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How to Choose the Right Type of Interior Door for Your House Design

When it comes to designing a beautiful Art Deco house, one of the key elements that can positively or negatively affect the aesthetic of any space is the type of interior doors you decide to install. While there are many interior door designs to choose from, ranging from traditional models to contemporary, the type of door you should pick for your Art Deco home greatly depends on the overall design theme of the space in which it will be placed.

In regards to the specific design of Art Deco-style homes, the best course of action with interior doors is to opt for solid, Art Deco-style doors, such as those made from stained wood or embossed metal. These types of doors are the most identifiable feature of an Art Deco style home, as they bring a classic, yet tasteful look to any given space. However, before choosing a specific style of door, consider the other existing design elements of the Art Deco home and select a design that complements the other elements accordingly.

Once you have chosen the right type of Art Deco-style interior door, the next step is to determine the correct handing of the door. Handing is determined by the side on which the door handle is attached to the door, which is then used to ascertain the opening direction of the door. If the door handle is on the right, the door is said to be “Right Handed” and opens outward towards the right, while a door with a left-sided handle is “Left Handed” and opens outward towards the left.

What is the Correct Hand for an Interior Door?

Determining the correct hand for an interior door is essential in maintaining the aesthetic of an Art Deco home. The correct hand for an interior door in an Art Deco home is typically determined by the position of a door with regard to other fixed objects in the immediate vicinity. The fixed object should always be to the right of the door as it swings outward.

For example, in a hallway that is lined with doors, have every door open towards the opposite side of the hallway. In this case, the right-handed side of each door should open outwards towards the other doors, while the left-handed side should point away from it. This type of setup ensures that the door can open and close without bumping into any of the other doors in the hallway, while also maintaining the aesthetic integrity of an Art Deco home.

Interior Door Swing Direction & Handing

When determining the swing direction and handing of an interior door, it is important to note that the door handle should defiantly be installed on the same side of the door throughout a specific space, particularly in the case of doorways like hallways. On the other hand, single doors that do not lead to other spaces, such as bathroom and closet doors, can often have a unique swing direction in order to maximize functionality.

Bathroom doors should generally open outward, as this prevents odors from entering the rest of the house and ensures such unpleasant smells don't spread. On the other hand, closet doors should swing inward in order to prevent clothing from dragging on the floor and falling out the open door.

What Is the Standard Door Swing Direction?

The standard door swing direction for most interior doors is likely going to be right-handed outswing, as this is the most common type of door swing direction in use today. Right-handed exterior doors that lead to other spaces and areas outside the house should also open outwards, while entry doors should open inwards in order to best protect the home from unwanted visitors and keep outdoor elements from entering the house.

Interior Doors: Choosing & Installing

When selecting an interior door for an existing space, it is important to take into account the current style of the house, as well as the exact measurements of the door from the door jamb itself. Furthermore, be sure to look at the current door hardware and determine if a new knob or handle is required for installment of the door, as such will alter the overall style of the door and how it looks when it is opened or closed.

As a general rule, it is always best to install interior doors in pairs, or as pairs, as doors that are adjacent to each other must open in the same direction in order to prevent them from clashing. Furthermore, consider the overall theme of the existing space when selecting an interior door design, as having too many different styles of door can make a room appear mismatched and unorganized.

Interior Door Handing & Swing Direction Illustrated

To help Art Deco style homeowners determine the correct handing and swing direction of interior doors, we've put together detailed illustrations of the most common types of swings and handings. Please use the illustration below to determine the correct handing and swing direction of a door:

Hands: Left-handed and right-handed doors both open outward towards the opposite side of the door's handle; a left-handed door opens outward towards the left, while a right-handed door opens outward towards the right.

Swing Direction: A standard door should always swing outward, which is the side of the door on which the door handle is located. A bathroom door should open outward, upon entering the space, while a closet door should open inward.

Door Handing & Direction

The handing and direction of the door should always be kept in mind when designing an Art Deco style home. This is important for a number of reasons, such as the fact that having too many doors that open in the wrong direction can make a room appear cluttered and disorganized. Handing and direction should take into account the overall aesthetic of the room, and the way that each door fits into the design scheme of the home.

For example, a door that leads from a hallway into a room should open inwards to create an unobstructed entryway. On the other hand, a door that leads out of the room should open outwards, as this creates an unobstructed exit. In cases like these, always use the same hand for doors of the same type, as this will help maintain the aesthetic of the home.

Pocket Door Handing & Direction

Pocket doors are an increasingly popular choice for Art Deco design households, and when installed correctly can provide a seamless, clean look to a home. However, similar to standard doors, pocket doors also require correct handing and direction in order to look their best and maximize function. As a general rule, pocket doors should always open away from the room, as this creates an easy entryway and is safe to use.

When determining the correct hand for a pocket door, always consider the direction that the pocket door slides in relation to the other doors in the room. If the pocket door slides to the left, it is considered to be a left-handed door, and if it slides to the right, it is a right-handed door. This same rule of thumb goes for doors that slide both up and down, as well.

Interior Door Swing Direction Chart

In order to easily determine the correct handing and swing direction of a door, consider using the following door swing direction chart:

For a Hairline Swinging Door - Always open out.

For a Hairline Pocket Door - Always open away from the room.

For a Single Swinging Door - Always open in.

For a Double Swinging Door - If the door opens into the hall, then both doors should open left hand out. If the door opens out of the hall, then both doors should open right hand out.

Handing a Door: Determine Door Swing Direction

The process for determining the correct swing direction of a door is relatively simple and straightforward. First, locate the side of the door with the handle; this is the handing side. If the handle is on the left side, the door is considered a left-handed door, while if the handle is on the right, the door is considered a right-handed door.

Once the handing of the door has been established, follow the standard swing aside the door: when a door opens inwards, have it open right-handed, while when a door opens outwards, have it open left-handed. This will ensure that the door swings in the same direction as any adjacent doors, while also setting up a safe and efficient traffic flow through a space.

Door Hardware 101: Handing & Swinging

When selecting door hardware for an Art Deco home, it is important to ensure that the hardware is compatible with the type of door it will be used for. In this regard, paying attention to the door’s handing and swing is paramount, as the wrong type of door hardware can make the door difficult to open and close or can create an undesired aesthetic. Therefore, when selecting door hardware pay close attention to the swing and handing of the door, and never forget to select hardware according to the type of door they will be used for.

For Art Deco-style doors, opt for door hardware that is both classic and timeless, and choose designs that draw inspiration from the era during which the Art Deco style became popular. Examples include metal door knobs and levers in the shapes of birds or animals, as such designs compliment the classic, vintage look of an Art Deco-style home.