Choosing a door that matches your room may sound like a daunting task but considering that it’s the entrance to your own little universe, you can’t just pick any door. Read on to learn 5 tips in helping you choose the perfect door that will complement your room.
Choose a type of door
One of the first things your have to decide on is the type of door to install in your room. It’s good to have an understanding of the many options out there before buying internal doors. Here are a couple of styles you may want to consider:
- Flush doors. The most basic of its kind. They’re made of a single slab of material and come off flat, simple, and modern.
- Panel doors. A very popular option, panel doors have square or rectangular patterns that range in style. Some patterns may include decorative finishes, rounded tops, and glass inserts. Styles could be as simple as a standard whole panel door, three panel mission, or five equal panels. It all depends on your personal taste.
- Sliding doors. Because they do not swing, sliding doors are useful for areas without much floor space.
Determine the size
If you’re installing a door on an existing frame, then you don’t really have much options on the type. Just make sure that the door is 0.3 to 0.5cm smaller than the frame for a perfect fit. However, if you’re going to build a new doorway, be mindful of the size of your room. A big door on a small bedroom will make it look cramped. Be wary of proportions.
Consider the sound rating
Privacy is important to a lot of us. If you’re furnishing a bedroom or a study, considering the sound rating of your door is essential. Choose a door with an STC (sound transmission class) rating of at least 40 and you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep. The higher, the better.
Decide on the material
Internal doors come in different materials. Depending on your personal taste and budget, you can choose between solid wood, MDF, hollow-core, or solid-core.
Solid wood may come in expensive based on the type of wood to be used. The most common is pine, mahogany, maple, and cherry. Mind that solid wood shrink and expand depending on the temperature so avoid using them in bathrooms or any damp setting.
MDF or medium density fiberboard is a popular material to use for an internal door. It’s smooth, easy to paint, and is sturdy.
Hollow-core is the most affordable. It’s made from a wood frame, with plywood or hardwood surface, and filled with rigid cardboard. It’s lighter and less expensive, but it’s not that durable.
Solid-core doors are typically filled with wood fiber and are made of plywood. They look like solid wood doors but are generally less expensive.
Choose a finish
Your door would not be complete without a finish. Wood stain gives your door a warm and cozy feel to it. They’re best for solid doors as it brings out the wood grain and makes it look classic. Paint finishes are also a popular option. They’re charming, modern, and you have tons of color options. Finishing your doors either with stain or paint gives them a more characteristic look and also adds protection to the material.
partnered post • cc-licensed image by Carol Von Canon