How to choose the best internal bifold door design and style

John Collins - Managing Director

Author: John Collins - Managing Director

Buying an internal bifold door for your home or office is about more than just closing off a space—it’s about adding style, functionality, and an eye-catching addition to your interior. With so many options available, from bifold door materials and styles to colours and security features, it’s essential to understand what makes each choice unique.

Whether you're seeking a sleek, contemporary look or a classic, cosy feel, this guide will walk you through everything you need to consider when selecting the ideal internal bifold door for your space. Let's explore the key factors to help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

What are your options of materials for internal bifold doors?

Timber bifold doors are one of the most popular options, offering a host of benefits that make them an appealing choice for homeowners. With natural insulation, timber uses air pockets within the cellular structure of the wood to act as a barrier, helping maintain a comfortable temperature by reducing heat transfer between spaces. Durability is also a key feature of wooden doors; Vufold engineered hardwood bifolds come with impressive guarantees of up to 10 years for external doors and 15 years for internal doors, showcasing their reliability and resilience. Additionally, timber bifolds provide excellent sound absorption, helping create quieter rooms or reducing external noise, making them ideal for busy households. They are also highly customisable, too, as timber doors complement both modern and traditional aesthetics, and can be stained, varnished, or painted to match almost any colour scheme. So, whether you’re co-ordinating your door with the woodwork in your kitchen or blending with white doors and windows, you can enjoy a consistent aesthetic. Find out more about the benefits of wooden internal bifold doors.

Additionally, timber is an environmentally friendly choice, as its manufacturing process consumes fewer fossil fuels than alternative materials, making it a sustainable option for the eco-conscious homeowner. Read our full guide to choosing an internal bifold door material here.

Aluminium is another popular option when it comes to internal bifold doors and is perfect if you are looking for a durable, long-term investment and prefer a modern, sleek look. While engineered wood offers more of a rustic, traditional style, aluminium provides a more minimalistic, clean look. One thing to bear in mind is that aluminium doors tend to be more expensive than timber and uPVC options, so this may be something to consider if budget is your priority. Find out more about how aluminium compares to uPVC here.

 

Timber

uPVC

Aluminium

Maintenance

Requires little maintenance

Requires little maintenance

Requires little maintenance

Style

Offers the widest range of style options

Can be varnished or painted

Options such as unfinished oak provide a rustic and homely aesthetic

Can sometimes look cheaper than alternatives

Can sometimes look cheaper than alternatives

Some finishes available

Has a distinct look

Aluminium bifold doors come in a large range of powder-coated finishes

Lots of design options available

Durability

Engineered wood offers good durability and no twisting, bowing, or warping

Fair durability

Very good durability

Price

Low to mid-level

Low-level

Most expensive

For a more in-depth look at each door material and their pros/cons, visit our guide: Internal bifold doors: timber vs uPVC vs aluminium.

Are you choosing a new wooden internal bifold door? Read our full guide to wooden internal bifolds.

What accessory options can you choose from for internal bifold doors?

When it comes to accessorising internal bifold doors, there are several options to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. High-quality handles, available in various finishes such as satin stainless steel or polished chrome, add a touch of elegance while being easy to grip and operate. Read about your options of internal bifold door handles.

When choosing your perfect door, you can also consider the type of glazing you’d prefer. When you choose Vufold bifold doors, you have the options of frosted or clear glass. This allows you to find the perfect option depending on your required privacy levels and your internal bifold door location. Find out more about internal bifold door glazing.

Additionally, seal kits made from rubber, brush, and polyurethane foam are perfect for reducing noise transfer between rooms, providing better sound insulation. Vufold also offers top-quality stainless-steel hinges for smooth and durable operation. For an extra finishing touch, you can opt for blinds or curtains integrated into the door design to add privacy and style without sacrificing the sleek look of your bifold doors. All Vufold internal bifold doors are supplied as ready-to-assemble sets with every component prepared in our factory, so they’re easier to put together.

Find out more about your internal bifold door options here.

Choosing an internal bifold door style | What are your options?

Internal bifold doors come in various styles designed to complement a wide range of interiors. Popular options include traditional wooden doors, which often feature warm finishes like oak and may include glass panels to let light flow through while maintaining a timeless aesthetic. For those seeking a modern touch, industrial-style bifolds with slim steel-look frames in darker shades create a striking, contemporary feel. Minimalist designs, often in neutral colours, cater to clean and understated interiors. Each style is designed to balance practicality with visual appeal, making them a versatile choice for any home.

Are you looking for an industrial style internal bifold door? Read our guide to choosing industrial internal bifolds here.

Are you looking for a black internal room divider door to provide seamless transitions between rooms?

Our pick:

BLACK INTERNAL BIFOLD DOORS

From £899

Vufolds Urban Inspire internal bifold doors

The Urban Inspire room divider door sets are an excellent choice for traditional or modern homes, featuring a contemporary 4 light design and one-of-a-kind stainless-steel hardware. The fold flat design maximises the opening space. No threshold needed for a seamless transition between rooms.

