Shelf doors have come to us since the times of castles and knights - behind them there was usually a secret passage through which one could hide unnoticed. In modern interiors, of course, there is no need to solve the problem of conspiracy, but very often there is a need to optimize space. A doorway with shelves for books significantly increases the useful space, which is so lacking in small apartments. And in spacious houses, additional storage space is unlikely to hurt.
Photo: trendir.com
Mirror door
This is another type of secret door that is widely used in modern and classic interiors. They have a number of undeniable advantages over nondescript door frames - mirrors refresh the interior and create the magical illusion of deepening and expanding space in the room. They can even replace decor that is sometimes difficult to find a place in small rooms. Choose mirrored door leaves with a matte finish or complex patterns - they will look impressive in any interior.
Beautiful designer entrance doors
Of course, a beautiful and exclusive front door is a particularly attractive offer, as it effectively complements not only the interior of the hall, but also the front facade of the house. Let's see what such doors look like in completed projects from our design studio.
Wooden entrance door with chocolate-colored forged elements
All photos In the photo: Custom-made entrance door according to the author's design
To achieve complete unity in interior design, there is often a need to manufacture custom doors according to the author's sketches. In some cases, there really are no ready-made solutions in any catalog of leading brands. Prudnikova’s studio designs unique doors “with a twist,” which are then manufactured in the best Russian and Italian workshops. Such luxurious products cannot be purchased in the store, even by pre-order.
If you are interested in any models, contact our luxury interiors studio for an individual project! You will be surprised by the fact that the cost of designer doors is quite comparable to the cost of serial models of Italian brands. For the same money you will get a functional interior element created by a famous designer.
Luxurious stained glass front door with soft pink accents
All photos In the photo: Author's designer door to order/figcaption>
When talking about stained glass doors, we always remember medieval architecture, which has survived to this day even in a more luxurious format than was originally intended. By the way, archaeologists found the oldest stained glass windows in the world in Egypt; they are more than 6,000 years old. In modern design, stained glass doors are commonly used in English, Victorian, Classical (sometimes with a strong nod to Ancient Greece and Antiquity) and Mediterranean styles.
Doors with stained glass are a very good option for the front entrance to a house. Imagine, the sun's rays will penetrate through the colored glass and paint the floor and walls of the hall with multi-colored paints.
Exclusive designer door in Art Deco style with gold inserts
All photos In the photo: Beautiful modern designer door
In the Art Deco style, doors can be very different, but almost always - with geometric patterns and gold or silver inserts. Sometimes such a door is even decorated with mirrors, but usually they are partially glass on a wooden frame with a beautiful platband. Often the door is complemented with gold handles, and the door itself is light (white or beige), but you can also find equally luxurious black or chocolate options.
In the photo above you can see a decorative pseudo-transom above the door with decorative mirrors and gold inserts.
Invisible door
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A camouflaged door is one of the popular design solutions when decorating doorways in small rooms. Moreover, large financial investments are not required to implement this technique. It is enough to cover standard door leaves with the same material as the walls - and they will completely dissolve in the space without cluttering it. If this option interests you, choose frameless models or use a regular swing door, but then do not frame the opening with platbands.
Photo: nextluxury.com
Required Tools
To make doors you need the following tools:
- circular saw for cutting material;
- milling cutter for cutting holes for locks, chamfering, shape cutting, etc.;
- thicknesser for stripping material;
- press for gluing overlays to the frame.
For home production you do not need to buy professional equipment. For example, a tree can be dissolved with a circular saw, and further processing can be done with a hand router.
Additional tools:
- drill;
- wood saw;
- angle grinder;
- screwdriver;
- hand tools - chisel, mallet, square, tape measure, level, etc.;
- spray gun for painting (you can also use brushes).
Pivot doors
Does your hallway have several doors from the living room, bathroom and kitchen at once, which turn it into a passage space, and not into a respectable place for meeting guests? Install pivot doors. This is a new modern design option for doorways, which is rarely seen in Russian apartment design projects. However, this is not the only originality of swing doors - due to the unusual method of opening, they save valuable space in small rooms and fit well into both modern and classic interior styles.
