Are bifolding doors still the right choice for a modern home? 

Few glazing products have shaped modern home design quite like bifold doors. They have transformed how living spaces connect with the garden. But as the way we use our homes continues to change, what should we now expect from our doors? 

Rooms now need to accommodate home working, entertaining and everyday family life. We are also paying closer attention to energy efficiency, overheating, accessibility and how improvements will affect the long-term value of our properties. 

So, is a bifolding door still the right choice for a modern home? 

For many properties, the answer is yes. The key is choosing the right design rather than automatically opting for the largest possible opening. 

Are bifolding doors going out of style?  

Bifolding doors are not the only way to create a large, glazed opening. Slim-framed sliding doors are another firm favourite amongst homeowners, architects and designers alike, particularly for their uninterrupted views and large expanses of glass.  

However, this does not mean bifold doors have fallen out of favour. They provide something sliding doors cannot always offer: the ability to fold multiple panels back and open almost the entire space. A perfect option when the objective is to connect a kitchen, dining room or extension directly with a garden or patio.  

The decision should be based on how you want to use the space. Sliding doors can provide wider views when closed, while bifolds can create a more complete opening when the weather allows.  

Design around everyday life 

It’s easy to imagine your bifolding doors fully open on a warm summer afternoon. In reality, they’re likely to remain closed for much of the year in the UK.  

A modern bifolding door therefore needs to work just as well as a glazed wall, as it does as an open entrance to the outside.  

Think about where the doors will sit in relation to furniture, kitchen units and dining areas. The position of the folded panels also matters. You don’t want the open doors to obstruct a pathway, cover part of a patio or interfere with the way you use the room.  

Including a traffic door can make the arrangement more practical – allowing one panel to operate like a conventional door, so you can step outside without opening the complete bifold system.  

Think about natural light and overheating 

Bringing more daylight into the home remains a prime reason for installing bifold doors. Large areas of glazing can make a room feel brighter, more open and better connected to the outside, but the right glazing specification is important for keeping the room comfortable throughout the year. This is particularly relevant for south-facing extensions and highly glazed open-plan spaces. 

Solar-control glass can help manage heat from the sun while still allowing you to enjoy a bright, open room. Ventilation, shading and the orientation of the property can also be considered as part of the overall design. 

By choosing the right glazing from the outset, you can create a space that feels light, comfortable and enjoyable in every season. 

Make energy efficiency a priority 

With running costs and year-round comfort now more important than ever, it pays to look beyond appearance when comparing bifold doors in London and consider how the complete door will perform. 

Modern aluminium frames can combine slim sightlines with effective thermal barriers, while high-quality double or triple glazing can help to reduce heat loss. The seals, threshold and quality of installation will also affect the overall finished performance.  

A larger area of glass doesn’t automatically mean a more inefficient home; however, the frame, glazing and installation need to work together.  

This makes it important to compare complete specifications rather than making a decision based on price or appearance alone.  

Choose a threshold that suits your household 

A low threshold can create a cleaner visual connection between the room and garden, while improving accessibility and making it easier to move seamlessly between the two spaces.   

Creating a completely level transition requires careful planning – internal and external floor levels, drainage and exposure to wind and rain all need to be considered.  

The best solution will depend on the property, and a knowledgeable installer should explain the balance between accessibility, appearance and weather protection before recommending a threshold option. 

Aluminium offers more design freedom 

When researching aluminium bifold doors in London, slim sightlines are often high on the wish list. Aluminium’s strength allows it to support large, glazed panels without the need for bulky frames.  

It also offers considerable flexibility over colour and finish. You can choose a shade that coordinates with windows, matches a new extension, or creates a stronger architectural contrast.  

Different colourways may also be available inside and outside. This can be useful when a dark contemporary exterior would not complement the interior décor.  

The most effective colour choices tend to respond to the individual home rather than simply following the latest trend.  

Do I need planning permission for bifold doors? 

This is one of the most common questions asked by homeowners.  

Planning permission is not normally required when bifolding doors replace an existing door or window opening. You may need approval if you are creating a significantly larger opening, changing a listed building or working on a property within a conservation area.  

Building Regulations can still apply, particularly where structural work is required, or the doors form part of a new extension.  

Requirements vary between properties and locations, so you should always check with your local planning authority and discuss the work with your builder or installer before proceeding. If you need further guidance or advice, contact our expert team! 

If you are considering bifold doors in London, visit our Everglade Windows showroom to compare designs, configurations and finishes in person. Seeing and operating the doors will help you make a more informed decision about what will work in your home.