Accordion cabinets are chosen by practical and thrifty people. They take up less space, their price is lower compared to conventional compartments, and folding doors provide greater access to the interior of the closet.
But there are those who also value practicality in furniture, but do not recognize such cabinets because they consider them unreliable, fragile, “cardboard.”
In the article, we will look at how door mechanisms work, which fittings are more durable, which accordion cabinets are in trend today, and talk about their pros and cons.
A wardrobe with folding fronts looks very stylish and unusual
How does the accordion mechanism work?
The accordion cabinet has a special door opening mechanism. Remember the screen - it has a similar system.
The structure is connected to each other by deployed metal hinges and is fixed to the body in special guide rails that hold the doors in place and set the direction of movement when opening or closing. The door leaves move along rails, folding into an accordion.
Sliding door diagram based on the accordion principle
Doors with a height of more than two meters are equipped with rails at the bottom to avoid distortions in the structure.
A simple door has its own radius for the free operation of the mechanism. This obliges residents not to use the space near the closet, but to place some interior items, “taking into account” the door.
Accordion Folding Door Mechanism for Wardrobe
In this regard, accordion doors do not disturb the owners - you can install a cabinet or a vase with flowers near such a model.
Interesting fact: in Europe, folding doors are called not “accordion”, but “accordion”. In Russia, accordion doors were first installed on built-in cabinets: these storage areas were called pantries or “mother-in-law’s room.”
What it is
When planning to order a wardrobe, you have to pay attention to a wide list of features and characteristics. One of the most important is rightly considered to be the system used for opening sliding doors.
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Hanging systems are a set of sliding doors, which are equipped with bottom-supporting or top-supporting rollers. They consist mainly of aluminum profiles, onto which a special coating is applied.
The system also includes closers. They are needed for more accurate, smooth and quiet closing of doors. The appearance of such structures is due to living conditions when there is not enough space in apartments, and it is necessary to make the most useful use of the available space.
Types of handles for folding doors
Most often, folding doors do not use standard handles, so accordion designs cost less. In other cases, special handles or adapters 45x22 are used. Also, some manufacturers install classic handles if they do not interfere with the opening of the door.
Special handle, with reverse fastening and adapter 45×22
Independent
The most acceptable types of handles for furniture with folding doors are mortise handles without a latch or lock. Their design is not initially suitable for installing a locking mechanism.
They are ergonomic and comfortable. Such handles do not protrude, and your child will definitely not get caught on it.
Mortise with latch
They consist of a rounded handle that must be turned to operate the latch. The second part is in the form of a slider that can be moved manually to the desired position.
Handle-lock
The design of this handle is distinguished by the presence of a keyhole and a cylinder. In this case, the door can be locked with a key.
Compartment doors in a niche
You can use the track system and compartment doors to enclose a niche and make a closet or storage room there, or even a separate room.
We have been working in Moscow and the region since 2007. We produce swing and sliding doors with guides from 3999 rubles per set. We carry out their subsequent installation and configuration.
Measurement and installation are carried out by specialists from our factory. We work from the project to post-warranty service.
You can calculate the cost yourself using the formula (niche length x height) x 2000.
You can also order a built-in wardrobe from 7,999 rubles or buy only doors from it (mirror, glossy, transparent, frosted and colored glass, photo printing, etc.).
We also offer you:
- You can make a free estimate by calling 8-904-261-21-73.
- You can see the door design in the catalog of sliding wardrobes.
- You can see photographs of our work in the photo gallery.
By ordering niche doors from us, you save the family budget, since we are direct manufacturers. When buying them from us, you do not overpay to intermediaries.
Types of facades
The facades of accordion cabinets differ in the type of manufacture. They are solid and framed.
Solid ones consist of a canvas made of one material: wood, chipboard, MDF, glass or mirror.
Straight long wardrobe with 8 folding plain doors
The most popular material for accordions is chipboard.
The Austrian company EGGER is the leader in the market for the production of this material. The company has a wide range of colors with wood patterns - you can, for example, find an Egger façade in the color of light pine, maple, dark brown oak or graphite.