Photo: myshabbyslips.com
Video description
In this video you will see which material is better to choose for interior doors:
Radius models
Wealthy people are trying to transform their homes and introduce new elements. Radius door designs have been created for this category of buyers.
Radius models Source dveri-academy.ru
These doors can be used to separate a round segment in a living space Source dvericom.ru
The unusual shape of the doorway and the color of the glass panel with a pattern attract people's attention Source www.elitel.ru
In a large house, you can decorate the housing in such a way that it will seem like the presence of a house in the house Source roomester.ru
Another example of an emphasis on a doorway Source dorian-nm.ru
Using colored frosted glass you can hide another room from view Source dvericom.ru
Transparent doors can be used to provide access to the terrace. An opportunity is created to view the beautiful landscape Source www.balconyandbalustrades.co.uk
Door to the veranda in a semicircular version Source www.simplicitytimbersolutions.co.uk
Refrigerator door
Would you like to create an environment reminiscent of London lofts in your kitchen? We offer a completely unexpected idea: imitate a refrigerator in the doorway.
Photo: trendir.com
As long as the door is closed, no one will even guess what is hidden behind it, and your interior will definitely not be boring!
Photo: trendir.com
Ping pong door
Could you imagine an interior door with a built-in tennis table? It turns out that this option is also possible. The concept of such a functional door was proposed by German designer Tobias Frenzel. Of course, such a door will not be suitable for professional sports training, but for a fifteen-minute warm-up in conditions of limited space, it will be indispensable. Imagine how happy your children will be when they have the opportunity to play ping pong without leaving home.
Photo: boredpanda.com
Styles
When choosing a style for decorating a door, you should first of all take into account the stylistic direction in which the room is decorated. All elements must be in harmony with each other. The most common is traditional classics. In this case, the doors are designed laconically and should not be conspicuous against the background of the main room.
If owners prefer modern styles, then door structures can have absolutely any decor, created using different techniques. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the organic color scheme of the patterns on the doors so that they are combined with other objects in the room. The most original ideas can be implemented in loft, baroque, hi-tech, etc. styles.
Full size door
This playful and spontaneous option will be appreciated by families with small children. In a “height” door, the leaf is divided into several parts, through each of which you can enter the room. The thoughtful design allows kids to independently enter the room without trying to reach the main door handle, and gives parents the opportunity to watch their children through the open top of the door leaf when they are playing in another room.
Photo: trendsideas.com
Varieties
To decorate doors, you can use several different techniques at the same time or choose one most suitable technique. Let's look at the most popular solutions.
Photo printing
A very affordable decoration option - photo printing with any suitable pattern is applied to the canvas. If you choose just such a technique, then you can implement it yourself, even without the help of specialists.
The main principle is to apply regular film to the canvas. It is sold with a finished image that is applied to the surface. The advantage is a large selection of thematic and universal paintings for different interior styles.
Often, consumers have a choice between ordinary photographs, famous paintings or natural landscapes. You can choose three-dimensional designs, which look especially modern. Photo printing is often used to decorate cabinets, mirrors, door frames and even windows. All this looks great, fashionable and stylish.
Sandblasting pattern
This method is often used to decorate doors with glass inserts. The sandblasting method of design is characterized by the complexity of production, therefore it is equated to true art. Since the patterns will be applied with an appropriate machine, this process cannot be handled independently if you do not have the skills.
When using sandblasting equipment, sand is sprayed onto the surface of the product, small particles create scratches on the glass, leaving a wonderful pattern. Images may vary in complexity.
Laser engraving
Using laser engraving is an equally complex method of decorating doors with a pattern. However, it is precisely this that allows you to create an attractive, neat and durable decor. Professionals recommend giving preference to this method, especially if expensive door structures are installed.
