Bifold VS French Doors | Hawksbeck Garden Rooms

When designing your ideal garden room, one of the most impactful choices you’ll make is selecting the right type of doors. Among the most popular and visually striking options are bifold and French doors. While both offer stylish access to your outdoor space, they differ in how they function, the atmosphere they create, and how well they suit your garden room’s intended use.

Understanding the Door Types

Bifold doors are modern, space-maximising solutions made up of multiple glass panels that fold back on themselves, opening up an entire wall to the outdoors. This creates a seamless flow between inside and out, making the space feel larger and more integrated with your garden.

French doors, on the other hand, consist of a pair of hinged glass doors that swing open from the centre. They bring a classic, elegant feel and create a charming focal point, often suited to more traditional or cosy spaces.

Garden Room as a Home Office

If your garden room will function as a home office, French doors might be the better choice. Their solid framing and more compact opening mechanism help maintain a quieter and more insulated space, ideal for focused work.

However, for those who rely on natural light or occasionally use their office for client meetings, bifold doors can be a great alternative. The large glass panels allow plenty of daylight in, creating a brighter, more dynamic workspace that still feels professional.

Fitness and Wellness Spaces

For garden rooms used as gyms, yoga studios, or wellness retreats, bifold doors offer significant benefits. Their ability to completely open up a wall makes ventilation effortless after an intense workout. Moreover, they let in fresh air and natural surroundings, enhancing the calming, nature-connected experience that many seek from wellness spaces.

While French doors can certainly provide a lovely entrance and some ventilation, they simply don’t open as widely, which can feel restrictive during physical activities or in the warmer months.

Entertaining and Social Spaces

If your garden room will be used for entertaining, such as a lounge, bar area, or social hub, bifold doors are a showstopper. Their ability to open up an entire wall invites guests to move effortlessly between the indoor space and the garden. This kind of fluidity is perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or relaxed evenings outdoors.

Bifold doors also provide an expansive view of the garden, making even compact garden rooms feel bright and airy. French doors, while attractive, can’t quite match the sense of openness that bifolds deliver in a social setting.

Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, there’s no definitive answer to whether bifold or French doors are better, it all depends on your garden room’s purpose and the atmosphere you want to create. If your goal is to maximise openness, natural light, and indoor-outdoor living, bifold doors are likely the better fit. If you favour traditional charm, privacy, and thermal comfort, French doors may be the ideal choice.