If you are here, you are most likely researching how to dress bifold doors and considering which options are best, including blinds or curtains. Read on as we explore what bifold doors are, explain how to decorate them, and provide some advantages and disadvantages of each type of covering for bifold doors.
What are bifold doors?
Bifold doors are a door system made of several panels, allowing for a considerably large opening that can be easily closed when needed. Bifold doors (also sometimes called bifolding doors) work well in residential and commercial properties for outdoor spaces, patio doors, and garden entrances, that create an internal and external living space. The word “bifold” describes the folding mechanism whereby the door is split into two or more panels closed at each other. Dressing bifolds can enhance their aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality. View our range of bifold doors, at this link.
Materials used in manufacturing
Bifold doors are usually made from a variety of materials with the most preferred including timber, aluminium, and uPVC. Timber bifold doors are preferred for their aesthetic values and insulation qualities while aluminium bifold doors are selected for their clean, modern look. With the passing of years and the advent of advanced manufacturing details, bifold doors have become affordable and very versatile solutions for larger openings.
A brief history
Bifold doors came into vogue in the mid-20th century when open-plan living spaces were becoming popular. They made it very practical for homeowners to merge living spaces in and outside their homes. Nowadays, bifold doors are an important aspect of modern home design.
How to dress bifold doors
These are some of the frequently used methods for how to decorate bifold doors.
- Curtains – highly stylish and versatile in dressing bifold doors; curtains are installed easily. There are many ways curtains can work – they can be drawn for privacy or light control or, when left open, can beautifully frame the openings. Various curtain types are available including bifold curtains, blackout curtains, patterned curtains, sheer curtains, thermal curtains, and voile curtains. (Approximate market share – 40-50%)
- Blinds – Venetian blinds, roller blinds, Roman blinds, and vertical blinds help control light and privacy. They are more compact than curtains and can be fitted to each door panel. (Approximate market share – 30-40%)
- Shutters – these are elegant, durable, and perfect for bifold doors, allowing maximum control of light and insulation. Traditional and high-end looks make these popular choices among customers. (Approximate market share – 10-15%)
- Privacy glass – some homeowners use privacy glass on their bifold doors to control light and privacy without the use of physical coverings. (Approximate market share – 5-10%)
- Panelled screens or sliding panels – less common but sliding doors are catching on. These screens or panels can be fitted along the sides of bifold doors as a stylish means of dividing a space. (Approximate market share – 5%)
Advantages of each dressing type
Each method of dressing bifold doors offers distinct advantages, catering to different needs and preferences. Here are the main benefits of curtains, blinds, and shutters. We have only reviewed these three as they cover 85-90% of the UK market for dressing bifold doors:
| Curtains | Blinds | Shutters |
|---|---|---|
| Versatile in style | Compact and neat | Durable and long-lasting |
| Easy to install | Great light control | Excellent insulation |
| Ideal for privacy | Easy to maintain | Stylish and elegant |
| Wide range of fabrics | Tidy appearance | Traditional aesthetic |
| Softens the room | Easy to operate | High-end look |
| Can be custom-made | Versatile in design | Low maintenance |
| Offers full coverage | Great for small spaces | Increases property value |
| Light filtering options | Provide privacy | Enhances natural light control |
Disadvantages of each dressing type
We have discussed the advantages, but for balance, here are some drawbacks of the three dressing types:
| Curtains | Blinds | Shutters |
|---|---|---|
| Can collect dust easily | Can be difficult to clean | Expensive installation |
| Can be prone to fading | Limited insulation | Require professional fitting |
| Can look bulky | May not offer complete privacy | Can be restrictive in style |
| May need regular washing | Can be difficult to maintain | |
How to prepare bi-fold doors before dressing them
To prepare bifold doors before dressing them, follow these steps:
1) Clean the doors
Before dressing, thoroughly clean the bifold doors, blinds, or curtains. Make sure any dust, dirt, grease, grime or any other debris is removed. These contaminants are likely to interfere with the fitting and operation of your dressing and look unsightly. Simply use a soft cloth with mild, non-abrasive cleaning products to clean the various surface materials. Read more in our article – Cleaning and maintaining timber windows and doors.
2) Check the door mechanism
Ensure that all tracks, hinges, and the folding mechanism are working as expected. If necessary, lubricate the tracks and hinges using a silicon-based lubricant. This will prevent friction and enable ease of movement.
3) Accurately measure the door
This is VITAL. Ensure you measure the door panels, width and height accurately to ensure that your chosen dressing neatly fits. Double check the measurements to prevent big problems which could occur during installation later.
4) Install dressing hardware
For new bifold doors, install all the hardware like curtain poles, tracks, and blind brackets. For established bifold doors, test that these are all in place and still fully functional, fix if necessary.
5) Consider additional features
For enhanced functionality, you may want to add features such as tiebacks for curtains or a remote-controlled system for blinds. These options provide convenience and improve the overall experience when using your bifold doors.
Contact us
For expert guidance about buying bifold doors, and how to decorate bifold doors contact us at Timbawood. Available contact methods are:
- Telephone – call us today at 0208 893 4889
- Email form – complete the form at our Contact Us page. We also list an email address, which is in the footer of any page
