Bifold doors have become increasingly popular thanks to their modern style and functional benefits. They introduce more natural light and can extend your living space and give you a great view of your backyard and garden. However, due to their large size, bifold or patio doors can be challenging to dress, especially if you are on a budget. There are also so many options to choose from, such as curtain fabric, curtain tracks, blinds, or a double curtain pole.
When you start thinking about installing a set of bi fold doors for your property, there will always be a question in your mind of how to dress them to complete the image once the work is done. From deciding what method will best suit the already-established aesthetics of your home, to which offers you the best levels of privacy and safety, it is a decision which may take some time or require some professional advice to help you come to a complete conclusion. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help you with tips on how to dress bifold doors.
Why Should You Dress Bifold Doors?
Once you’ve installed your bifold doors, you have the option to dress them. Many people choose to leave their bifold doors uncovered, in order to take full advantage of the vast amount of light that will then be allowed in through the glass.
When it comes to external bifold doors, double or triple glazed panels allow them to increase their property’s thermal efficiency, as heat from the sunlight will become trapped behind the glass and naturally warm the room. This allows them to set the thermostat a little bit lower than they would normally, saving money on their energy bills in the long term.
However, if you feel your property is overlooked by neighbours, or if you wish to keep a room feeling safe, secure and cosy late at night, you may instead wish to dress your bifold doors with a covering, such as blinds or curtains.
Considerations
When choosing how to dress your bi fold doors, it’s important to consider a few things that will help you to decide if you should fit curtains or blinds for your home:
- How much light do you want to enter your property at any one time?
- How much space would you like the furnishings to take up when not in use?
- How much room do you have for the furnishings to be installed?
- How much are you willing to spend on new furnishings and on getting them installed?
- Will having a light covering be enough to keep your room private and secure, or would you prefer something heavier?
How To Dress Your Bifold Doors
Now you’ve decided you want to dress your bifold doors, here are four ways to do so:
1. Blinds
Blinds for bifold doors are a more contemporary option that complements the modern look. If the space on top is too small, blinds are an excellent option since fitting a curtain rail may be impractical. There are a wide variety of blinds to choose from including the popular roller blinds and Venetian blinds. Advantages of blinds? They are often sleeker and less likely to drag or be blown in different directions.
It’s important to think about which style will best fit in the space that you have. This is because a roller blind will roll up neat and tightly into a small cylinder at the top of your door, whereas Roman or Venetian blinds will collect together and will need more space as a result. Fitting a vertical blind may remedy this, but this type may also not suit the aesthetics of every home as they are often associated with offices and other business-tailored spaces.
2. Curtains
A great benefit of installing curtains for your bifold doors is that they open and close to let in as much or as little light as you would like. Curtains are also great for reducing heat loss during winter months. Popular materials for heavy curtains include wool and cotton. However, it must also be noted that if you choose to use heavier curtains, the curtain pole you fit them on must be up to the task, as the curtains may droop under their own weight. If you’re thinking about getting lighter curtains, muslin ones are very affordable and versatile, while voiles are an elegant option for white bifold doors. Lighter curtains such as these would, however, mean more loss of heat and more sound getting in from outside the house.
3. Double Layered Curtains For Bifold Doors
If your biggest concern is privacy, or you’re not sure whether to go for light or heavy curtains, choose both and go for layered window treatments. Double curtain poles will help you with this. They can allow you to layer your doors with two pairs of curtains hanging simultaneously from the same fitting. Add matching holdbacks and it will create a more cosy and classic touch to your interior.
4. Minimalist Bifold Doors
Don’t want blinds or curtains? Consider privacy glass. It’s a modern and minimal option that can provide instant privacy using smart glass. The smart glass uses an electrical current to switch between being transparent and opaque, though it can have a milky appearance when it is switched to the transparent setting. It is worth noting that this is a much more expensive choice and can look quite commercial for a residential setting. Many feel that this type of instalment is more suitable for office or clinical settings.
We hope this article helped you consider the options available for dressing your new bi fold doors! Looking for internal bi fold doors or for some inspiration for giving your home a refresh? Check out our internal door ideas.