Sliding doors to the bathroom: varieties, recommendations for selection

Modern apartments are often small, and sometimes their layout is far from ideal. In such situations, it can be difficult to install and operate conventional doors. This is where sliding structures come to the rescue, which do not require free space for opening. Consider the features and varieties of models suitable for a bathroom.

Sliding structures are canvases moving along special guides... The movement is carried out on rollers. The doors of sliding wardrobes work in a similar way. In this case, there is no need to leave room for opening the door. In some cases, it even becomes a security issue. For example, if a person walks down a narrow corridor, he may not be afraid that another family member will suddenly open the door, hitting him.

In the case of sliding models you just need to correctly calculate the size of the flaps... It depends on how much space along the wall adjacent to the opening should be free. If you have two small rooms in your apartment next to each other (bathroom and toilet), you can install one common structure.

In general, there are 2 main types of sliding doors.

• With top suspension. In this case, the guide is located at the top of the structure. Accordingly, the load falls on this area. There are also rollers in the lower part. However, they only hold the web in the desired direction.
• With bottom support. This is where the weight of the door falls down. The rollers located on top perform only a fixing function, not allowing the canvas to go out of the way.

Experts explain this by the fact that dirt and dust accumulate faster in the lower part of the product. This can negatively affect the performance of the system. Although, of course, in any case, the owner of the apartment will have to control the condition of the sliding structure. It will have to be cleaned periodically. Otherwise, excess dirt or objects accidentally got inside can damage the entire system.

It is worth highlighting other disadvantages of such a solution.

• Since the canvas does not fit tightly to the opening, absolute protection against noise and odors is not obtained.
• Easy blade movement is only guaranteed when the job is done perfectly. If there is even a slight distortion, the door may jam.
• Users often step on the bottom rail when selecting the bottom rail. This could result in damage to the system. In the absence of a lower bar, slight vibration of the canvas may be observed in drafts.

At the same time, if you take into account all the nuances, correctly perform the installation and choose a model that suits the design, you can get a stylish and comfortable design. Therefore, you should not immediately abandon this type of door. Better to think it over carefully and draw conclusions.

Modern manufacturers offer a variety of options for interior sliding doors. First of all, the materials from which the structures are made are different.

• Glass models look easy and elegant. For the bathroom, opaque or tinted glass is chosen. It can be a solid one-color canvas, stained-glass window or a material with a pattern.

• Plastic structures lightweight, resistant to moisture. They are also inexpensive and nice looking. Any color can be. By the way, there is also transparent plastic imitating glass.

• Wooden crafts must necessarily undergo a special treatment with a moisture-proof composition. Otherwise, an expensive and beautiful door will quickly swell and lose its attractiveness. Moreover, the system will quickly fail, as the canvas will begin to experience difficulties when moving.

• Laminated chipboard and MDF - a good budget option.

• Veneered materials also apply, but with caution.

• Combined models - the most common variety. Wood or MDF is combined with glass. Plastic can be combined with metal.

It is impossible not to mention the difference in the shape of the paintings. There are flat and curved models. The second option is not common. Typically, these doors are appropriate in spacious apartments with a non-standard layout. In normal situations, standard straight sashes are used.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the strength of the guides. Of course, one should not forget about the moisture resistance requirements for the canvases. And, of course, it is important to accurately calculate the size of all components of the structure. Unlike conventional doors, which often have standard dimensions, sliding systems are made to order, taking into account each specific situation.

Since the videos are the most important part of the system, the utmost attention should be paid to their quality. In the future, at the first sign of any problems, it is necessary to replace these parts. Otherwise, other components of the system may break down. In this case, even the canvas may suffer.

An important point is the way the door is opened. The manual method is more affordable. However, if the issue of money is not a problem for you, you can choose an automatic system. In such cases, there are special servomotors inside.Control is carried out using a remote control or a button.

Of course, attention should be paid to design as well. The door should harmoniously fit into the interior.

• If the whole house is decorated hi-tech, the ideal choice would be a canvas made of frosted glass or translucent plastic. A glossy canvas of a calm cold shade (black, gray, white) is also suitable. The chromed metal top rail is more appropriate here. If desired, you can add a pattern to the canvas. Flowers and other romantic motives will not work in this case. It should be abstract geometric print, waves or laconic stripes.

• Minimalism - a direction similar to the previous one. Laconicism, lack of flashy decor and modern design are also welcomed here. However, a woody texture can also be used. As a rule, the canvas is completely made of one material. The guide is often hidden.

• Modern - a freer style. Paneled doors are often found here. The combinations of woody texture with glass are varied. Sometimes bright plastic is chosen as the material for the canvas. Some people like translucent doors with original designs. The choice of color and design depends on the finish of the bathroom and hallway, as well as on the furniture in the hallway. It is important to remember that the door is visible from both sides, so its appearance should be in harmony with the interior of both rooms.

• Although classic associated with swing doors, the sliding structure can be successfully fitted into such an environment. These can be wooden doors with delicate carvings. Stained-glass glazing will also look good. The guide should be covered with a wooden strip to match the canvas. Imitation of the cornice is appropriate.

• In the style of Provence the construction of a simple design made of a material imitating wood, painted in white, fits perfectly. The strip covering the guide should also be as laconic as possible. It can be a simple strip of the same material as the canvas, or a metal version. In the latter case, an imitation of bronze is used.

Unlike swing models, sliding ones require more careful maintenance. First of all, it is important to clean the canvas from any dirt... Special products are produced for glass and plastic products. There are also products for delicate cleaning of wooden surfaces. You also need to periodically clean the carriages that hold the rollers.

Checking the guides regularly is equally important. Particular attention should be paid to the lower part of the structure. Besides, sometimes it is necessary to lubricate the moving parts of the system... This will extend its service life without repair.

For an overview of the sliding door to the bathroom, see the video.