As urban areas around the world continue to experience population growth and increasing demand for housing, the land available for development is becoming both more limited and expensive. In large urban centers, many people deliberately choose the convenience and efficiency of compact living spaces in exchange for the benefits of city life, such as proximity to work, amenities, and cultural attractions. For others, however, the need to live in small spaces is a reality imposed by circumstances. In order to make construction feasible and increase urban density, builders and developers end up significantly reducing the size of rooms in homes, occasionally compromising the quality of life of those who live there. This has led to the adoption of various creative strategies to improve the efficiency of reduced interior spaces and provide greater comfort for occupants.
One example is the sliding pocket door, which has become increasingly popular in interior design, and whose most significant advantage is its space-saving design. Unlike hinged doors that open like a fan and take up space, sliding pocket doors disappear into the wall when they open, freeing up the surrounding area. For example, in a small bathroom, a sliding pocket door can provide the extra space needed for a shower or washing machine. It is estimated that, in an average home, the use of sliding pocket doors can free up more than 8% of the overall area, and this reclaimed space can be used for various purposes, such as closets, laundry corners, or even access to ladder storage.
Sliding pocket door systems represent a highly versatile and adaptable solution that can meet a variety of needs. They are available in multiple configurations –including single-leaf doors, double-leaf doors, telescopic doors, curved doors, and much more– as well as the most diverse finishes to meet the specific requirements of a space and harmonize the door panels with the interior design. They can also be applied to different systems, such as masonry and drywall, among others. When open, sliding pocket doors do not invade the interior or exterior space of the room, providing a smooth, unobstructed flow between rooms and creating a feeling of spaciousness and connection. Eclisse specializes in developing solutions for sliding doors and offers a range of customizable elements to make their use even more enjoyable:
Frames with Jambs (ECLISSE Classic Collection): This is the most traditional system, which uses a frame to finish and highlight the sliding door. It is also the most comprehensive and versatile range of pocket door frames, as the doors have jambs and trim that protrude from the wall, creating a more traditional appearance. They come in various configurations, including single-leaf and double-leaf doors, with provisions for electrical wiring, telescopic doors, curved doors, and much more. The jambs can be customized in terms of shape, materials, finishes and colors, allowing for a variety of stylistic interpretations.
Flush-to-Wall Solutions (ECLISSE Syntesis Collection): This type can be perfectly integrated into the wall, appearing almost invisible when closed. There are no protruding stops, leaving the wall completely flat and free for the designer's interpretation. Special profiles ensure uniform adhesion of the finishing material for a smooth, invisible appearance of the door.
One of the most outstanding technical features of these systems is the fully extractable rail, designed to facilitate maintenance and extend the life of sliding pocket doors. Over time, components such as the rail and carts can wear out due to regular use. By making it possible to access and replace these components without the need for extensive masonry work or major renovations, the door's smooth movements can be effectively restored to its original condition.
Pocket door systems also offer a range of features and accessories that can be included to enhance user experience and comfort. Soft dampers are ideal for both single-leaf and double-leaf pocket doors, providing a smooth and silent movement in both directions when opening and closing the door. The self-closing mechanism allows the door to close automatically after being opened, offering adjustable speeds without the need to remove the door. In double-leaf models, the synchronization between the door panels allows for perfect operation, with the ability to open or close both panels simultaneously with a single movement. Similarly, in telescopic models, two panels slide smoothly in harmony in the same direction, offering jolt-free action and flawless operation.
Sliding pocket doors offer significant advantages over hinged doors, especially due to their versatility in customization options and their ability to reclaim valuable space in a home. By making the best use of every square meter, designers can take advantage of the full potential of interior spaces, improving the quality of life for users.
