Types of Doors You Should Know About Before Renovating Your Home

There’s plenty of options!

When renovating your home, even the smallest details can make a big impact—and doors are no exception. Often overlooked, doors play a crucial role in shaping both the functionality and the overall aesthetic of your space. Whether you're aiming for a modern refresh or a timeless update, the right door design can significantly elevate your home's interior and exterior appeal.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of doors available, highlight their key differences, and help you identify the features that best suit your needs, so you can make informed choices when renovating your home.

1. Glass sliding door (from RM1200 and RM6000++ per set)

A glass sliding door is a type of sliding door that features large glass panels, usually framed in aluminium, wood or PVC that slide horizontally along a track to open and close.

Sliding doors are commonly used to divide larger areas while preserving a sense of openness. A great example is this kitchen, where the designer installed a sliding glass door to separate the cooking area from the rest of the home, effectively containing smoke and cooking odours while still keeping the space visually open and airy.

Another popular use is in the living room, where glass sliding doors lead out to the balcony. This setup not only offers an unobstructed view of the outdoors but also creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. The abundance of natural light that flows in brightens the room, making it feel more spacious, inviting, and cheerful, while also helping to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Pros

• Brightens up the room with natural light
• Versatile, fits any design style from minimalist to modern
• Space-saving as there is no swing clearance needed

Cons

• Limited accessibility, as only one side opens at a time (cannot fully retract)
• Less secure compared to traditional hinged doors
• Reduced privacy due to the transparent nature of glass

2. Pocket door (from RM1,955 to RM5,370 per set)

Pocket doors operate with a sliding mechanism, but unlike standard sliding doors that run along the outside of a wall, pocket doors slide directly into the wall itself. The wall acts as a "pocket" to conceal the door panels, creating a sleek look. They are available in both single and double-panel options, depending on the width of your doorway.

Pocket doors are commonly used in areas where space is limited, such as small kitchens or bathrooms, offering a practical solution without sacrificing style.

Pros

• Space-saving as there is no swing clearance needed
• Disappears into the wall when open, creating a clean, minimalist look

Cons

• Hidden tracks are difficult to access for maintenance or repairs
• Requires wall hacking or structural modifications, which may not suit all homes
• Higher installation costs due to additional labour and construction work

3. Flush door (From RM90 to RM1,050 each)

Flush doors have a smooth, flat surface, giving them a clean and minimalist look. They’ve become popular in recent years thanks to their sleek design and affordable price, depending on the material you choose, like MDF or plywood (either hollow or solid core).

You’ll often see the same flush door used throughout a home’s interior to keep things looking neat and uniform.

Pros

• Simple design works well with many styles, from modern to minimalist
• Easy to clean, no grooves or panels to trap dust
• More budget-friendly than decorative or custom panel doors

Cons

• Requires swing space to open and close
• Can look plain or “builder-grade” if not styled intentionally
• Offers poor sound insulation, especially in hollow-core options

4. Hidden/ concealed door (From RM1,440 and above each)

While flush doors and hidden doors (also called concealed doors) may look similar at first glance, they are not exactly the same. Hidden doors are designed to blend seamlessly into the wall or cabinetry around it. This creates a ‘camouflaged’ look so you might not even realise there’s a door there.

While a flush door is installed like a regular door with visible hinges and a frame, a hidden door has concealed hinges and may not have visible handles. They are often painted the same colour as the wall or covered with the same material (e.g. wood paneling, wallpaper).

Homeowners usually install them in areas where they want to maintain a clean, seamless look or discreetly conceal a space such as a powder room in the living room, pantry room in the kitchen, bathroom in the master bedroom or to create a secret library, lounge room, or even a panic room.

Pros

• Offers added privacy by concealing rooms you’d prefer to keep discreet
• Seamlessly blends into walls or cabinetry for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic

Cons

• Can be expensive due to the need for custom design and installation
• Push-to-open latches and concealed mechanisms may wear out over time
• Not readily available in stores—requires tailored fabrication

Explore: Sneaky Hidden Door Ideas for a Sleek and Stylish Home

5. Panel door (From RM230 to RM1800 each)

A panel door is made with a solid frame that holds one or more panels, either flat or raised, usually crafted from wood, glass, or a mix of materials. Raised panel doors have a centre panel that's elevated above the frame, offering a classic, ornate look, while flat panel doors have a recessed centre panel, providing a more modern and sleek aesthetic.

Panel doors have been a popular choice for those who want to achieve traditional, classic, or transitional styled homes.

Pros

• Complements various interior styles like rustic, farmhouse, or colonial style
• Durable and long-lasting, especially compared to hollow-core options
• Provides good sound insulation, making it perfect for bedrooms or offices

Cons

• Grooves and detailing can trap dust, requiring more maintenance
• High material cost
• May not fit well with minimalist interiors

6. Barn door (From RM580 to RM4,280 each)

A barn door is a sliding door that moves along a track mounted above the doorway, unlike traditional doors that swing open. Originally used in barns (hence the name), barn doors have gained popularity in homes for their rustic charm and modern farmhouse appeal. They’re often used in kitchens where they serve both as a functional feature and a stylish focal point.

Pros

• Sturdy and robust appearance
• Can be mounted externally, eliminating the need for wall modifications

Cons

• Require more maintenance than regular doors, especially the sliding track and wheels, which can accumulate dirt and wear
• May not fit seamlessly into every design aesthetic

7. Bi-fold doors (From RM600 and above)

Bi-fold doors (also called folding or accordion doors) consist of multiple panels that fold back in a concertina style when opened. They slide along a track system and can open from one side or the center, depending on the configuration.

These doors are commonly used to separate spaces, such as patios or courtyards, and can even serve as room dividers, as shown in this home.

Pros

• When fully opened, bi-fold doors provide maximum accessibility and open up a space
• They let in plenty of natural light, brightening up your space

Cons

• Installation is complex and can be costly
• Hinges, rollers, and tracks may require regular maintenance
• High material and labour costs

8. Arch door (From RM2,700 - RM15,000 each)

An arch door features a curved or rounded top, offering a distinctive alternative to the typical straight lines of standard doors. This design element adds elegance and softness to both interior and exterior spaces, serving as either a structural feature or a purely decorative accent.

Arch doors are commonly used as entrance doors, making a dramatic and welcoming first impression. They’re also a great choice between living and dining areas, subtly defining spaces while maintaining an open feel.

Pros

• Adds a luxurious, villa-like ambience, perfect for Mediterranean-inspired homes
• The curved shape draws the eye upward, making ceilings appear taller and rooms feel more spacious and grand
• Creates a softer, more inviting atmosphere in the home

Cons

• Custom design and installation can be costly due to the complexity of creating the curved frame
• Installing an arched door may require adjustments to the surrounding wall structure

Looking for professional help to renovate your home?

You’ve come to the right place! Fill in this form and we will match you with 5 local interior design firms for free.

By submitting the form, you’ll get to enjoy additional assurance from the RM50,000 Qanvast Guarantee scheme.

Meet interior designers. Get quotes. Based on your requirements, we will recommend you up to 5 firms with the Qanvast Guarantee. Get Free Quotes