Reality Is a Sliding Door: Sliders, French Doors & More

Homeowners love natural light and glass doors have been bringing in the sunshine for decades. Sliding doors became popular in mid-century modern homes and have been a staple in residential construction ever since. Improvements in glass technology and style trends have introduced a wider variety of doors in recent years. 

We like sliding doors for their space economy, perfect for smaller footprints. As we’ve done more project connecting indoor spaces with the outdoors, sliding doors are a wonderful way to access patios and decks.

One of the best developments in sliding doors is their size. Mid-century models tended to be narrower. 

Sliding Door Updates

• Materials and colors have brought sliding doors into the 21st century with wood frames, black metal frames, and more traditional painted frames

• There are some models of sliding doors that can disappear into the framework

•  A variety of hardware is available that matches the traditional or modern aesthetic of the home

•  Tracks for sliding doors have greatly improved, making cleaning and repairs much easier than in older models

• Wider and taller models now available

• Wider variety of grilles and muntins - they can be between panes of glass or come off for easier cleaning

• Choices for covering sliding doors have never been better, from vertical blinds to automated shades that open and close at set times

Sliding Door Alternatives

There are alternatives to sliding doors. Traditional swing doors need clearance for opening. New models swing outwards which can solve the arc problem for some situations.

• French doors – These are swing doors that meet and open in the middle 

• Bi-fold doors – Just as it describes, these doors fold up to create the opening

• Pivot doors – When these doors pivot, they can line up at a variety of angles from 45 degrees to a more slanted angle

• Stacking doors – Similar to sliding doors because they move on a track but then stack on each side and work well for larger openings

• Single door - Depending on space available, sometimes the best solution is a single swing door.

More options

One of the ways you can add more natural light is to replace a window with a glass door – single, sliding, or otherwise. We’re seeing larger openings with access to the outdoors in new construction, additions, and renovations where possible.

Whatever your design dilemma and door preference, the KV team is ready to help bring your vision to reality.