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Design Dilemma Hallways Renovating

Replace white internal doors with Oak ?

5 years ago

We are updating our 90's house in a contemporary style. We've installed an oak & glass staircase and have oak floors. We cannot decide whether to go the whole way and replace the white 6 panel doors with Oak doors. The hall way is narrow and I'm a little concerned oak doors may make it appear darker/ narrower. Any opinions would be welcome. Also if anyone has photos of similar houses with Oak doors that would be great.

Featured Answer

tamp75

5 years ago

Personally I would keep them as they are. They look like they are in good condition & suit your decor. With the wooden floor downstairs I think oak doors would be a bit too much.

Comments (19)

Sonia
5 years ago
I agree the current doors look fine and merge into the walls. Oak doors would stand out and be very heavy.
Carol Unsworth thanked Sonia
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Hazel Kindley
5 years ago
If you are just looking to update to tie in with a more contemporary look then how about something like this? https://www.building-supplies-online.co.uk/lpdint368-lpd-smooth-ladder-moulded-door-internal-door.html?utm_source=google_shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiJncBRC1ARIsAOvG-a4nwjMZ2C-8H8nTzxIONE6KKa8gXAFAI7ojLJLc-WaOhD0OR8LR0R0aApcjEALw_wcB
Carol Unsworth thanked Hazel Kindley
A Babbsy
5 years ago
I disagree with the others, I think oak doors will look fantastic. We changed our internals from white to oak a couple of years ago and the look / feel is so much more modern.

I don’t have any before photos though, here is a now photo (excuse mess we are in middle of a small extension / renovation!
Carol Unsworth thanked A Babbsy
jillyhilltop
5 years ago
We have dark doors throughout the house, sadly not oak. Five lead off a large rectangular hallway and when the doors are closed it's dark and depressingly gloomy. Keep the white doors! Adding some wooden accessories, wood framed artwork and natural textures would complement the staircase while keeping the light and feeling of space.
Carol Unsworth thanked jillyhilltop
Glynis
5 years ago
I would change them and I think they’d look amazing. I did the same in a previous house and it instantly looked more like an executive home.
I’ve just moved into a house with the same white doors and I’ll definitely be changing them to flat fronted oak doors as soon as I can. The difference is amazing.
Carol Unsworth thanked Glynis
Keith Rogers
5 years ago
Personally I would go with oak and leave the architrave and skirting white to give contrast. Have you considered having glass to the doors that open into living spaces to give extra light to the area? Glass allows visitors to easily see what rooms are the other side and which you want to keep from view (cloakroom/study etc). I did this in my hallway and it makes a nice contrast.
Carol Unsworth thanked Keith Rogers
Carol Unsworth
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Keith, your hallway looks really good. However it is wider than mine so still concerned Oak will close it in further. Definitely considering glass in some of the doors as an option though.
Carolina
5 years ago
Love the doors that Hazel suggested. Or similar to those. White and modern. W
Carol Unsworth thanked Carolina
Tatiana
5 years ago
White and modern would be my choice too (no detailing).
Carol Unsworth thanked Tatiana
PRO
design
5 years ago
I would change them too there is something about the texture and contrasting colour of wood that looks incredible!
T Gray
5 years ago
In your upper hall you have a super modern bannister and stair which is lovely. The doors however are a traditional style so jar a bit. I think it's the style not the colour that's the problem, so I would go modern door probably in oak. Also if you do that you would need to think about the front door too as it is a more traditional style.
Carol Unsworth thanked T Gray
PRO
Hand Built Designs
5 years ago
I don't think oak doors will add to the space but the existing ones are pretty awful. I would replace them with painted solid wood doors. There are many off the shelf options available. You may even be able to source some salvaged original panelled doors.

Another approach worth considering which may work out cheaper is to use heavy flush fire doors, again painted but you would need to revisit your architrave & skirting, changing the existing with a less detailed profile. While you're at it, add some nice hardware and you should be fixed for the long haul.
Brody Ritchie
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
White oak was so beautiful specially in internal. Solid oak door, handrail, windows etc. coated in white is really beautiful.
Mark Hunter
3 years ago
What did you do and were you pleased?
Carol Unsworth
Original Author
3 years ago
I'm afraid we put this project on hold and just redecorated. However, I had decided to stay with white in a more modern style to keep it bright. Also really difficult to match the oak doors, with existing bannisters hand rail and floor.
Mark Hunter
3 years ago
Thanks - I’m about to do the same and for much the same reasons. And white is more cost-effective too 😊
Lucie Porton
last year
last modified: last year
Even though I am a fan of oak doors and I like how they look in most cases, in this case, it would be a bit excessive. They would not match the general atmosphere in the house that is so light and even a little Victorian. You may try and install some small 1930s internal doors made of oak and see for yourself. It might work if you choose the correct color. I would paint it too creamy white, so it does not stand out much. It’s up to you, and you must decide what you like the most. You can find many pictures on the Internet and apply them to your house to see what it will look like.
PRO
ALUMINIUM TRADE SUPPLY
last year
Assuming they fall within your budget, why not consider glazed aluminium doors? The steel look internally is incredibly popular right now, and you can get these with a choice of glass and door hardware; the benefit would be letting light flow through your rooms and being totally on trend. Happy to help with product advice and where to go see these if you'd like to get in touch.

Hope this helps

Kind regards,

Nick

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