Project Overview
Paul and Sheila Keevil live in a converted Victorian coach house near Lingfield in Surrey. When they added an extension in 2012, they wanted to separate the dining area from their L-shaped lounge without permanently dividing the open-plan space with walls.
The couple decided that internal bifold doors would provide the flexibility they needed, allowing the lounge and dining spaces to be separated when required while still maintaining light, visibility and a sense of connection between the rooms.
Choosing Internal Bifold Doors as a Room Divider
Paul and Sheila already had a clear idea of the style they wanted. After visiting an exhibition at Earls Court to explore their options, they discovered Vufold's Edge range, which offered the barred and square glazing design they had been looking for.
“We knew we wanted bi-fold doors and that we had an idea about the style we wanted so we went to an exhibition at Earls Court to look at the options. The choice was totally overwhelming but it was only Vufold that had the barred and square glass that we wanted in their Edge range. We spoke with two very helpful ladies on the Vufold stand and went home to discuss it with our builder who said the dimension was tight but it was possible.”
Installing the Edge 3m Bifold Doors
The couple were initially concerned that choosing ready-to-fit doors could prove difficult because the opening dimensions were particularly tight. Their builder had warned that even a small difference in size could potentially cause fitting issues.
However, the Edge 3m folding room divider doors fitted the opening successfully without the need for bespoke doors.
“They fitted perfectly, which was great because otherwise we would have had to have bespoke doors made and that could have been very expensive.”
Creating a Flexible Living and Dining Space
The new internal bifold doors gave Paul and Sheila greater flexibility over how they use their downstairs living space. The doors can be opened partially or fully depending on whether they want to separate the lounge and dining areas or create one larger open-plan space.
The couple also found the room divider particularly useful because they live with their small terriers. The glazed doors allow the dogs to remain visible while being kept in either the lounge or dining room when the couple are eating or entertaining guests.
“The dogs have the run of the house so it’s really helpful to be able to close them off in the lounge while we eat or have friends to dinner as we can see them through the doors. At the same time we can also put them in the dining room if we have friends round and we are sitting in the lounge.”
Matching the Character of the Victorian Property
The appearance of the Edge doors was also an important consideration. Sheila particularly liked how the design complemented the character and existing décor of their converted Victorian coach house.
The solid oak frames arrived untreated, allowing the couple to apply a clear varnish. This created a warm honey-coloured finish that matched their existing flooring and Victorian skirting boards.
“The look is really attractive and sympathetic to the décor in the rest of the house. When they came the wood was untreated so we applied a standard clear varnish to the solid oak frames and they came up a lovely honey colour that matched the flooring and Victorian skirting board to perfection. They look absolutely stunning and we are so happy with them.”
Sheila also appreciated the flexibility offered by the four-door configuration. One, two, three or all four doors can be opened depending on how the couple want to use the space. During warmer weather, opening the bifold doors alongside the French doors in the lounge allows the downstairs living area to feel even more open.
“We are really impressed with the doors and would highly recommend them. In fact once our gardener had seen them he was so impressed he went and ordered an external set for his own home.”
Project Summary
Project: Create a flexible room divider between the lounge and dining areas
Location: Near Lingfield, Surrey
Customers: Paul and Sheila Keevil
Property type: Converted Victorian coach house
Product: Edge 3m internal bifold room divider doors
Material: Solid oak frames
Configuration: Four folding doors
Finish: Clear varnish applied by the homeowners
Goal: Separate the lounge and dining areas without permanently dividing the open-plan living space
Outcome: Flexible separation between rooms while maintaining visibility, light and the character of the property
Can internal bifold doors be used as room dividers?
Internal bifold doors can provide a flexible way to separate adjoining rooms without permanently dividing the space with a wall. In this project, Edge 3m bifold doors were used between a lounge and dining area, allowing the homeowners to open or close the rooms as required.
Can bifold room divider doors be partially opened?
Yes. Paul and Sheila's four-door Edge configuration allows them to open one, two, three or all four doors depending on how they want to use the space.
Why did the homeowners choose oak bifold room dividers?
The couple wanted doors that would complement the character of their converted Victorian coach house. The solid oak Edge doors were finished with a clear varnish, producing a warm honey colour that matched the existing flooring and Victorian skirting boards.
Internal Bifold Door buying guides, tips and installation advice