Stencil patterns
Using suitable stencils, you can create simple images and paintings on the surface of the door leaf with your own hands. This design makes it possible to apply a wide variety of designs. For this you will need good paints and brushes of different sizes. An alternative option is to use a roller or airbrush to speed up the process.
Stencils for decoration are made in various materials. The most popular option is finished wood products. In addition, you have the opportunity to cut out the stencils you like yourself.
Airbrush
When using an airbrush, you can decorate doors with a design without using stencils. However, this procedure looks somewhat more complicated than the previous method. To create attractive drawings you will have to practice. An even smarter solution is to entrust this task to a professional artist.
Decoupage
The decoupage technique involves decorating the surface using old unnecessary napkins, drawings printed on sheets and even pieces of newspaper. The method is used to decorate not only dishes, but also larger structures, including doors. And for a more durable fixation, special coatings are used, for example, varnish or aerosols, which fix decorative elements.
Advice! Decoupage is suitable for decorating abstract drawings. This is a great opportunity to show your creative skills and improvise wholeheartedly. Everything is limited only by your imagination.
Forging
Another interesting design method is to decorate the canvas with forged metal elements. This will help you create a door with an unusual pattern, ornate lines or strict geometric shapes.
Buckwheat decor
Buckwheat husk is an unusual way to paint a door. It has its own advantages - originality, availability of material, as well as a universal shade. Drawing is easy and you can create a wide variety of patterns. But the main drawback of the idea is that the coating will be short-lived.
Decorating doors using liquid wallpaper
A universal decoration is the application of liquid wallpaper. They help create full-fledged paintings or unusual drawings. Working with such material is easy. The technique is quite accessible for independent use. To securely attach the dried material to the door, it is recommended to use a transparent coating.
Drawing on film
If you want to transfer the selected image to the door yourself, then the easiest method is to use film blanks. In construction stores you can find ready-made drawings that can be easily transferred to any surface. The main thing is to degrease it first and carefully smooth the film stencil on the door.
Door decor with craquelure
This unusual technique is used to decorate doors in antique-style rooms. In this case, a special paint is applied, which after drying forms cracks and abrasions. It gives a great vintage effect. This technique is especially suitable when you need to restore an outdated coating.
Corner doors
If you need to zone a space or expand a narrow doorway, pay attention to corner doors. These can be sliding structures or monolithic models, which in appearance have nothing in common with ordinary doors. The undeniable advantage of corner models is that even when open, they do not occupy a single centimeter of valuable space. And even when closed, such a door does not look like an inconspicuous box.
Photo: digsdigs.com
Festive decoration
You can come up with original decorating ideas for the holidays. The New Year takes the lead in terms of the abundance of innovative decisions. A flat surface not covered with wallpaper will withstand the pressure of tacks and the stickiness of adhesive tape, single or double-sided.
Options:
- Tinsel around the perimeter or in the center, in the shape of a Christmas tree;
- Christmas wreath made of artificial pine branches, balls, cones;
- A flat poster on a New Year theme, including appropriate congratulations;
- Stocking for gifts made of paper or fabric;
- Confetti scattered over areas specially coated with PVA glue;
- Snowflakes cut from corrugated paper with a unique pattern (they can be attached not only to windows, but also to doors);
- Finishing with tiny pieces of mirror, tile or plastic, imitation mosaic.
If the decoration turns out successful and spectacular, you can videotape the entire process. Do-it-yourself step-by-step door decor posted on Twitter or other social networks will attract many subscribers.
Glass door
Do you want to change the atmosphere of the room, add lively colors and accents to it, but are not ready to radically change the interior? Transform your doorway by replacing the regular door leaf with colored glass. Pay attention to the glass door models, decorated using the fusing technique - against the backdrop of a restrained interior, they look like a real art object.
Photo: homedesignlover.com
How to choose doors to match your interior style
Classical
Traditional directions include classic, neoclassical and baroque. They are characterized by symmetry, an abundance of decorations and decorative elements, luxury of materials, and regular geometric shapes. The following models will fit.
- Made from natural wood.
- With massive platbands.
