A Light and Airy Home

If you are planning to refurbish your property and are looking for ways to let more natural light into the inner rooms, there are a number of things that you can do.

One of the most effective is to install good quality internal glass doors wherever possible. Whether you choose sandblasted glass to ensure that privacy is not an issue or clear panes to allow the maximum amount of light to pass through, you should find that they make a considerable difference when compared to conventional wooden doors.

Before you have all your internal doors replaced, there are a few points to consider.

• Safety – this is especially important if there are young children in the house. Whilst glass is not inherently dangerous, you will need to make sure that the units you have installed are constructed from toughened panes so that there is no chance of them shattering from the impact of a badly thrown ball or other objects. Laminated safety glass is a good choice in high traffic areas and should be able to withstand quite heavy blows without breaking.

• Cost – how much it will cost to replace every door will of course depend on the size of your property and the number of rooms that it has. If you have set your heart on replacing them all, you will need to work out a budget for the project and make sure that it is affordable before you get started. Frameless internal glass doors that slide on a stainless steel track are an excellent choice for contemporary homes as not only do they look great, they are relatively inexpensive too.

• Durability – unless you are happy to replace all of your doors on a regular basis, it is important to make sure that the units you purchase will stand up well to the rigours of daily use in a typical family environment. Whilst the toughened glass itself should not provide any problems, the tracks on which it is mounted need to be of a sufficiently high quality if they are going to last for a number of years in the average home. Sticking to manufacturers that offer a decent warranty with each model they sell is one way to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.

• Style – consider the décor of your home and whether you are likely to want to change it before you have your doors replaced. Certain units will suit almost any type of interior whereas others may look a little out of place in some properties. Generally speaking, the more modern your home, the more likely your new doors will complement the existing décor well.

If you are still unsure whether it is a good idea to replace your wooden doors with glass models, you may find it worthwhile to consult an experienced interior designer or perhaps find a friend who has them fitted in his or her house and ask if you can pay them a visit to see what they look like insitu.