What are the uses of internal sliding partition doors?

Internal sliding partition doors are having something of a renaissance. With many people having embraced open plan living and started knocking down internal walls left, right and centre, there is now an emerging desire to claw back some of that separation. This is known as ‘zoning’ and it is one of the most common uses of internal sliding partition doors.

Even in large open spaces, we use certain areas for very specific tasks, such as eating, working or simply relaxing and unwinding. Defining these areas without making them feel enclosed and cut off can be a difficult task. We believe that glass is often the answer. When used in internal sliding partition doors, it allows light to flow freely through the entire open plan room whilst giving you the ability to temporarily split it up. As well as maintaining excellent light levels, an additional benefit of sliding glass doors is the added insulation. If you’re particularly financially or environmentally aware, you may appreciate the ability to only heat one specific area of an otherwise large open space.

One of our favourite uses of internal sliding partition doors is to create a peaceful work environment at home. It’s not uncommon for parents to want to get some work done whilst simultaneously keeping an eye on their children. With glass partition doors, you have the security of being able to watch their antics in a quieter space.

Another frequent use of internal sliding partition doors is to divide a kitchen and dining area. On a day to day basis they might not be used regularly, but they truly come into their own on special occasions. When you’re hosting a dinner party, you don’t particularly want people listening to you cooking and preparing the meal. With a simple slide of a door, the distracting sounds of the kitchen can be muffled. Choose a frosted glass and you’ll be able to hide all those dirty dishes that you’re putting off until the guests have gone home.

Frosted glass can also be used to great effect in an ensuite. En-suites often suffer from a lack of natural light as they don’t always have a window. By replacing a standard door and wall with a glass internal sliding partition door, light can flood in from the bedroom. Frosted glass will ensure that you retain your privacy. To tie it altogether, we recommend choosing a door handle that matches your bathroom fittings.

The biggest advantage sliding partition doors have over traditional framed glass doors is the amount of space they save. Sliding doors don’t swing out into the room so are left with more usable floor space. You can place furniture closer to the door without worrying that it is going to be damaged by an overzealous swing.

What type of glass should you use?

For safety reasons, we would also recommend that you use toughened glass for your internal sliding partition doors. Four time stronger than standard annealed glass, it can take the repeated stress and pressure of people opening and closing the door. In the highly unlikely situation that the glass smashes, the resulting shards of glass are small and rounded in nature. This makes them far less likely to cause injury.

If you’re worried about privacy, such as in a bathroom, intelligent or smart glass could be a option. With just the flick of a switch, the glass transforms from totally clear to a more opaque finish.  

Glass and Stainless can cut bespoke glass internal sliding partition doors and apply a range of finishes. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.