If you’re planning a renovation of your home, you may be considering updating your wardrobe. If you are, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to choose sliding or hinged wardrobe doors. Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately, the choice between the different types of doors comes down to your personal preference and needs.
Throughout this article, we’ll discuss the many differences between sliding and hinged wardrobe doors.
Design Considerations
When choosing between sliding and hinged wardrobe doors, there are several design differences to consider. Here are some design factors to consider:
Aesthetic Appeal
The type of door you choose can significantly impact the overall look of your wardrobe. Sliding doors provide a more modern look to your wardrobe, while hinged doors give the appearance of a traditional wardrobe.
This is down to personal preference; however, we believe that sliding wardrobe doors are better suited to more modern properties.
Availability of Floor Space
An important factor to consider is the availability of space in the room where your wardrobe is.
Sliding doors are the best option if you have limited space, as they don’t require any clearance space to open. Hinged wardrobe doors require clearance space to open, which can be a problem if you have a small room with limited space.
We highly recommend sliding wardrobe doors if your room lacks ample space. Hinged doors are a great option, but only in bigger rooms where the swinging mechanic won’t become an issue.
Accessibility
Accessibility is another important element to consider when choosing between sliding and hinged wardrobe doors. Sliding wardrobe doors are more accessible to those who have a disability or mobility issues. The sliding mechanism is much easier to operate than hinged doors.
Differences in Durability
Sliding Doors
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the sliding mechanism, sliding wardrobe doors can be prone to wear and tear over time. The rollers and tracks can become dirty, leading to difficulty opening and closing the doors. However, this can be easily avoided if you regularly clean the doors sliding tracks.
Hinged Doors
In general, hinged doors have a longer lifespan than sliding doors, as they don’t have any tracks or rollers that can become damaged or dirty over time. The hinges can become loose, however, leading to difficulty opening and closing the doors. Similar to sliding doors, regular maintenance and tightening of the hinges can help prevent the deterioration of hinged wardrobe doors.
Installation Process
Sliding doors are generally considered easier to install than hinged doors. This is because sliding doors only require tracks and wheels to be installed, while hinged doors require hinges and frames to be attached to the wardrobe.
Due to the simple nature of their installation, sliding doors are a popular choice for DIYers who prefer to install the doors themselves.
Costs & Value
Initial Investment
When it comes to the initial investment, hinged wardrobe doors are generally more affordable compared to sliding doors. Hinged doors are typically made of less expensive materials and require less complex hardware, making them a more cost-effective option.
However, this is merely a generalisation. Some hinged doors will be more expensive than other sliding doors. For example, our sliding wardrobe doors are more affordable than many of our competitors and other hinged door manufacturers.
If you’re wondering how our doors cost less than many other brands, you can find the answer on our FAQs page.
Long-Term Value
Although, in general, hinged wardrobe doors are cheaper as an initial purchase, sliding wardrobe doors can help offer more long term value for you and your home. Sliding doors can add value to your property by creating additional space in small rooms, while also adding a modern and visually appealing touch.
Overall, while hinged doors may be more affordable initially, sliding doors can offer long-term value in terms of space-saving and aesthetic appeal.
