Today’s professional workplaces recognise that doors have more to offer than function; they create an impression for users by helping to define spaces throughout a workplace and establishing the style of the overall workspace. Office doors that are thoughtfully planned and designed provide privacy from noise, visual continuity and create a professional atmosphere, while at the same time, working together with the rest of the office design, help to establish a cohesive working environment.
In addition to providing access control, office doors serve other purposes as well. They provide a level of hierarchy, separate work zones and help maintain focus in busy environments such as offices. In many modern professional workplaces, doors are designed to provide an element of openness and also provide a level of privacy that allows for collaboration among employees without compromising their ability to work effectively within their individual areas.
Key Considerations When Designing Office Doors
When working with doors, key considerations include:
- High volume uses in high traffic areas
- Sound insulation for meeting areas and cabins
- Overall planning / space organisation and finish selection
Types of Modern Office Door Designs
Laminated Office Doors
In professional environments, laminated doors are the most commonly used door type. Their combination of durability, a “clean” surface finish and they are easy to maintain. Laminated doors are available in many different styles such as wood colours, grey colours, neutral colours and with various textures added to them.
Glass and Combination Doors
Glass doors and solid panel doors create an open feeling and at the same time define boundaries. Frosted and fluted glass doors help to provide privacy while allowing for natural light to enter the room; therefore, they can work well for both cabins and conference rooms.
Flush / Minimalist Door Designs
The flush and minimalist door types have minimal or concealed frames and limited hardware. These types of doors support the contemporary aesthetic of office environments through increased visual continuity and are better suited to offices that place a higher priority on both simplicity and efficiency.
Interior Coordination Between Door Design and Other Interior Components
An effective interior design programme will ensure that office doors coordinate with other aspects such as flooring, wall finish and furnishings. Matching door finishes to partition walls and cabinets helps create a cohesive appearance, while contrasting finishes using the tone selectively to highlight features such as the boardroom, executive cabins, etc.
By coordinating the materials and colours across the office doorways establishes a polished and professional appearance.
Functional Features That Improve Office Door Performance
Many modern office doors incorporate features that improve their functionality:
- Soft-closing or controlled closing mechanism
- Sound absorption cores for a degree of privacy
- Fire rated doors when required
By incorporating these features into the overall office design, the design will still maintain functionality as well as meet the necessary safety performance regulations.
Professional Design Tips When Selecting Office Doors
- Select finishes that are neutral or wood tones / provide an ageless appeal
- Limit finishes to stay within the colour palette
- Select matte or low sheen surfaces to minimise glare
- Check the design language of your office and ensure that they are compatible with your door hardware
The premium laminate collections produced by Royale Touche are an excellent choice for professional office spaces as they offer a sophisticated and unblemished design with durability and uniform appearance.
Conclusion
Well-conceived office doors elevate the visual and functional attributes of professional office environments. Using thoughtful office door designs that are integrated into the overall office design establishes a professional, structured, and contemporary design standard in today’s professional work space.