Frame ones consist directly of a frame and a panel. The frame is usually made of aluminum or MDF. Inserts can be made of any material. Models with blinds are especially popular.
Accordion cabinet in the hallway with soft armchairs, facades with mirrors and bamboo
The outside of the façade is finished with fabric, leather, bamboo, plastic, rattan or coated with special glossy paint.
The difference between “accordion” and “book” doors
Accordion doors differ from book doors in the number of doors fastened together. The greater the number of canvases, the smaller the width of the individual elements. The standard dimensions of the sections are 10-15 cm, which are connected using a hinged profile or end hinges. The entire façade hangs on the top rail and moves along it on rollers. The outermost panel is attached to the side wall.
A folding door consists of only 2 parts connected by hinges, runs on two guides (top and bottom), can be made of heavy materials (wood, glass, mirrors, etc.) and is more reliable.
Characteristics of the suspension system
The hanging system for sliding wardrobes looks good in classic sliding wardrobes, corner and non-standard shapes.
The furniture market offers cabinets with bottom-support and top-support sliding systems. The lower support provides for a mortise or overhead installation method. It allows you to install the canvas to the floor.
The system includes closers that allow you to close the doors carefully.
The suspended design consists of rollers and a guide made of aluminum profile with a special coating. It also has closers that ensure smooth movement of the doors without much effort.
The mechanism includes an aluminum profile with a special coating.
Cabinets with top rails are slightly more expensive. In a top guide system, the mechanism is open. Mandatory design of the upper part of the canvas is required. Usually during manufacturing decorative elements are used to close the mechanism.
This system allows rational use of living space.
Important! Installation with top rails is more complex. Fastening must be done by professionals or if you have certain skills when installing it yourself.
There are several types of suspension systems:
- Roller. The roller is located inside a rail-type guide. Top or bottom roller mounting;
- Frame. The profile is made of steel or aluminum. Aluminum profile is more resistant to abrasion and more durable. Its use is preferable, but it costs more;
- No frame. The system may become deformed due to temperature changes or high humidity levels in the room. The service life is shorter than other types. Cheaper option;
- Radial. They are usually used in products of non-standard configuration.
Pros and cons of cabinets with accordion doors
Like any furniture, accordion cabinets have both advantages and disadvantages.
pros
- Easy to install - even a woman can assemble it with her own hands using the assembly instructions.
- Save space - a folding door takes up less space.
- Access to the entire closet - folding doors allow you to quickly find and remove any item from the closet.
- Price - in comparison with wardrobes, they are much cheaper.
- Practicality - the design does not damage the floor covering.
- Convenience - the working sashes are interchangeable. If one breaks, you can easily replace it with a new one without dismantling the entire structure.
- The ability to fantasize with design - a variety of materials allows you to decorate the closet to suit any interior.
Minuses
- Low wear resistance (service life - up to 8 years).
- The more doors it has, the shorter its service life.
- You should handle the doors carefully to avoid breaking them.
Accordion cabinet - features, advantages and disadvantages
The peculiarity of the product is hidden in the door mechanism. Through simple manipulations, the doors are folded in the form of an accordion or book, located at one of the side walls of the cabinet, while moving outward. The door leaf consists of several sections connected to each other. Its movement occurs along the upper guide. It holds the doors in the desired position and sets the direction of movement.
Like any mechanism, the folding system has its pros and cons.
Advantages:
- full view of the interior space;
- compactness;
- light weight;
- ease of operation;
- there is no possibility of damage to the floor covering;
- the ability to replace one of the elements in case of breakdown;
- quiet operation;
- no size restrictions;
- versatility;
- affordable price;
- attractive appearance thanks to the use of different materials and design methods.
Weak sides:
- low wear resistance (service life is approximately 5-8 years);
- increased mobility of the valves;
- still requires a small free space for normal functioning;
- Careful handling required.
How to choose a cabinet model
Accordion cabinets are most often installed in hallways, less often in bedrooms. Furniture with folding doors is also placed in the kitchen or on the balcony.
