What are Kitchen Pocket Doors? An Ultimate Guide

kitchen-pocket-doors

What are the Pocket Doors?

Pocket doors are a kind of swing and slide doors that use a hollow cavity inside the wall to slide and disappear completely. The hollow cavity that the doors slide into is called a pocket. These doors are highly practical and save a lot of space as compared to other doors.

Pocket doors are highly sleek and lightweight and use rails and tracks to slide. They are easy to install and operate, and exude elegance with their streamlined design. Over the years, rails and rollers have been redesigned to ensure a fluid glide of the door, which has made them a popular choice among homeowners.

 In our blog post, we have discussed every aspect of pocket doors in detail, including their benefits and what different styles are available. We have also discussed how to customise your pocket doors and what to consider while selecting a pocket door style.

What are the Advantages of Pocket Doors?

They are Completely Hidden

When fully opened, pocket doors can retract and into their pockets completely. This gives a clean look to the space without creating any hindrance.

They Can Save a Lot of Space

Unlike other doors, such as swing doors, pocket doors are excellent space savers, making them highly suitable for congested places and small apartments.

They are Highly Customisable

Pocket doors offer a range of customisable features in terms of materials, styles and colours. You can custom-design your pocket doors according to your budget.

They are Highly Stylish

Along with functionality and space-saving, pocket doors also exhibit style and can be created in any door design type to fit in with your kitchen’s theme.

They have Diverse Applications

Pocket doors are not only suitable for your kitchen but they can also be integrated into other rooms, including your living room, bathroom and more.

Different Styles of Pocket Doors

What are the Different Styles of Pocket Doors?

Pocket doors are available in a number of different styles, allowing you to choose according to your requirements and available space. Below are your options:

Single Doors

They consist of one leaf that slides into the available cavity in the wall. It is suitable for small kitchens where conventional doors will occupy a lot of space.

Double Doors

As the name suggests, these doors consist of two separate leaves which slide back to their separate cavities on either side. They offer a more accessible design with extended space.

Unilateral Doors

These doors consist of two separate leaves which retract into a single cavity. They are perfect for small spaces with greater storage requirements.

Curved Units

Curved pocket doors make a style statement by retracting into a rounded wall. They provide a contemporary feel and are suitable for hallways.

Telescopic Units

These units consist of 4 separate doors that can glide back-to-back. In these units, two doors are retracted into one cavity, offering extreme storage space.

Sliding doors

These units do not glide into the cavity. Rather, they slide around the external wall using top-hung rails, offering a unique style.

What Different Materials Are Available for Pocket Doors?

There are a bunch of materials available for pocket doors, i.e.:

Solid Wood

Solid wood is an elegant and timeless option for pocket doors, offering sophistication and warmth. They are available in several finishes, including oak and walnut, featuring a range of styles from classic to contemporary.

Engineered Materials

Engineered materials are affordable alternatives to solid wood. You can opt for laminate or engineered wood that perfectly mimics the grace of natural wood while offering durability and a range of finishes as well.

Glass

Although delicate and fragile, glass pocket doors create a sense of openness and make your kitchen brighter by reflecting the light. They are available in transparent, tinted and tempered form, allowing you to select according to your preferences.

Bespoke Pocket Doors

How Can You Customise Your Pocket Doors

There are several customisation options available for you. We have listed a few of them below to give you an idea:

Tracks and Rollers

You can outfit your pocket doors with heavy-duty tracks and rollers to ensure effortless and smooth movement of the leaves, especially when you have opted for heavier materials, such as solid wood.

Soft-Close Mechanism

You can integrate a soft close mechanism to prevent slamming of your doors. It will also add a sense of luxury and ensure the longer life of your doors and tracks.

Integrated Handles

Add sleek handles with a minimalist look to your pocket doors that facilitate smooth sliding while perfectly blending into the surface of your doors.

Decorative Touches

You can add several decorative elements to your pocket doors to enhance their aesthetics and compliment the overall décor of your kitchen, such as decorative film or beadboard.

Creative Lighting

You can add recessed lighting above their opening to enhance the visibility of the space and add a dramatic effect to the doors when they are opened.

Customise Pocket Doors

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Pocket Doors

There are a few factors that you must consider before selecting the size, design and style of your pocket doors. These factors include the following:

Their Installation Location

Consider the available space and your intent to install them. For example, whether you are installing them just for style or you want to save space in your small kitchen. Also, keep the usage of the product into account to help you select the right material for your pocket doors.

Their Design and Style

There are several designs and styles available for pocket doors. Bear in mind that you can create these doors in all available designs, such as panel, louvred, flushed, etc. Choose your style and design carefully according to the existing décor of your kitchen to ensure it integrates with the surroundings seamlessly.

Their Type

Pocket doors are available in several types, such as bi-fold, single, double, barn, glass and cavity units. All these types offer different advantages in terms of durability, fireproofing and weight. You must consider your requirements and available space before selecting the type.

Their Size

Size is another variable that you should keep in mind. It will also help you in narrowing down the type of doors you can have. For instance, if you already have a small kitchen, you cannot opt for bifolds and two doors. We recommend you take proper measurements of your space and determine the available space for your pocket doors.

Kitchen Pocket Doors

What are Other Applications of Pocket Doors?

Apart from the kitchen, pocket doors find several applications across different residential and commercial settings. Their most common applications are as follows:

Residential Applications of Pocket Doors

  • Bathrooms
  • Laundry rooms
  • Closets
  • Pantries
  • Removable room dividers
  • Patio doors

Commercial Applications of Pocket Doors

  • Single occupancy bathrooms
  • Closets
  • Storage spaces
  • Grand entrances
  • Office doors

Bottom Line

Pocket doors present a highly functional and aesthetic option for your kitchen cupboards and shelves. They offer diversity in styles, designs and materials, making them suitable for all décor styles. However, make sure that you take all the factors into account before selecting the size and design of your pocket doors.

You can ask Fitted Bedroom Wardrobes for professional help in selecting perfect pocket doors for your kitchen.

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