  • 15 Year guarantee.

  • Easy Installation.

  • Features horizontal glazing bars and handle block. Read our guide to choosing internal bifold door handles here.

  • Engineered wood core.

  • 4mm thick clear toughened safety glass.

  • Includes a fixing kit and easy to follow instructions.

Shop our black internal bifold doors.

What internal bifold door colours are available?

Vufold's interior bifold doors are crafted from timber, available in finishes such as white and unfinished oak to suit various interiors. White internal bifold doors are a popular choice due to their versatility, helping to blend seamlessly with existing décor while enhancing natural light and making spaces feel larger and brighter. They are ready to hang, adaptable to different design and styles, and can complement a wide range of colours.

On the other hand, unfinished oak internal bifold doors offer flexibility, allowing you to retain the natural wood effect or customise them with a paint or varnish finish. Available in various ranges, these doors provide a personalised touch for any space.

If you are looking for an industrial-style option for your home, our black internal bifold doors provide simplicity while also adding character to your home.

Vufolds Urban Inspire internal bifold doors

Contact us today

Vufold’s range of internal bifold doors have been manufactured to be easy to adjust to make sure your doors operate properly and effectively to minimise damage. Offering 15-year guarantees and a huge range of door furniture and hardware – you can enjoy the best-quality internal bifold doors in the market. Our internal bifold doors are also available in both clear glass and frosted glass.

You can find out more about our internal bifold doors here.

At Vufold, our team of experts is always available to provide you with advice and guidance on everything to do with our range of internal bifold doors, hardware, and accessories. Please contact us to find out more technical information or to discuss your needs.

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Frequently asked questions

Which internal bifold doors should I choose?

When selecting internal bifold doors, consider the following factors:

  • Material: Popular options include wood, aluminium, and uPVC. Wooden doors offer a classic look, aluminium provides a modern aesthetic with durability, and uPVC is cost-effective and lightweight.

  • Glazing: For spaces that need more natural light, glazed or partially glazed panels are ideal. Frosted glass is a great choice for maintaining privacy.

  • Size and configuration: Measure your space accurately and decide on the number of panels. Smaller areas may benefit from two-panel bifolds, while larger rooms can accommodate multiple panels.

  • Finish and style: Choose a finish that complements your interior design. Painted, stained, or natural wood finishes can be tailored to suit both modern and traditional settings.

  • Budget: Internal bifold doors are available in a range of price points, so consider your budget without compromising on quality.

Why choose internal bifold doors?

Internal bifold doors are an excellent choice for:

  1. Space-saving: Their folding mechanism means they take up minimal floor space when open, making them ideal for compact areas.

  2. Versatility: They’re perfect for creating flexible layouts, such as dividing open-plan living areas or providing a partition for privacy.

  3. Aesthetics: Available in a range of styles and finishes, they enhance your home’s interior design.

  4. Natural light: Glazed bifold doors allow light to flow between rooms, creating a brighter and more open feel.

  5. Ease of use: Modern bifold doors are designed for smooth operation, with options for top or bottom tracks.

What are internal bifold doors?

Bifold internal doors consist of two or more panels hinged together, allowing them to fold neatly to one side when opened. Unlike traditional swing doors, they maximise space efficiency and offer flexibility in separating or connecting rooms. Bifold doors are commonly used for living spaces, kitchens, wardrobes, and even as room dividers.

Do internal bifold doors need a track?

Yes, most internal bifold doors require a track to ensure smooth operation and stability. There are two main types of tracks:

  • Top-hung tracks: The door is suspended from a track fixed to the top of the frame, leaving the floor clear. This is ideal for a seamless look.
  • Bottom tracks: The track is fitted along the floor, providing additional support for heavier doors.

Some lightweight models may be designed to operate without a bottom track, but these are less common. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications.

Are internal bifold doors draughty?

Internal bifold doors are generally not draughty if properly installed. If you notice draughts, it may indicate misalignment or gaps that need addressing. Opting for high-quality doors and professional installation can help prevent such issues. All Vufold internal doors have draught excluders supplied and a neat design to close up gaps, eliminating draughts and reducing noise transfer.

How long do bifold doors last?

With proper care and maintenance, internal bifold doors can last for 10–20 years or more. The longevity depends on:

  • Material: Aluminium and hardwood doors tend to last longer than uPVC.

  • Usage: High-traffic areas may cause wear over time, particularly on tracks and hinges.

  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning, lubricating the tracks, and tightening hinges can extend the lifespan of your internal bifold doors.

Investing in quality materials and choosing a reputable supplier ensures durability and long-term performance.

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John Collins - Operations Director

Author:

John Collins - Managing Director

About John Collins

John has built Vufold into a unique online door and window company and has spent 20 years bringing innovative products and designs to fruition, recognising niches in the market and placing them in the likes of Wickes and Travis Perkins, he started Vufold in order to sell them directly. John founded Vufold and has amassed a wealth of experience in product design and development, and in particular timber-based products

Read more about John Collins