Sliding doors or hinged doors? It's one of the most important decisions when choosing a wardrobe — and the right answer depends on your space, your storage needs, and your budget. In this article, we analyze the differences to help you decide.
Wardrobe with sliding doors
Sliding doors glide horizontally on tracks, eliminating the need for opening space in front of them.
Advantages
- Space-saving: you don't need 45-60cm of free space in front to open it — ideal for small rooms.
- Cleaner look: sliding doors offer a more modern and minimalist appearance.
- It can be mirrored: mirrored doors visually enlarge the room and serve a dual purpose.
- Safety with children: less risk of slamming the door.
Disadvantages
- Partial access: you never have access to the entire width of the wardrobe at once — a door always blocks part of the interior.
- Trail maintenance: trails accumulate dust and may need regular cleaning.
- Generally higher cost: especially for quality versions with smooth tracks.
Wardrobe with hinged doors
Hinged doors open outwards like normal doors, secured on a side hinge.
Advantages
- Full access: when you open the doors you have a complete view and access to the entire interior.
- Simpler mechanically: hinges are easier to repair than race tracks.
- Generally more economical: especially in standard wardrobes.
- More options for internal organization: it's easier to add internal mirrors, organizers, and lighting.
Disadvantages
- They need space: each door needs 45-60cm of free space in front to open fully.
- Less suitable for small rooms: the opening space can hinder circulation.
Direct comparison
| Criterion | Run | Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Space required | Minimum | More space |
| Access to the interior | Partial | Total |
| Visual | Modern | Classic/versatile |
| Price | Usually more expensive. | Generally more economical. |
| Maintenance | Trails (cleaning) | Simple hinges |
Which one to choose?
You choose sliding doors if:
- Your room is less than 14m².
- The wardrobe is against a wall with little space in front of it.
- Want a more modern and minimalist look?
- Do you want mirrored doors?
You choose hinged doors if:
- Your room has enough space to open the doors comfortably.
- You want easy and full access to the interior.
- Do you prefer a more classic style?
- The budget is more limited.
Custom-made wardrobes in Platea
At Platea, we manufacture custom-made wardrobes in both sliding and hinged door versions, in the exact dimensions of your space, with the interior organized according to your needs. Visit our showroom in Paços de Ferreira or consult us online at PlateaHome.