- Hinged, with one or two doors.
- With decor (carvings, stained glass windows, capitals, overlays), but the main thing is not to overdo it.
- Noble shades (creamy, white, smoky for a light design; chocolate, wenge, mahogany for a dark palette).
- With gold plated or brass handles.
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Picture door
Another option to transform an ordinary door into a piece of art is to depict a picture on the door leaf. These could be beautiful landscapes or places on the globe where you would like to visit. Just imagine a corridor with several doors, each of which looks like a window into the world of distant countries. For travel lovers, we think this is an indispensable option. At the same time, you don’t have to spend a lot on such door decoration - you can draw a picture yourself, and if you don’t have artistic talent, use photo wallpaper or vinyl film.
Photo: dhgate.com
Step-by-step door manufacturing technology
The first step is to thoroughly dry the purchased wood. This step can significantly delay the manufacturing stage, but is necessary. Drying on average takes from 1 to 2 months. The boards should not touch each other. They are interspersed with special gaskets. This technology ensures unhindered release of moisture from the material. Using undried wood can lead to door deformation and the formation of fungus.
When drying conifers in a special chamber, it is unacceptable to set the temperature above 50 °C. The resin will leak out, which will lead to a decrease in the strength characteristics of the material.
Making a solid door
In order to make a solid wood door, you will need to complete the following steps:
- mark and cut the boards into fragments of the required size;
- check the location of the resulting segments - they need to be rotated so that the growth rings “look” in one direction;
- If there is a tongue-and-groove fastening system, connect the fragments into a single web. First you need to coat the joints with wood glue. This will provide the structure with additional strength;
- the spike remaining on the end of the canvas should be cut off and the resulting plane processed;
- the resulting structure must be fixed with clamps and left until the glue dries completely;
- the next stage is surface treatment using a milling cutter and subsequent grinding;
- The final stage is fastening the canvas using crossbars. To do this, it is necessary to prepare bars of the required length, preferably trapezoidal in shape, to ensure a tight connection. Next, you need to form the grooves - usually their depth is equal to half or one third of the thickness of the canvas. After this, all that remains is to drive the crossbars into the grooves coated with glue using a rubber hammer or mallet.
Making a paneled door
Manufacturing a panel door is a complex process that requires a variety of tools, as well as specialized knowledge and experience.
The first step is to prepare the timber for making the frame. It is processed using a milling cutter, after which grooves are cut out on the pillar elements, and tenons are made on the transverse elements. Next, the panels are made. Solid wood, plywood, chipboard, glass are suitable for this.
All elements are connected into a single structure, and all tenons are coated with wood glue. You will need a large space to work.
Step-by-step assembly instructions:
- We coat the tenons of the crossbars with glue and install them in the grooves of the vertical elements.
- We install the middles.
- We install panels.
- We glue the vertical beam.
- We fix the panels with decorative glazing beads.
Use a rubber mallet to tightly connect the parts. Align the corners, focusing on the construction corner. Clamp the product with clamps and leave to dry.
Manufacturing of a panel door
To make a thyroid cloth you need:
- assemble a frame from beams connected at the corners using the “half-tree” technology;
- line the frame on one side with plywood or fiberboard. The material is fixed with glue;
- the resulting void is filled with cellular material or MDF bars. They are glued from the inside to the existing cladding layer.
- The structure is covered with a second sheet of fiberboard and sent under the press.
If desired, you can make an additional facing layer from laminated material or sheathe the canvas with wooden slats.
Making a door from clapboard
The basis of such a door is a frame made of beams. It can be made according to the same principle as the frame for panel panels. We cover the finished frame with clapboard and the door is ready for installation.
It's actually not that simple. Keep in mind that each board needs to be coated with glue for a more secure fit. On the first day, it is recommended to install only two slats - on both sides of the canvas. Glue the lamella and secure it with a self-tapping screw. After this, we clamp it with a clamp until the glue protrudes along the entire perimeter of the rail and wait for it to dry completely. On the other side we do the same actions. Every day we add only two boards and gradually cover the entire plane. It is better to drill the connecting holes in the lamellas in advance, since when screwing in the self-tapping screw, the panel may split.
