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The sliding door: a guide to functionality and aesthetics

The sliding door offers the advantage of saving space, as it do not have to swing into the room when opened. The sliding door aesthetically pleasing and allow for flexible room design, while also ensuring easy access for people with limited mobility.

System for on-site sliding glass doors

Sliding glass doors connect rooms instead of separating them. They create transparency, bring in light and save space.

Discover here.

The sliding door as a space-saving living room solution

Doors are not only functional elements in a room, but also contribute significantly to the aesthetics and atmosphere of the room. The sliding door is more than just practical - it is a design element. In addition to saving space, they enable flexible room design and make a statement for contemporary living.

In this guide, we take you into the world of sliding doors, highlighting their different types, materials, design options and practical applications.

Content:
  • Functionality: Space-saving elegance for every room
  • Types of sliding doors: variety for diverse requirements
  • Sliding doors in the wall or in front of the wall?
  • Material and design: Individuality in interior design
  • Installation, maintenance and areas of application
  • The advantages and possible applications of the Westag sliding door
  • Conclusion
  • Accessories: Handles for sliding doors
Functionality: Space-saving elegance for every room

The fundamental advantage of sliding doors lies in their space-saving function. In contrast to conventional doors, which require a swivelling range, sliding doors glide elegantly along a track, regardless of whether they run in front of or inside the wall. This makes them ideal for rooms with limited space, such as small flats or narrow corridors. This practical functionality not only enables efficient utilisation of space, but also gives the room a modern and minimalist appearance.

Types of sliding doors: variety for diverse requirements

The world of sliding doors offers an impressive variety of types that cover a wide range of needs. Sliding doors made of glass create transparency and light-flooded rooms, while sliding doors with a wooden look create a cosy atmosphere with their natural warmth:

Room dividers made of sliding doors enable flexible room design by visually separating areas without physically limiting the room. Designer doors, on the other hand, emphasise simple elegance and modern shapes.

There are different types of sliding doors that can be used in different rooms depending on their function and design. Here are some common types:

1. Doors in wood look or plain
  • Wood look: Offer a natural and warm aesthetic.
  • Plain: Fit harmoniously into a wide variety of room concepts and enable neutral integration into different furnishing styles.

Discover the new decors in the Westag doors collection here.

2. Design doors
  • Clear lines and minimalist aesthetics for contemporary rooms.
3. Doors with integrated functions
  • Sliding doors with sound insulation: Reduce the noise level between rooms.

 

Sliding door in the wall or in front of the wall?

When it comes to choosing the right sliding door, you have to decide between a sliding door in the wall or in front of the wall. Both options offer a modern and space-saving design, but there are some key differences that should be considered before making a purchase.

The in-wall sliding door is an elegant solution where the door slides into the wall pocket, integrating seamlessly into the wall. This not only creates an aesthetically pleasing look, but also maximises the available space. This option is particularly suitable for small rooms where a minimalist aesthetic and a harmonious sense of space are desired.

If flexibility and ease of installation are preferred, the sliding door in front of the wall could be the right choice. These doors are mounted on the wall and can therefore be installed without extensive structural measures. They also offer the option of integrating lockable mechanisms to ensure privacy and security. Perfectly suited for rooms where additional privacy is required, such as bedrooms or bathrooms.

Material and design: individuality in interior design

The choice of material plays a central role in the design of sliding doors. Wood decors radiate warmth and naturalness, while glass lends a modern and transparent touch. The use of plain decors, on the other hand, enables contemporary designs and individuality. The design options range from classic to contemporary, allowing harmonious integration or targeted accentuation depending on individual taste and furnishing style.

Installation, maintenance and areas of application

Practical considerations are decisive when deciding in favour of sliding doors. They are usually fitted using a sliding mechanism, which makes installation easier. Regular maintenance is uncomplicated and sliding doors are durable. Their diverse areas of application range from room partitioning and the design of passageways to space-saving solutions for walk-in storerooms or pantries.

Detailed instructions on maintenance and installation can be found in our installation instructions.

The advantages and possible applications of the Westag sliding door

 
Running in front of the wall

Our sliding doors that run in front of the wall offer a number of advantages that emphasise both their practicality and their aesthetic diversity. As they can be installed directly on the wall or with a frame, they are extremely flexible and can be easily retrofitted without the need for complex structural measures. They can also be designed to be lockable with a stop post, which guarantees security and privacy. Their load-bearing capacity of up to 80 kg also makes them suitable for use in buildings. Furthermore, there is a wide range of decors available, including the high-quality Westalack lacquer finish, which enables harmonious integration into any room.

  • Sliding door constructions: in front of the wall

    The basic version: the sliding door element is fitted directly upon the wall. A high-quality guiderail ensures that the door slides quietly and smoothly. The discreet cover angle in a matching decor covers the guide rail completely. It doesn’t get any simpler than this.

    The basic version (left) is extended using an end post. This construction allows the sliding door to be locked.

    For anyone wishing to hide the open wall reveal, a sliding door construction including door frame is the right choice. Our recommendation: Can also be retrofitted using existing Westag door frames.

    The sliding door construction with door frame (left) is extended using an end post that allows the sliding door to be locked. No further equipment is required.

    Our recommendation: All sliding door elements can be fitted with an optional damping function for opening and closing.

Running in the wall

There are also a number of advantages for sliding doors that run in the wall. Their installation in existing wall openings or in prefabricated box systems makes them the most space-saving sliding door variant, enabling seamless integration into the room structure. On request, they can be equipped with soft closing and soft opening as well as a push-to-open function for added convenience. Here, too, we offer a wide range of finishes, including the high-quality Westalack Premium lacquer finish, which ensures a perfect match with any interior style.

  • Sliding door constructions: in the wall

    Sliding door system running inside the wall for customised, individual installation in the customer’s existing wall openings. The transition from the wall opening to the door frame must be prepared accordingly.

    Sliding door system running inside the wall for prefabricated cabinet systems. The prefabricated constructions by well-known manufacturers are installed in drywall or masonry. The specially designed door frame covers the edges of the wall opening reliably.

Conclusion

To summarise, sliding doors can be described as extremely functional and aesthetic elements for interior design. Their versatility and practicality make them an attractive choice for a wide variety of rooms.

Accessories: Handles for lockable sliding doors

Sliding door handles should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also fulfil practical requirements. The variety of handle options includes lockable variants such as the PZ lock or BB lock, which provide additional security and privacy. Discover with us the different handles that not only enhance the appearance of your sliding door, but also provide practical customisation in terms of use and security:

Grips for sliding doors

Shell handle

Warded lock (BB)

Lock PC (PZ)

Bathroom lock (BAD)

At Westag Türen, you will find the perfect solution to suit your individual requirements and taste. Turn your rooms into a place of inspiration and functionality with our sliding doors. We hope this guide has given you a comprehensive insight into the world of sliding doors and helped you decide on this modern design option.

For more information and questions, please contact us using the contact form.

What our expert says...

»For me, sliding doors are the ideal solution for connecting rooms and saving valuable space at the same time. The soft-closing and soft-opening function also makes them easy to use in everyday life, while their load-bearing capacity of up to 80 kg makes them ideal for use in commercial buildings.«

Frederic Roth | Technical Development Westag AG

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