Wardrobe Doors vs Open Wardrobes: How to Choose for Your Bedroom (2025 Guide)
Should a wardrobe have doors? A clear, practical guide to decide between open and closed wardrobes, with costs, space rules, airflow, and real-life setups.
Sliding vs Hinged Doors: What Works Best for Your Space?
Choosing between a sliding door and a hinged door feels like a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be. The right choice depends on how you use a room, how much space you have, and the look you’re after. Below you’ll find practical points that help you decide fast, without getting lost in design jargon.
Space and Layout Benefits
Sliding doors glide on a track, so they never swing into the room. That makes them perfect for tight spots like bathrooms, closets, or small living areas. If you have a narrow hallway or a bedroom that doubles as a home office, a sliding door can free up a foot or two of usable floor.
Hinged doors need room to open, usually about 70‑80 cm for a standard swing. That extra clearance can be a headache in cramped spaces, but it’s not always a deal‑breaker. In larger rooms, the swing adds a sense of openness and can create a grand entrance that feels more traditional.
Think about traffic flow, too. Sliding doors let people move through without stopping to pull the door open. In high‑traffic areas like a kitchen‑to‑dining transition, a sliding panel can keep the rhythm smooth. Hinged doors, on the other hand, give you a clear, defined separation, which can be useful for noisy rooms or private spaces.
Style, Maintenance and Cost
From a style perspective, sliding doors often look modern because the hardware can be hidden behind frosted glass or sleek wood panels. They’re great for creating a seamless wall‑to‑wall look, especially when you want a view of the garden or a built‑in wardrobe. Hinged doors are more versatile in classic interiors—think panel moulding, paint finishes, or antique hardware that adds character.
Maintenance is another factor. Sliding tracks can collect dust and need occasional cleaning to stay smooth. If you have pets that like to scratch, a well‑installed track should hold up, but you might need to replace rollers every few years. Hinged doors have hinges that can squeak over time, but a quick oil drop usually fixes that. The hardware is widely available and cheap to replace.
Cost-wise, sliding doors often carry a higher price tag because of the track system and glass options. However, you can keep costs down by choosing a simple wood panel on a basic track. Hinged doors are generally less expensive, especially if you reuse existing frames or pick a standard size. Budget‑friendly options are easy to find at most home‑improvement stores.
In the end, ask yourself three quick questions: Do I need to save floor space? Do I want a modern, seamless look or a classic, detailed style? And how much am I willing to spend on hardware and upkeep? Answering those will point you straight to the door type that fits your home best.
Whatever you pick, make sure the installation is done right. A poorly aligned sliding door can jam, and a mis‑hung hinge can cause uneven wear. If you’re not confident, hiring a professional installer will save you headaches later.
Now that you’ve got the basics, you can walk into any showroom and compare options with confidence. Whether you go sliding or hinged, the right door will improve flow, style, and everyday comfort in your home.
