Best Space-Saving Doors For Small And Awkward Spaces

Space-saving door ideas turn wasted space into usable room. Three options solve most space problems: bi-fold doors that fold flat against walls, pocket doors that vanish inside walls, and room dividers that create instant private areas.

A regular door needs 10 square feet to swing open. Space-saving internal doors need less than 5 square feet, giving back valuable floor area for furniture, storage, or movement.

The right door transforms tight hallways, cramped bathrooms, and awkward corners into functional spaces. Here’s how to pick the perfect solution for any challenging space.

Key Takeaways

• Pocket doors turn dead wall space into a hidden storage solution
• Bi-fold panels let natural light flow while maximising corner spots
• Room dividers create instant private zones that disappear when needed

Door Types That Maximise Space Efficiency

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors, which fold like a concertina or accordion, cut the needed floor space in half compared to regular doors. Instead of swinging out in a wide arc, these doors fold neatly against the wall in sections. Imagine having an extra three feet of usable space in your narrow hallway or small bedroom – that’s what a bi-fold door can give you.

Our JB Kind Montserrat White Bi-Fold Door shows exactly how practical these can be. When you open it, the door panels stack neatly against each other, using just a fraction of the space a normal door would need. The track system at the top and bottom guides the panels smoothly, making them effortless to use even in tight spaces.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors completely eliminate swing space by sliding right into your wall cavity. A wall cavity is a hollow space we create between two walls, usually about 4 inches wide, where your door can hide away completely. This clever design gives you back all the floor space a traditional door would need.

The Deanta Single Pocket Door Kit includes everything needed to create this setup: the handles, the sliding track system, and the frame that fits inside your wall. But keep in mind that we sell the door separately and don’t include them in the kit.

Room Divider Doors

Room dividers give you the power to transform one space into two whenever you need to. Unlike fixed walls, these doors can split your space temporarily or create privacy in open-plan areas without permanently dividing rooms. They’re particularly useful in studio apartments or large living areas where you might want to separate your workspace from your living space at times.

The LPD White Reims Glazed Room Divider comes with glass panels that let natural light flow through even when the doors are closed. Picture being able to create a temporary home office that still feels connected to the rest of your living space – that’s the beauty of these dividers. Plus, they need less space than traditional doors because they often slide or fold instead of swinging open.

Addressing Small and Awkward Spaces with Space-Saving Doors

The biggest headaches in small homes come from doorways that just don’t work well in tight or unusual spaces. You might be dealing with a narrow hallway where a regular door bangs into the wall, or maybe you’ve got a slanted ceiling that gets in the way. These tricky spots need special solutions.

Let’s look at the most common trouble spots we see when helping homeowners choose the right doors:

• Narrow hallways less than 3 feet wide where regular doors block the path
• Slanted or sloped ceilings that prevent doors from opening fully
• L-shaped rooms with awkward corners that limit door swing
• Tight bathrooms where the door crashes into fixtures
• Small bedrooms where the door swing takes up furniture space

Understanding these challenges helps us pick the right solution for each unique situation. 

Features to Look for in Space-Saving Doors

Materials and Finishes

Your door’s material affects both how it looks and how well it works in your space. White primed doors come ready for painting, letting you match any room’s color scheme. 

Oak doors bring natural warmth and proven durability to your space. A 2014 study explores that oak is a very durable material. These doors resist wear better than painted finishes, making them ideal for busy areas. Whether you choose natural oak or a darker stain, these doors add character while saving space.

Glazed panels serve double duty in small spaces. They let light flow between rooms even when closed, making tight spaces feel more open and bright. The glass can be clear, frosted, or patterned, depending on how much privacy you need.

Sizes and Customisation Options

Getting the right size door makes all the difference in tight spaces. While standard-sized doors work in most openings, awkward spaces often need a custom fit. We measure doors in both width and height - and in small spaces, every inch counts.

Your best size options depend on your available space. Pre-sized doors start at 24 inches wide and go up to 36 inches, coming in standard door sizes that increase by 2-inch steps. But what if your space doesn’t match these standard sizes? That’s where made-to-measure doors come in handy.