How to make and assemble a door frame with your own hands
Before describing the process of manufacturing a door frame, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with its structure. It is a frame structure that is mounted on the edges of the doorway. The frame is necessary for installing the door, which is attached to the base using hinges. The following materials are suitable for manufacturing: wood, MDF.
The design includes the following elements:
- counter beam - a post on which the lock's strike plate is installed;
- loop beam - loops are attached to it;
- ceiling beam - top bar;
- threshold - bottom beam, relevant for entrance doors.
Manufacturing stages
- We make the necessary calculations. To the dimensions of the door leaf we know, we add an additional distance to create small gaps - 3 mm on the top and sides and a few mm on the bottom.
- We saw off the necessary parts at an angle of 45°. A miter box will help you avoid making mistakes when forming an angle.
- We connect the bars into a U-shaped or rectangular composition using self-tapping screws.
Manufacturing of accessories and platbands
The following materials are suitable for these elements: MDF, wood, chipboard.
To make the extension, measure the width of the wall that needs to be covered with a plank. We select a wooden lamella of the appropriate size. We file one of the long sections. A chamfer is formed that can easily extend beyond the box part. We sand the surface of the lamella to an ideal state, after which we paint it with stain and cover it with two layers of varnish.
In the case of MDF or chipboard, everything is much simpler. You will only need to veneer the edges of the slats, covering them with edge PVC using a hot iron.
It is best to fasten homemade extensions using self-tapping screws. You need to start from the top horizontal bar to leave the opportunity to adjust the length of the side slats.
For homemade platbands, it is better to use solid or glued bars. Solid products require painting. Glued ones often have a coating in the form of veneer or laminate.
When making a decorative element yourself, you can choose their shape to your liking. Your platbands can be:
- smooth - have a flat shape, are the easiest to manufacture;
- profiled - have various recesses or protrusions on the surface. In order to make them, you will need at least a hand router;
- figured - the most complex type of platbands. They are manufactured using special programmable machines according to specified drawings. You can make figured platbands yourself or order them from a wood carver. Products decorated with hand carvings are the most expensive version of curly planks.
What your platbands will be like depends only on your taste and financial capabilities.
Installation of ready-made decorative elements is carried out either using special nails without a head or mounting glue. When fixing massive planks, it is better to choose the first option. The platbands will be securely fastened, and traces of thin nails will be practically invisible.
Before installation, the ends of the platbands are cut using a miter box at an angle of 45°. The planks are fastened in the following sequence:
- strip near door hinges;
- second side element;
- top panel.
To hide the fastening points as much as possible, you can rub these places with mastic or a cosmetic pencil.
Independent insertion and installation of fittings
Mortizing a lock is a rather complex stage at which you cannot make mistakes.
The first step is to lay the door flat. After that, drill a hole at a distance of 100-120 cm from the bottom. Insert the latch and trace the hardware along the outline with a marker. After this, we make a recess under the front cover. For this work, you can use a chisel or milling cutter. We place the housing in the recess so that its edge is level with the end of the door. We mark the places where the handles are attached and drill holes. The latch is installed in place and fixed with self-tapping screws. Next comes the turn of the handles and decorative trims. Special hexagons are provided for their installation.
Broken door
In high-tech or loft interiors, shattered doors designed by Argentine designer Leonardo Ehrlich look impressive. Looking at such a door, you will think that the stained glass has broken, but this is just an illusion. If you are not afraid of bold experiments, take note of this design idea. Moreover, it is not at all difficult to implement - the fragments for the door leaf can be made from plywood and covered with a glossy film, or you can use a ready-made sticker with an impressive design.
Photo: freshome.com
Decorating with a practical intent
If the door is finished with wooden slats and covered with stain or varnish, it does not need any other decoration.
The photo of the door decor shows how elegantly carefully decorated examples look and that any additional accessories are inappropriate and should be selected with great taste and intelligence.
