Choosing Between Bifold Closet Doors And Bypass Sliding Closet Doors
Many of the
bedroom closet systems are
sold without doors, as they presume the closet has a separate door which in most homes is sufficient.
However, there are times when closet doors are required, and on these occasions the choice is
mostly between sliding doors and bifold closet doors. Both ordinary bypass sliding doors and
bifold doors may be mirrored or not, depending on preference.
When using sliding doors, you will be limited in access to one half of
the closet at a time, as in a wardrobe with bypass sliding doors. The doors slide along a track,
so it is important that both the doors and the tracks are well constructed and work together
as a team. Check them out properly in the store before buying, as returning furniture can be
a big hassle. Better still, by from a specialist door maker who will install the bifold closet
doors for you, and ensure they are “on track”, so to speak.
Bifold closet doors are really a form of
sliding doors , using
two or three tracks. The doors fold in on themselves, so they take up a little more space than
bypass doors. The advantage is, though, that you can get full access to the closet or wardrobe.
Having had problems with poorly made bypass doors, I would tend to prefer a bifold door, but
that is through a particular experience. Ultimately, you usually get what you pay for; good
closet doors with good tracking should work well for many years.
Using mirrored bifold closet doors
can be a good idea, especially if you have a small and/or dark closet with no windows. A good
modern example is the American Wood Products 890730 907 Traditional Top Mirror 36 by 80-Inch
bifold door. It is unfinished, so you can finish to your own taste, whether you stain, paint
or varnish. This door has a secret wood frame, and a full length mirror to get maximum reflection
of light plus convenience of use in the closet. The stiles and rails are precision made.
American Wood is by far from being the only company making traditional
bifold doors. Others include Craftmaster Closet Doors, Kestrel Closet Doors and The Sliding
Door Company.
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