23 Jun Are Bifold Doors Going Out Of Fashion?

Back in 2021, the Times released an article about the “death” of bifold doors and why you should replace them. Many people got worried that their beautiful new bifold doors were out of style and would become the avocado bath suites of the modern century. 

But are bifold doors actually going out of fashion? And should you replace them with something else? As window and door experts, here’s our take. 

Are bifold doors still popular?

The bifold door market is still booming and is estimated to grow by around £600 million by 2025. 

At Park Lane, we install countless bifold doors for residential clients, commercial properties, and new build developments. It’s safe to say bifold doors are still extremely popular and sought after. 

Why are bifold doors so popular?

Bifold doors started becoming popular in the UK around a decade ago and have been hugely popular ever since. They come with some great benefits, so it’s easy to see why they’re the first choice of many homeowners going through a refurbishment.

• They provide an uninterrupted view of your garden and outdoor space. 
• They open to a 90% aperture, which is more than any other type of patio door. 
• They give a real indoor-outdoor feel, which is great on warm, sunny days. 
• They come in a wide variety of configurations to suit almost any property. 

Are bifold doors going out of fashion?

So, what made people start to worry that bifold patio doors were coming to an end? There were a couple of key reasons given by the Times:

The impact on heating bills

Because bifold doors have several glazing panels that interlock, it was suggested they don’t have great thermal efficiency and so will end up increasing your energy bills. In reality, bifold doors are very energy efficient. The gaps actually allow for a thermal break, which all doors need in order to pass building regulations regarding insulation. 

They get too hot in the summer

If you have an old conservatory, you’ll understand the headache of it being too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter. Since bifold doors have more glazing than other types of patio doors, many believe you’ll have the same issue. Bifold doors can be fitted with solar glass, which will help regulate the temperature in the home. This is especially good for south-facing rooms that get a lot of sun in the summer. 

Lack of privacy

Some people have concerns about privacy since bifold doors act as giant windows. Again, this is an easy fix with smart blinds or even a one-way mirror film. But there is always a risk of a nosey neighbour looking in your home whether you have a french patio door or a bifold. 

Space concerns

Perhaps the most appropriate concern there is about bifolding doors is the space needed to open them. Since bifold doors fold and stack, there does need to be space for the open doors to sit. However, even the most modest of space can accommodate a bifold with a slim stack. And if your home is large enough for a seven-panel bifold door, you probably have the space for the stack of panels to sit when it’s open. 

Speak to our team about patio door options

The bottom line is bifold doors aren’t going out of style any time soon. They are practical, aesthetically pleasing, and tailored to any home. We have a range of bifold door options that are timeless, so you’ll never have to worry about them going out of trend. But if you’re in the process of looking for new patio doors and you’re not sure what the best option is, come visit our showroom in Northamptonshire. Our experts will walk you through your options and help you make the best decision.