How to Pick the Right Internal Door for Your Home

Internal doors play a key role in defining your home's style, improving privacy, and enhancing functionality. With so many designs, finishes, and materials available, choosing the right internal door can feel overwhelming. We’ll help you understand the main factors to consider so you can confidently choose a door that suits your home and lifestyle.

Consider the Room's Function

Different rooms have different needs. For example, bedrooms and bathrooms require doors that offer privacy and sound insulation. Solid MDF Infill or timber doors are great options for these spaces. In contrast, living rooms or home offices may benefit from doors with glass panels, such as internal French doors, to allow light to flow between rooms while still offering some separation.

For laundries and utility rooms, durability and moisture resistance are key - solid doors with quality sealing are a smart choice. Always think about how the door will be used in the space before choosing a design.

Match Your Home's Style

Your internal doors should complement your home’s overall interior design. In contemporary or minimalist homes, flush doors provide a clean, modern look. Shaker doors are versatile as they work well in modern, coastal and traditional homes depending on the specific design selected. Colonial doors with raised panels are ideal for heritage or traditional homes. Choosing a door style that echoes your home’s character creates a more cohesive and appealing interior.

Choose the Right Construction

Internal doors come in a range of materials, each with its own benefits:

  • Hollow-core doors: Lightweight and affordable; ideal for less-trafficked areas.

  • Solid Engineered Timber doors: Durable and great for noise insulation; perfect for high-use areas and classic interiors. 

  • MDF Infill: Primed for smooth finish, ideal for paint.

The material you choose impacts cost, appearance, soundproofing, and longevity. Solid timber is a premium choice, but MDF offers excellent value for modern painted interiors.

Think About Finish and Colour

Finishing your internal doors properly is essential. Consider whether you want to paint or stain them:

  • Painted finishes offer versatility in the range of colour options - white is timeless, but bold colours make a statement.

  • Stained timber reveals the natural grain and brings warmth to a room, making it ideal for traditional or rustic styles. Stained timber doors provide character to a home.

Coordinate your doors with skirting  and architraves for a consistent look throughout your home.

Hardware is vital

Your door hardware makes a big difference to the final look. Finishes like matte black, satin nickel, or brushed brass can tie in with your tapware and light fittings. 

Remember to consider function too—privacy locks for bathrooms and bedrooms, passage sets for common areas, and dummy sets for wardrobes or cupboards.

7. Explore Configuration Options

The way your door opens can affect both usability and space:

  • Hinged doors are standard but can take up floor space. They offer the best reliability and longevity.

  • Sliding or cavity doors are great for tight areas. They save space where a hinged door would normally require to open and close.

  • Barn doors add a rustic touch and are visually striking.

  • Internal double doors create a grand entrance between living areas or open-plan zones. They can serve as accent pieces on their own.

Think about your floor plan and how often the door will be opened when choosing the configuration.

Final Tips

Before you commit to a door style, keep these points in mind:

  • Measure carefully, including height, width, and door thickness.

  • Know your door handing (left- or right-opening).

  • Consider whether the door is pre-primed or raw timber.

The right internal door does more than separate rooms—it enhances your home’s style, comfort, and functionality. Whether you're updating a single room or doing a full renovation, choosing the right design will have a lasting impact. Explore our range of quality internal doors to find the perfect fit for your space.

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