5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Interior Doors

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Interior Doors

 

Choosing the right interior doors can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home. From the aesthetic appeal to the functionality of your spaces, these doors play an essential role.

But with so many styles, materials, and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to make mistakes that could end up costing you more in the long run.

Whether you are replacing old doors or installing custom doors for the first time, understanding what mistakes to avoid is key. While choosing a door may seem like a simple decision, it actually requires careful thought and consideration. Failing to make the right choice can lead to design mismatches or doors that don’t function as they should.

Keep reading to discover the five most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing interior doors and how to avoid them for a smoother, more satisfying experience.

 

Mistakes Homeowners Make When Selecting Interior Doors for Their Home

Avoid these common errors when shopping for interior doors.

 

Not Considering the Door’s Functionality

When selecting interior doors, it’s easy to focus purely on how it looks, but its functionality is just as important. A door’s main job is to provide access between rooms while maintaining privacy and security. If you don't consider how the door will function in the space, it can result in poor usability down the line.

 

How to Avoid It: Think about the purpose of each room when selecting a door. For example, a custom interior door with added soundproofing might be a great choice for a bedroom or home office, where privacy is important. A sliding door might be perfect for a closet or smaller space where swinging doors could be impractical.

Unlike front doors, which must prioritize durability and security, interior doors should balance style and functionality. By considering both aesthetics and usability, you ensure your door serves its purpose while looking great.

 

Overlooking the Door’s Material

Not all interior doors are created equal. Each material has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. For example, wood doors offer a classic, elegant look, while custom doors made from other materials, like glass or MDF, offer a modern touch. Choosing the wrong material can lead to doors that are either too fragile or difficult to maintain.

 

How to Avoid It: When selecting a door, consider how the material will hold up in the space where it will be placed. If you’re looking for a door that’s both durable and stylish, consider custom interior doors made of wood with a solid core for added strength.

If you're in a high-humidity area, like a bathroom, avoid wood doors, as they can warp or swell. Instead, look for moisture-resistant materials, such as fibreglass or metal.

By understanding how different materials perform, you can choose doors that fit both your aesthetic and functional needs.

 

Choosing the Wrong Size

When you’re in the market for interior doors, it’s crucial to get the sizing right. Many homeowners forget to measure their doorframes properly before purchasing a door. An ill-fitting door can not only affect the room’s appearance but also compromise the door’s functionality, leading to issues like drafts or difficulty in opening and closing.

 

How to Avoid It: Make sure you measure your doorframe accurately before choosing a door. If you're installing custom doors, be sure to account for the thickness of the walls and the type of frame. Take both the width and height into consideration to ensure that the door fits snugly. In some cases, custom doors might be required to achieve the perfect fit. You don’t want your beautiful new door to have gaps or be too tight in its frame. Proper sizing is essential for both functionality and appearance.

 

Not Matching the Door Style to Your Home’s Design

Another common mistake is not considering how the doors will fit with the overall style of your home. If the door doesn’t match your home’s design theme, it can create a jarring effect. For example, a very modern front door might look out of place in a traditional home. Similarly, a rustic wooden door might not complement a minimalist, contemporary living space.

 

How to Avoid It: Before selecting a door, think about the existing design of your home. With custom doors, you have the flexibility to match your door to any theme, whether it’s sleek and modern or warm and rustic. Consider factors like colour, texture, and finish.

Unlike front doors that must often withstand the elements, interior doors should enhance the flow and cohesion of your home’s design, making it feel more unified and balanced.

 

Failing to Account for Privacy and Security Needs

When picking out interior doors, it’s easy to focus on style without considering how much privacy or security each door provides. For example, installing a glass-panelled door in a bathroom or bedroom could compromise privacy. Similarly, if security is a concern, particularly in areas like home offices or storage rooms, you may need a sturdier, more secure option.

 

How to Avoid It: Think about how much privacy and security each room needs. For areas like bathrooms or bedrooms, solid doors are a better choice. For spaces where you don’t need as much privacy, such as a living room or hallway, you might consider doors with glass panels or other transparent elements. Custom doors can be designed to provide a balance of privacy and style. Unlike front doors, which prioritize security, interior doors should be chosen based on the specific needs of the room and the level of privacy desired.

 

 

Selecting the right interior doors for your home is more than just about picking a style you like. It's about ensuring the door fits your home's functionality, matches your design preferences, and stands the test of time. By avoiding common mistakes like choosing the wrong material, failing to measure correctly, or not considering privacy and security needs, you can make a choice that will benefit your home for years.