- Fittings - handles and hinges, especially forged, curved, twisted - will be the best decor, useful and suitable for any setting. Locks, peepholes, unusual-looking strips, and forged elements will find their rightful place on the door.
- The outer door can be equipped with dermantin upholstery. By laying “paths” of metal strips in a geometric pattern, you can really make the coating durable and stylish. A more expensive option is to use artificial leather.
Door reminder
Another interesting design find is the reminder door. You can take notes on it, leave a shopping list for dinner, or a note for a loved one. Designing such a door yourself will not be difficult - you can hang a chalk board on the door leaf or cover it with water-soluble latex-based paint, on which you can write with chalk.
Photo: simpsondoor.com
Door hanger
At first glance, there is nothing unusual about this door - a simple partition that opens like an accordion. However, it can play the functional role of a closet, since there are hooks on the back of the door on which you can hang things. Such a door would be an excellent option for small hallways that do not have space for a hanger. If you place it, for example, in the bedroom, the problem of storing home clothes will be instantly solved.
Photo: yankodesign.com
Pattern options
In addition to the wide selection of materials used, you can also consider many ideas for patterns. Of course, you can limit yourself to simple ideas and choose a ready-made picture to stick on the door. Or you can go the hard way - create a full-fledged stained glass window, which consists of elements of colored glass that look very interesting when the rays of the sun fall on them.
For fans of national motifs, you can choose patterns with oriental motifs or interesting Indian ornaments. In addition, it is possible to use decorations in the form of Russian folk designs. And decorative elements can include voluminous inserts, rhinestones, colored stones and much more.
Colored door
If you need to quickly add an accent to the interior, paint the interior door in a bright color - and an unusual decoration for the room is ready. Use one tone or make the door multi-colored - it’s up to you to decide. To avoid overloading the interior with color, duplicate it pointwise in decor and accessories. Then the colored door will definitely not look like a tacky spot at the entrance to the room.
Photo: interiordesignblogs.eu
Color palette - deciding on shades
Choosing the color of door panels is a difficult dilemma. On the one hand, there are no strict rules in this regard, on the other hand, I would like to see a harmonious combination of all interior elements in my own home. We install doors not for a year, but often for decades, which is why it is important to approach the choice of this piece of furniture with all responsibility. The first thing you need to decide is whether you want the door panels to blend in with the overall color scheme of the room or become an accent in your interior?
You can follow the path of exclusion. Depending on the area of your premises and the degree of illumination, you can exclude dark options for door panels, which will visually emphasize the modest scale of the home. Experts recommend light doors not only for small and poorly lit rooms, but also as a universal design option that easily combines with a simple and laconic finish, minimalist design and does not attract attention, leaving room for other interior items to take center stage.
But designers will be able to give you a dozen reasons for using dark door panels in the interior. And one of the first will be the stylistic design feature. For many stylistics, it is necessary to create contrasting, accent elements that not only attract attention, but also bring clarity to the interior, impart rigor and constructiveness.
Many people prefer to choose door leaves to match the color of the floor covering. This method of creating a harmonious image of a room works if the flooring in all rooms of the apartment or house matches, at least in color (in the kitchen and hallway it can be tiles, in other rooms laminate, parquet or linoleum).
Another way to create a combinatorics that is pleasing to the eye is to combine the color of the door leaves with the main furniture - large cabinets or entire sets. This method is not always a good solution, at least in the long term. After all, you can replace cabinet fronts or other furniture ensembles much earlier than you decide to change interior doors.
A design technique in which the doors in the room look exactly the same as the facades of the cabinets or dressing area allows you to create a harmonious image of the room. The doors of the room and the closet may differ in size, but the stylistic design and color choice must match.
If light walls and equally neutral door leaves are not your style, if you need a bright, colorful accent in the interior, then the door to the room is quite capable of coping with this task. A bright door can be the only accent element or support the tone of a key piece of furniture, but in this case it is necessary to accurately match the tone.
