Sliding door room dividers offer an elegant solution to zoning your living space and making the best use of your home. They are growing in popularity as people seek ways to break up open-plan layouts to create more flexible living arrangements. This gives you the freedom to choose between a more private or open space as your needs change.

Here is a quick guide to address some of the most common questions and concerns that homeowners might have about sliding door room dividers.

How do you choose the right sliding door room dividers?

The first step is to define the purpose of the sliding door room divider. The are doors mounted on tracks that can be fully opened or closed to create different zones within a living space. For example, they can be used to separate a kitchen from a sitting room or home office, or zone off a bathroom or dressing area or walk-in wardrobe in a bedroom. 

Consider if you want to screen for privacy, soundproofing, or purely for aesthetic purposes. Also consider the size of the area that you want to screen. If privacy is your main concern, such as for a bathroom or bedroom, then you may want to consider a solid timber or timber effect door. 

If soundproofing is your main goal but you would still like to have a view of the whole room, for example if your young children are watching TV in the living area while you prepare a meal in the kitchen area, then a glass door with an acoustic coating will be a suitable option. You can add a curtain or blinds to draw if you want to have extra privacy on occasions.

Are sliding door room dividers customizable?

Yes, the doors can be customised to provide a wide range of finishes and colours. For example, they are available in coloured laminate, acrylic, bamboo, rattan, mirror panels, and coloured glass. The frames are also customisable in terms of width, colour, and shape. 

When choosing the style of your door, consider how it will fit in with the decor of the rest of the room. Do you want them to blend in seamlessly with the walls or stand out as a focal point? Natural materials such as bamboo or rattan can soften a minimalist contemporary design scheme for example, and glass can provide an interesting contrast in a period home.

Glass doors or semi-opaque doors also allow more light to be diffused into the space, which might be a concern in a smaller home. If you have a larger space, you may need to have two or even four doors installed that open to either side of the room.

Can sliding room dividers be installed anywhere?

The doors are suitable for most types of building, from flats to larger houses. However, it’s strongly recommended to have them professionally measured up and installed to ensure that you have the most suitable solution, and that the doors operate properly and safely. 

If you are in a rented property and need to remove the doors at the end of your lease, you may need a specialist solution, or permission from your landlord to make alterations. 

Are there any safety concerns to be aware of?

If you do opt for glass, ensure that it is toughened safety glass that meets the relevant British standards. This means that it is capable of withstanding strong impacts, and in the event that it does shatter, it will break into smooth pebbles rather than dangerous shards. The sliding mechanism of the doors should be kept clean and in good working order.

Look for additional safety features such as an anti-jumping mechanism to stop the door from jumping out of its runners at the bottom, and a soft-close feature. Make young children aware of the dangers of trapping their fingers when operating the doors, and take care when moving them if you have lively pets. 

How do you maintain sliding door panels?

Good quality sliding doors that have been professionally installed should require very little maintenance to keep them looking great and functioning properly. Use cleaning materials that are recommended by the manufacturer to ensure that you don’t cause any damage.

Keep the track and roller mechanism free from dirt and obstructions, and apply a lubricant from time to time to keep them running smoothly.