The rise in popularity of bi-fold doors

A stylish and contemporary style of external / garden door, Bi-fold doors have risen in popularity over the past decade or so. This is especially the case with new build properties, extensions, and townhouse renovations. What is causing this trend? Is it likely to continue? And what does this folding door style have over its alternatives such as traditional French doors and sliding patio doors? In this article, we will dig deeper in bi-fold doors and look at how they specifically can benefit your home.

Open Plan Living

One of the key benefits offered by bi-folds, is the concertina door effect, meaning they slide and fold away to the side, creating a fully open space between home and garden (assuming they are not used as an internal door option in this scenario). Open plan living is highly desired by homeowners nowadays. Open floorplans are increasingly being adopted and specified in new builds, and often walls are moved around in extensive renovation projects to create this effect in older properties; or when a house is sold and the new homeowner wants to put their stamp on their new home.

Bifolds therefore offer a solution that enhance this open plan living aesthetic. A seamless connection between indoors and outdoors can make an open plan room feel even larger, and can be seen as the final piece of that particular puzzle. It is a growing trend to see folding doors being specified with new build properties as builders and developers are aware of this rise in popularity and shift in tastes.

Beauty and Functionality of Folding doors

As we have discussed in a previous article, with patio doors, when opened, there is at least one fixed frame that stays in place. With traditional French doors, if they have sidelights (on larger openings), these sidelights are also fixed in place, and the open doors on hinges are still there when opened. For larger openings, bifold doors are the only solution that create a full, unobstructed opening, due to the doors folding and stacking away neatly to the side. For families, or for those with pets, or for those wanting to make full use of their garden and patio area, folding doors present the most versatile and suitable solution that can maximise the functionality and beauty of these spaces.

Such a large opening will ensure that the room is flooded with natural light and warmth, as well as offer unobstructed views that can allow you to fully enjoy your garden, especially in the spring and summer months. This is especially beneficial when you are hosting or having a BBQ for example and need to have easy access to and from the garden, and can also create a focal point or topic for conversation as such a large set of doors can make a statement and draw your eye, when you enter the room.

Bifolds are a flexible external door solution. The doors consist of multiple panels, that all stack onto one another. If the weather is not especially hot (or consistent, as we are in the UK after all), but you still want access to the garden, or some fresh air, you can have one singular panel open, and have the bifolds act as a single entrance door in effect, giving you flexibility to have the space as open as you desire, depending on the circumstances.

The rise in popularity of the industrial look

In recent years, there has been a sharp rise (or resurgence if you will) in the popularity of the Crittall style / metal look of bifold doors. While we will not dwell on timber alternative doors too much, this rise in popularity is highly suited to bifold doors and larger openings at the rear of a home / a home extension and has contributed to the overall rise in the demand for bifold doors. Aluminium bifold doors for example are an option that has helped homeowners achieve this look. Contemporary doors and home living trends continue to rise, and so bifolds provide a modern, stylish look in line with these trends, that have also contributed to their rise in recent times.

However, timber offers additional benefits that alternative materials do not (which we delve deeper into here). Included in this is an almost unlimited combination of styles, colours, glazing bars, hardware etc available with timber bifold doors. It is easy to still achieve a popular steel-look bifold door, with high performing engineered timber, that offers additional benefits that alternative materials do not, such as internally beaded glass, long guarantees on product and paint, and additional etched/patterned glass options to add further character and privacy.

Timber bi fold doors for your home

Bifolds / folding doors have risen, and continue to rise in popularity across the UK and for larger openings between home and garden, may be the perfect solution for you. Offering flexibility, open living, unparalleled levels of natural light, and a stylish, contemporary look, bifolds offer a different aesthetic to a set of French doors, and can enhance the value, beauty, and functionality of your home.

As our entire range is made to order, our range may be ideal for your home, and if you would like further information on our products, you can explore our range of bifolds here, or find your nearest showroom here, where a local expert can advise further on them, and our wider range. You can also check out our social channels (Instagram and Pinterest), where we regularly post pictures of our beautiful range to serve as inspiration for different styles and finishes of doors that may be exactly what you are looking for.