Imagine walking into a room where the walls almost seem to glide apart, creating a continuous flow between spaces. The right interior doors can create that feeling. Internal sliding doors have become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking modern functionality and style. But are they truly a good idea? And are they the right fit for your home?

In this post, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of interior sliding doors, answering common questions and helping you decide if they are the perfect addition to your living space.

Why Choose Internal Sliding Doors?

Internal sliding door systems can transform a home in more ways than one. From space-saving functionality to creating sleek, contemporary spaces, sliding doors are more than just a practical solution. Let’s look at the many reasons why they are worth considering.

1. Space-Saving Marvels

Think about traditional hinged internal doors: when you open them, they swing inward or outward, requiring a decent amount of floor space to function. In smaller homes or rooms where space is at a premium, this can be a real challenge.

Sliding doors, however, glide along a track, eliminating the need for clearance. Imagine a narrow hallway where a hinged door would hit a wall or cupboard; a sliding door sidesteps these limitations effortlessly. For those living in flats or cosy cottages, this can be a game-changer.

For instance, I once visited a charming 19th-century terraced house where space was tight. The homeowner had replaced her kitchen’s swing door with an internal sliding door system. Not only did it free up wall space for additional cabinets, but it also added an elegant, modern touch to her vintage home—a clever balance of old and new.

2. Creating a Sense of Flow

There’s something magical about how internal sliding room dividers can enhance the flow of a home. They have the ability to open up spaces without the commitment of knocking down walls.

Want to merge your living room with the dining area for a big family gathering? Slide the doors open and voilà, you’ve got a large, open-plan space. Want privacy in your home office? Simply slide the door closed. This versatility can make a home feel much more dynamic and adaptable.

Glazed sliding doors can add another dimension to this by adding visibility and natural light to a room. You’ll maintain the flow even when they’re closed, but still have the ability to shut out noise or give your home a cosier feel at your will.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

Let’s be honest—sliding doors look fantastic. Whether you prefer minimalist glass panels, sleek timber designs, or a rustic barn door style, sliding doors bring a touch of sophistication to any room.

Their sleek lines and contemporary design can make even the most traditional spaces feel updated and fresh. Plus, the customisation options are endless. Whether you opt for frosted glass to maintain light but offer privacy or opt for solid wood for a bold statement, sliding doors can be tailored to match your style.

Are Internal Sliding Doors Draughty?

This is a common concern, particularly in the UK where a snug, well-insulated home is key to getting through those cold winter months. While it’s true that sliding doors can occasionally allow draughts, this largely depends on the quality of the door and installation.

High-quality sliding doors, when fitted correctly, come with proper seals that can minimise draughts, keeping the warmth in and the cold out. Consider spending a little extra on a door with a tight-fitting frame and solid insulation to ensure it doesn’t become a cold spot in your home. Additionally, many sliding doors, particularly pocket doors, fit snugly within the walls, offering a seal that’s as effective as traditional doors.

So, are they draughty? Not necessarily—but it’s worth ensuring you invest in a well-designed product and quality installation.

What Are the Disadvantages of Sliding Folding Doors?

Sliding folding doors (also known as bi-fold doors) offer a different take on the sliding mechanism, but they do come with a few considerations. While they can create a beautiful, large opening when fully opened, the folding mechanism can sometimes be bulkier than single-panel sliding doors. The stacked panels may intrude slightly into the room when folded back, which could be an issue if space is limited.

Additionally, the more complex folding mechanism can be prone to wear and tear over time, meaning you might need to pay more attention to maintenance compared to simpler sliding door designs. Lastly, they typically require more space along the wall for installation, making them less ideal for very small spaces.

That said, sliding folding doors are a fantastic choice for connecting indoor spaces to the garden or patio, creating an expansive, seamless transition to outdoor living. For interior use, they’re often better suited to larger rooms where space isn’t as much of an issue.

Should Sliding Doors Be Inside or Outside?

This is a question many homeowners ask when considering sliding doors, and the answer is—why not both?

Outside, sliding doors are a brilliant way to merge your indoor and outdoor spaces. Think about the luxurious feel of opening up your living room to the garden, with sunlight pouring in and the fresh air flowing freely. They’re perfect for patios and terraces, adding an elegant touch while being functional.

Inside, sliding doors provide a stylish, space-saving solution between rooms. While they are often associated with exterior use, their practicality and aesthetic appeal make them equally well-suited to interior applications. Whether dividing a bedroom from an ensuite, a kitchen from a dining room, or a living room from a home office, sliding doors work beautifully indoors.

Can You Put a Sliding Door in Any Room?

The simple answer is yes. Sliding doors can be installed almost anywhere in your home, and the options are incredibly versatile. Here are some of our favourite applications:

Wardrobe doors:

Sliding doors are a staple for built-in wardrobes, keeping clothes and belongings tucked away while saving space.

Bathroom entrances:

If privacy isn’t an issue, a frosted glass sliding door can make a striking and space-efficient entry to an ensuite bathroom.

Home offices:

Sliding doors can create an elegant separation between work and personal life, while still maintaining a sense of openness.

One particularly innovative option is pocket doors, which slide directly into the wall, completely disappearing when open. Pocket doors are an ideal choice for small rooms or areas where traditional doors would eat up too much space. These are especially popular in bedrooms or small bathrooms, where every square inch counts.

Take a look at our related post on using pocket doors for bedrooms and bathrooms for more on this topic.

So, Are Sliding Doors a Good Idea?

In many cases, yes, internal sliding doors are a fantastic idea. They offer homeowners a practical, space-saving solution, while also adding a modern, elegant touch to any home. They’re perfect for smaller homes that need to maximise floor space or for those who want to create a more flexible, open-plan environment.

However, it’s essential to consider the specific needs of your home and family. If insulation and warmth are key concerns, be sure to invest in a high-quality sliding door with proper seals. If you’re worried about maintenance, sliding folding doors may require a bit more care than traditional sliders. And while sliding doors work brilliantly in most rooms, careful planning and consideration are necessary when installing them to ensure they fit perfectly with your home’s layout.

In Conclusion

Internal sliding doors can truly elevate your home, blending style with function in a way that few other design features can. They’re practical, space-saving, and undeniably stylish. Whether you’re looking to free up room in a compact space or to create a flexible, flowing layout, sliding doors may be the perfect fit for your home.

With careful consideration of materials, design, and installation, sliding doors can be as effective as they are attractive, opening up your living spaces and letting you reimagine how you use your home.

So, are interior sliding doors a sensible option? Absolutely! But as with all home improvements, it’s about making the right choice for your specific needs. And now, armed with this knowledge, you’re well-equipped to make that decision.