Bifold doors are a fantastic option for many households and businesses, whether you’re looking to open up your property to the outdoors or find the perfect bifolds for a family home.
Luckily, they’re a versatile option, and the bifold layout or configuration you choose can define the look and functionality of the space. The right design can help the room function how you want it to, whether that means increased garden access or wall-to-wall views of the outdoors.
Confused about which bifold-door layout to choose? Here are some top tips.
Choosing a bifold configuration – number of door panels
Bespoke bifold doors are flexible in design, but you’ll need to have them tailor-made to the available opening. This will involve deciding the number of door panels you want to be fitted in the space. You may even have the option to extend the opening width if it works better for you when selecting products for a renovation or home extension project.
The more leaves you choose, the more sightlines there will be, so if expansive views are on your wish list, you may want to keep this in mind. An even number of bifold panes will create a neat stack, but an odd number can create a single traffic door to use at times when the panels are shut.
Inward vs outward opening
Another layout option for bifolds is the direction the door panels stack. They can have an inward or outward opening mechanism, but not both.
Inward-opening bifolds have the benefit of remaining clear of your outdoor area, giving you more room for patio seating, and you won’t have to worry about the kids running into the doors outside. However, they will occupy space inside your property when open, so you’ll have to work this into your furniture layout plans.
The reverse is true for outward-opening bifolds. You’ll save tonnes of space indoors, but you’ll have to be mindful of where they will stack in your garden. The doors will also be exposed to the elements when open.
Other considerations for your new bifolds
As well as practical considerations for your bifold doors, you should also think about how each layout will affect the look of the room when they’re open or shut. If you have a single-opening door when the other panes are fixed in place, you should also consider the hardware you want, such as handle colours.
Designing the perfect bifolds is possible if you hire an expert to guide you through the process step-by-step. By working with a top bifold door supplier, you’ll be able to unlock the possibilities in the space, and they’ll show you what different configurations could look like in your property.
Want to design your perfect bifold doors? Contact YPE today
Would you love to design the ideal bifold door layout for your home or commercial premises? Contact the team at YPE Bifold Doors. We supply and install beautiful aluminium bifolds in London and Surrey, coming out to Epsom, Mitcham and surrounding areas.
To arrange a free consultation and quote, call now on 020 3962 2305.