Sliding doors, pivot doors, and hinged doors: what are the differences?
The three most common types of steel doors are the sliding door, pivot door, and hinged door. Each type has its own opening mechanism and unique advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we’ll discuss how each door type works, what the benefits are, and where the doors can be applied.
Steel sliding doors
A sliding door opens by moving sideways. The door is suspended from a sliding rail, which we conceal inside the wall. When opened and closed, the door glides along or into the wall. This eliminates the need for a turning circle in the room. When a sliding door moves along the wall, it’s important that the wall is free from switches or artwork. Our steel sliding doors are equipped with a soft-close mechanism, which gently slows the door in the final centimetres.
Advantages of a steel sliding door
- Space-saving: a sliding door requires no floor space for a turning circle.
- Practical and accessible: in places where a traditional swinging door won’t fit, a sliding door offers a solution.
- Versatile in use: sliding doors are ideal for wide openings or as room dividers. For example, choose two sliding doors to close off a large opening or a single sliding door as a partition between kitchen and living room. This way, spaces can be connected or separated as needed. Sliding doors are also popular in office environments to create flexible meeting spaces or quiet zones.
- Silent operation: thanks to high-quality rails and our soft-close systems, sliding doors open and close smoothly and almost silently.
Suitable applications
Steel sliding doors are particularly suitable for rooms or situations where a swinging door would be inconvenient. Think of use in apartments, hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms, or pantries. A sliding door can easily move aside without blocking walking space. In narrow corridors or as a door for a built-in wardrobe, a sliding mechanism is ideal.
Additionally, sliding doors are used as room dividers: for example, you can separate the kitchen and living room with a large glass sliding door without losing the sense of openness. Businesses also regularly opt for steel sliding doors to flexibly separate spaces.
Steel pivot doors
A pivot door rotates around a vertical axis anchored in the floor and ceiling. The pivot hinge is located at the top and bottom of the door. As a result, the door can open in both directions: it rotates 90° each way. When the door is pushed shut, the soft-close system ensures a smooth closing motion. A pivot door does not require a frame, giving the appearance that the door stands freely in the opening. This creates a modern, minimalist effect and a sense of openness.
Advantages of a steel pivot door
- Luxurious, modern look: a steel pivot door is often seen as a design piece. The frameless design and the unique opening mechanism make it an eye-catcher in the home.
- Opens in both directions: the main practical benefit is that the door swings both ways. You can walk through from either side, which is convenient in high-traffic areas such as between the kitchen and living room.
- Soft-close and automatic closing: thanks to the integrated FritsJurgens pivot system, a pivot door often closes quietly. The soft-close system also prevents slamming, making it safer for children. It also helps retain warmth in winter, as the door automatically closes behind you.
- Sleek finish without a frame: a pivot door requires no casing or frame, resulting in a very clean look. This enhances the spatial effect and is ideal in modern, open interiors. The absence of a frame also allows the door to reach all the way to the ceiling for a dramatic effect.
- Double pivot doors possible: for wider openings, double pivot doors are an option, with two pivot doors opening in opposite directions. This creates a grand entrance.
Suitable applications
Steel pivot doors work best in spacious, open interiors where they serve as true design statements. They are ideal for transition zones such as between the living room and kitchen or hallway and living area, as they swing both ways – practical and stylish. In offices or practice spaces, they create a luxurious, modern appearance and easy access. In lofts or open-plan suites, they offer transparent separation without compromising the sense of space. In showrooms and hospitality settings, they make a striking impression with their robust look. In short, pivot doors are perfect for those who value space and sleek, minimalist design.
Steel hinged doors
A hinged door is the classic door opening, where the door is attached to a frame on one side and opens in a single direction. For steel hinged doors, the principle is the same as with wooden doors. The closing mechanism is traditional, with a door handle and the option of a (magnetic) lock. Steel hinged doors combine the familiar operation of an interior door with the style of steel.
Advantages of a steel hinged door
- Versatile and universally applicable: a steel hinged door can be used in virtually any situation where a standard door would go. Whether for a hallway, living room, bedroom, or office: this type of door fits anywhere and adds a modern twist to the space.
- Familiar ease of use: the operation of a hinged door is what everyone is used to. This familiarity is comfortable in everyday use.
- Best sealing and insulation: since the door closes within a frame, a hinged door offers the best seal against draught and sound of the three types. The frame with rubber seals ensures minimal gaps. This is ideal for rooms where sound insulation or heat retention is important.
Suitable applications
Steel hinged doors are versatile and can be used virtually anywhere you would place a standard interior door. They seal well, making them ideal for spaces where you want to control sound, smell, or temperature, such as bathrooms or bedrooms. In renovations, steel hinged doors – like pivot doors – are a practical choice: they can often be installed in existing doorways without major adjustments.
Which steel door suits your interior?
Whether you choose a sliding door, pivot door, or hinged door, with a steel door you bring both functionality and a stylish statement into your home – one that will last for years. Let your choice depend on the space, ease of use, and the look you want to achieve. Still unsure? Feel free to request personalised advice or visit our showroom!
Visit us for an inspiration session
