for many reasons — not least to protect whatever is inside from pests and dust.
Whether you’re finishing a new build or renovating your current home, deciding which wardrobe doors to use can be challenging. Wardrobe doors are often overlooked because they’re such a practical feature in a home, but they can make or break a room’s overall design.
Among the many styles out there, bi-fold closet doors offer homeowners many benefits. They take up less space, are easy to open and close, and look attractive—especially on large closets.
Read on to learn why this type of door might be the best option for your wardrobes, what types and styles are available, and how they’re installed.
What Are Bi-Fold Closet Doors?
Bi-fold doors for wardrobes—also called concertina doors—work much the same as the bi-fold doors you would install between rooms or even as exterior doors. They sit on tracks installed at the bottom and top of the wardrobe door frame.
You open them with a simple push or pull of a handle—the doors are fitted with discreet wheels that help them run smoothly along the tracks.
In most cases, wardrobe bi-folds consist of two sets of panels connected by hinges that open in the middle of the door frame and pull toward the outside edges. However, nothing is stopping you from choosing more panels that all stack to the left or right instead.
Bi-Fold Wardrobe Doors: Types and Styles
As mentioned above, bi-fold doors come in various materials, styles, and panel sizes. And if you can’t find an off-the-shelf door that suits your needs or decor sensibilities, you can get a door custom-made.
Solid Wood Doors
Just like standard wardrobe doors, bi-fold doors for internal use are crafted from various types of traditional and contemporary timbers. Popular options include:
- Beech
- Maple
- Oak
- Pear
- Walnut
- Wenge
- Pine
This means you can get doors that match your existing furniture, bringing the room together. Solid wood is also a great choice because you can easily refinish or paint it in the future as you’re decor changes over the decades.
Of course, softwoods are typically cheaper than hardwoods. These timbers are a good choice for those on a budget since they’re cheaper but resemble their more expensive counterparts when stained or painted. They might just need refreshing more often.
Composite and uPVC Doors
Composite and uPVC are materials most commonly used for exterior doors. However, it’s not unheard of to see wardrobe doors made of these materials.
These types of doors:
- Have woodgrain finishes
- Come in an enormous range of subdued and bright hues
- Are lighter than hardwood
- Are scratch and stain resistant
- Can be purchased at an affordable price
You can also include glass panels in both composite and uPVC doors. Do this only if you want to make your wardrobe doors a design feature.
Glass-Panelled Doors
Doors with glass instead of solid panels are often used as room dividers—they let in a lot of light. However, there’s no reason you can’t choose to use them as wardrobe doors.
Glass bi-fold wardrobe doors are perfect for people wanting a contemporary look. You can choose between doors with clear or frosted glass.
For example, clear glass panels are a perfect choice if you have a large, well-organised walk-in wardrobe and are comfortable having your items on display. Plus, clear glass lets light into an often windowless space.
However, those with smaller or less organised closets might want to keep their clothing and possessions hidden from sight. In this case, it’s best to choose frosted glass.
Whether you choose clear or frosted glass, both have the potential to make a room look and feel more spacious.
Custom-Made Doors
Did you know that most bi-fold doors for closets are customisable? If you choose to work with a door manufacturer (or hire an installer that does), talk to them about your wardrobe door needs and get bespoke doors made for you.
For example, if you have overwhelmingly neutral hues in your master bedroom, why not inject a bit of colour with some fire engine red or sky blue bi-fold wardrobe doors? Then, if you don’t like the colour in the future, you can easily swap the doors out for another option.
Get bi-fold closet doors with louvred panels to allow for airflow.
Choose wardrobe doors with sleek steel or lightweight aluminium hardware to give your room a modern look. Go industrial chic with polished copper fixtures or traditional with dusty brass.
You can also get bi-fold doors in larger sizes than the traditional 2 or 4 panels. If you have an extensive wardrobe that stretches the length of your wall, opt for a multi-panel door to fit the space. Bi-fold doors are also perfect for awkward spaces, such as when a wardrobe is built into the corner of a room or below the stairs.
Why Choose Bi-Fold Closet Doors for Your Renovation?
The benefits of bi-fold closet doors are numerous and often unexpected. Homeowners exploring this option for their next renovation won’t be disappointed.
They’re Cost-Effective
One of the best things about installing bi-fold doors on your wardrobes is that they come in an enormous range of sizes, styles, and materials. This translates to a bi-fold doors cost that ranges from affordable to luxury.
If you need to cut costs, you can scale back the size, features, and material quality (or rarity) to keep costs down. With an expansive budget, you can get luxury fixtures, the highest quality materials and control the entire manufacturing process.
They’re Easy to Install
Bi-fold doors are relatively easy to install—so much so that there’s a plethora of DIY videos and articles on this topic online.
The process involves measuring the wardrobe frame, attaching the runners to the frame, and fitting the doors. You’ll need a few tools on hand, including a level, an electric drill, a range of drill bits, screws, and silicon sealant.
However, if you want to ensure your doors work long-term and are covered by warranty, we highly recommend getting them installed by a professional installer.
They’re Modern
The standard pull-open doors you typically see adorning wardrobes can make a room—and an entire home—look tired. One way to quickly modernise your home and bring it into the 21st century is by installing bi-fold doors.
Bi-fold doors have only recently been used internally, let alone for wardrobe doors, so you’ll be ahead of the trendsetters if you choose this option. Not to mention that bi-fold closet doors come in a wide range of colours, materials, and panel sizes—meaning you can get doors to match any interior style.
Finding the Best Door Installer
When installing bi-fold doors, the aim is to have them last a long time. While these doors are easy to use, their operation is only as good as the process used to install them. To ensure you get the most out of your bi-fold doors, you need to find a professional installer.
Ask for Referrals
Of course, you can always find installers by searching Google. But just because a company lands in the number one spot on Google doesn’t mean they’re suitable for your project.
Ask friends and family for referrals if you’re unsure who to work with to install your bi-fold doors. It’s more than likely you know someone who had a good experience recently.
You can also check sites like FENSA to find installers approved by industry-standard bodies.
Focus on companies local to you. Each part of the UK has slightly different building standards and styles, not to mention you might be dealing with a heritage-listed home. Local installers understand what’s required in their area, saving you time and money.
Assess Their Experience
Browse the service provider’s website to see if projects or case studies are available for perusal. If they don’t, ask the company to provide them.
A reputable door and window installer:
- Is insured
- Has all the necessary licenses and approvals
- Works with recognised product manufacturers
- Offers warranties and guarantees on services and products
Don’t forget to ask if they have finance options—reputable companies offer this option. It can help you get the doors you need quicker.
Choose Bi-Fold Closet Doors for Your Home Today
Few homeowners regret choosing bi-fold closet doors for their homes.
These attractive doors are affordable, easy to install, and easy to use for most people. They perform their function well (keeping your clothing or items safe from pests and debris) while complementing your interior design. They can be discreet and integrate with the wall, become a feature all of their own, or you can even add additional fixtures like full-length mirrors.
If you’re looking for a door and window specialist in the UK, look no further than JLR Building Maintenance. Our knowledge spans three generations, and we specialise in sourcing and installing only the best quality home-building products.
Contact our team to learn more about our door installation services. We serve Manchester, Cheshire, Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire, Nottingham, Leicester, Coventry, and Warwickshire.