Functional Enhancements

Modern space-saving doors come with clever features that make them work better in tight spaces. Soft-close systems, similar to what you might have on kitchen cabinets, prevent doors from slamming and make them easier to use. These systems gently pull the door closed in its final few inches - perfect for pocket doors or bi-folds where you don’t want any banging.

Magnetic latches offer another smart solution. Unlike traditional handles that stick out and need extra clearance, these sit flush with the door. They work by using hidden magnets to keep the door closed, opening with a gentle push. This means no protruding hardware to bump into in narrow spaces.

Maximising the Value of Space-Saving Doors

Budget-Friendly and Premium Options

Space-saving doors fit every budget, starting from basic bi-fold options under £300. These entry-level doors still save space effectively but might have simpler designs and finishes. Here’s what affects the price of doors:

• Location of installation (ground floor vs. upstairs)
• Material quality (engineered wood vs. solid oak)
• Door mechanism complexity (basic tracks vs. premium soft-close)
• Size requirements (standard vs. custom measurements)
• Additional features (glazed panels, special finishes)

Each option offers different benefits, so you can match your choice to both your space needs and your wallet. Premium doors might cost more upfront but often last longer and work more smoothly.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Installing doors requires different approaches depending on the type you choose. Bi-fold doors offer the easiest DIY option - they come as complete kits with tracks, hardware, and clear instructions. Most people with basic DIY skills can install a bi-fold door in about two hours using common household tools.

Pocket doors need more planning because they slide into your wall. You’ll need to create a cavity in the wall - that’s a hollow space between the wall studs where the door can slide. This usually requires a professional, especially if you need to move any electrical wires or pipes inside the wall. The installation takes about a day, but it can take longer based on your situation. The extra space you gain makes it worth the effort.

Long-Term Maintenance

Keeping your space-saving doors working smoothly doesn’t take much effort if you know what to do. The most important parts to maintain are the moving pieces - tracks, wheels, and hinges. Clean the tracks every few months with a vacuum and wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris that could make the door stick.

For bi-fold doors, spray a little silicone lubricant on the hinges and tracking wheels once a year. This keeps them moving smoothly and prevents squeaking. Don’t use WD-40 or regular oil - these attract dust and can make things worse over time.

Make the Right Choice with Online Door Store

At Online Door Store, we stock everything from affordable bi-fold options to premium pocket door systems to transform your small spaces. Our collection includes made-to-measure solutions for those tricky spots where standard sizes just won’t work.

Our team has helped thousands of customers find the right door for their space challenges. Plus, we offer free delivery on orders over £750 and flexible payment options to make your purchase easier.

Ready to save space and add style to your home? Browse our collection online or get in touch with our team. We’ll help you measure for a new door correctly, choose the right door, and make sure you get everything needed for installation. Let’s turn your space challenges into smart, stylish solutions.

FAQs

What is the best door to save space?

Pocket doors save the most space because they slide completely into your wall, leaving your floor area completely free. However, the “best” door depends on your specific situation. Pocket doors are great doors for bathrooms and home offices but need wall cavity space. For closets and storage areas, bi-fold doors often prove more practical because they’re easier to install and still save significant space compared to traditional doors.

Do bifold doors save space?

Yes, bi-fold doors save roughly half the space of a traditional swing door. Instead of needing a full swing arc, they fold against the wall in a zig-zag pattern. A standard swing door needs about 10 square feet of clear space to open, while a bi-fold door only needs about 5 square feet. This makes them perfect for tight spots like closets, laundry rooms, or en-suite bathrooms.

Can you use a bifold door for a bedroom door?

Yes, bi-fold doors work well as bedroom doors, especially in homes where space is tight. Modern bi-fold doors come with quality latches and locks for privacy, and soft-close mechanisms make them quiet to use. The best part? You won’t need to rearrange your furniture to accommodate a large swing arc. Just remember to choose a sturdy option - we recommend doors at least 35mm thick for bedrooms to ensure good sound insulation.