12 Interior Door Styles and When to Use Each One (2024)

How to Paint an Interior Door

Dutch Door

Add casual elegance with a Dutch door, which is a classic single door split in two halves horizontally. "Dutch doors have a charming aesthetic and are often associated with farmhouse-style architecture," says Austin-based interior designer Kristin Marino. This style of door dates back to 17th century Holland and today it merges old world rustic charm with practical purpose, as its unique design allows you to open the top portion to let fresh air in, while keeping the bottom half closed as a safety precaution. Marino recommends a Dutch door for a kitchen or mudroom, adding, "They also come in handy with small children or pets, so that you can enjoy the fresh air with peace of mind that your little ones are safe." The door's timeless appearance makes a stunning statement, but if budget is a concern, keep in mind that it tends to be one of the more expensive door options on the market.

Pocket Door

Instead of swinging open and requiring the clearance to do so, a pocket door slides into a built-in nook inside the wall. It often features glass panes, creating visual continuity between rooms and allowing light to filter through. You'll see single and double pocket doors used and the door style works just as well for a modern space as it does for a traditional home. In addition to providing a space-saving solution for a pantry, laundry room, or closet, Kantrowitz says that pocket doors are an unexpected way to showcase a beautiful door in an entertaining space such as a dining room. "The larger the opening, the more sizable the pocket door," she says, and suggests installing a set of French doors. "Not only are they a more impactful set of doors, but they don't have to impede on an expansive wide—even arched—cased opening."

Barn Door

A sliding barn door is a charming alternative to a traditional door. Similar to a pocket door, it's a good pick for a small space since it doesn't need room to swing open. It does, however, require the length of the wall next to it to be at least equal to or longer than the door's width, as that's where you slide the door in order to open it. Unlike a classic door with hinges and a handle, it doesn't provide a tight seal, which is something to keep in mind. Because a barn door is mounted directly on the wall and slides on metal rollers, you need to make sure that there are enough studs in the wall to hold its considerable weight. Install this style of door in a kitchen or your primary suite to separate the bedroom and bathroom. Or, think small and use a pair of mini barn doors to hide a TV or replace a set of kitchen cabinet doors in a creative way.

Louvered Door

Install a louvered door in any space that needs air ventilation, as the door is composed of a series of horizontal slats that allow air to filter through. This style of door is most commonly used in a closet, pantry, utility room, or any other area where moisture and mustiness are a concern. Sometimes louvered doors come in the form of a pair of bifold doors, other times it's a classic door with two ventilated panels. Cleaning the doors can be slightly time consuming, as each piece of slatted wood tends to collect dust and needs to be wiped down individually.

French Door

A French door mimics a window and has a series of glass panels that typically extend from the top to the bottom of the door. Unlike a solid wood door, it lets natural light filter in and creates separation between rooms while maintaining an airy and open feel. French doors frequently come in a pair and are used to lead to an exterior space such as a patio or balcony, but they're also a popular choice for a home office or to connect a living and dining room, offering separation and visual continuity at the same time. They are a timeless choice that adds elegance and instantly dresses up a space.

Classic Panel Door

The most commonly used of all the door styles, a classic panel door is readily available for purchase in multiple sizes, with various panel designs, and for indoor and outdoor purposes. A six-panel door is a timeless and traditional option, while a shaker-style four-panel door puts a modern spin on the classic. You'll also find a two-panel version, arched panels, and countless other configurations.

Bifold Doors

Bifold doors consist of two vertical panels that fold and stack when you pull the door open. They are most commonly used in pairs, whether it's in a closet, a laundry room, or to hide a water heater or washer and dryer in a utility room. They are a space-conscious option since they don't need quite as much clearance as a regular door and they sometimes come in the form of louvered doors that allow for air circulation. This is particularly useful if you're using the bifold doors in a small closet or basem*nt space that tends to get humid.

Arch Door

An arch door is a beautiful architectural feature that immediately elevates a room and gives it a sophisticated, custom design look. You can install a single or double arch-top door and choose between a swing-arm or pocket opening style, depending on the size and style of your room. As for its construction, an arch door is available in a variety of materials, such as an elegant French-style door featuring window panels, a rustic-looking wood paneled version, or an industrial design-inspired door featuring a black iron grid. Curved molding emphasizes the door's graceful shape and you'll often find this style of door in a grand foyer, a formal living or dining room, or a in large primary suite.

Pantry Door

When it comes to pantry doors, Kantrowitz notes that "they are often overlooked by the best-intentioned homeowners from a design standpoint" because people tend to focus more on utility than design. A pantry door provides the perfect opportunity to get creative and add some personality to your kitchen. "We love to customize this style door in many ways—custom slim double doors equipped with glass panels to allow a peek into an organized pantry display or a classic paneled door with specialty hardware," she says.

"If you choose a simpler style, a great way to elevate the look is to paint the door a different color than the rest of your trim and even have fun with paint sheens," Kantrowitz says. For a bold and beautiful look, she suggests a high gloss finish.

Hidden Door

A hidden door may make you think of fairytales or mystery novels, but you can easily install this style of door in your own home to create a secret passageway from one space to another. Sometimes it's disguised as a bookcase that leads from one room to another, other times it has a full-length wall mirror front that opens up to a hidden closet. Kantrowitz suggests using this trick for a pantry door in your kitchen.

Frosted Glass Door

Allow light to filter in while maintaining privacy with a frosted glass door. It adds a unique look and you will often find frosted glass used on French doors, sliding doors with glass panels, or front doors that feature glass details. You can also take the DIY route and create your own frosted glass doors using a frosting spray or by applying frosted self-adhesive paper. It's a quick and inexpensive way to give your door an instant makeover and add a privacy feature without fully replacing the door.

Pivot Door

A pivot door is a modern alternative that combines sleek design and effortless function. Instead of traditional hinges on the side of the door, a pivot door's hinges are located at the top and bottom and therefore change the way it swings open. It adds contemporary flair and a high-end look whether installed as an exterior or interior door, and comes in various designs and materials, from ultra-modern frosted glass and steel to more rustic wood versions. A pivot door falls in a higher price range and is typically considered a custom, luxury option.