Placing a cabinet with accordion doors on the balcony
It is better to put a straight wardrobe in the bedroom and decorate it to match the interior of the room.
A corner cabinet is suitable for a hallway - an example of compactness and functionality.
Also suitable for a hallway or bedroom is a model with mirror inserts.
Accordion wardrobe with full-length mirror
In kitchen sets, folding doors are usually installed on the upper cabinets (including furniture for the balcony and bathroom). When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the fittings.
Rules before purchasing
Regardless of where you install the cabinet, follow these simple rules when purchasing it:
- Listen to the sound of doors opening/closing. If they operate silently, this is a sure sign that the furniture will last longer.
- The best system would be a mechanism with two guides. It's much more stable.
- If there is a mirror on the facade, it will visually double the space. Keep this in mind if you are choosing a cabinet for a small room.
- Before purchasing, measure the dimensions of the room. It will be easier for a consultant in the store to understand you and advise you on the appropriate configuration.
Accordion cabinet façade decor materials
For exterior decoration use:
- glass;
- rattan;
- bamboo;
- skin;
- textile;
- plastic;
- mirrors;
- metal.
Each type has its own characteristics.
High-quality plastic is practical, light, reliable, and low cost. A wide palette of shades is available, which simplifies the choice of furniture.
A special type of glass with high strength is used for facades. In the case of sliding facades, small inserts are mainly used to reduce the load on hinges and other fittings. Glass elements are decorated using different techniques: stained glass, sandblasting, fusing, matting.
Metal doors are considered the most durable. They can be painted in any color.
Natural materials (bamboo, rattan) will add ethnic notes to the interior.
Fabric and leather doors are lightweight, and a wide selection of textures and colors allows you to create a special facade design.
The mirror surface can serve as a dressing table, and it can be decorated in the same way as glass.
Popular models of cabinets with accordion doors
| Model name | Description and dimensions of the cabinet | price, rub. |
| Accordion-1 | Light made of laminated chipboard with hinged doors. 800x2200x500 mm | 12 550 |
| Accordion-2D-leather | Swing made of laminated chipboard with leather inserts. 1200x2200x500 mm | 21 050 |
| Accordion-1UD | Made from laminated chipboard in two colors with hinged doors. 900*900x2200x400 mm | 14 910 |
| Accordion-3 | Made from laminated chipboard with three doors. 2000x2200x500 mm | 22 370 |
| Accordion-3.3D | Hinged from laminated chipboard with additional drawers. 2000x2200x500 mm | 27 510 |
| Accordion-1P | Made from laminated chipboard with two doors and a mirror with a sandblasted pattern. 800x2200x500 mm | 15 490 |
| Accordion-1D-leather | Hinged laminated chipboard with leather insert and MDF frame. 800x2200x500 mm | 15 800 |
| Accordion-2U | Volumetric made of laminated chipboard with hinged doors in two colors. 1200x1200x2200x400 mm | 18 850 |
| Falcon Arcadia | Double-leaf compact made of laminated chipboard with a facade made of inlaid strips. 600x2334x430 | 4 186 |
| Degar U6 | Spacious double-leaf swing door made of laminated chipboard. 400x1200x2200 mm | 19 400 |
Adviсe
- Accordion cabinets are installed in the hallway, bedroom and even kitchen. For a hallway, a model with a mirror would be successful, for a bedroom - with light decorated doors.
- The main thing in the design of the cabinet is the guides and fittings: handles and fastening mechanisms. Pay attention to the quality of materials.
- Fittings should only be metal. The panel frames are also made of metal.
- The material of the furniture itself matters: the panels are made of chipboard, MDF or high-strength plastic. There are also wooden doors, but they are heavier and can break.
- The facade can be decorated with anything - from fabric to bamboo and glass.
- To make the storage system last longer, use the folding doors carefully, and explain to children not to roll on the doors.
Internal filling and storage systems
The interior filling of the cabinet is designed to organize a convenient storage system. Depending on the purpose of the furniture, you can select components. A typical set includes a number of elements.
- The rod is designed to accommodate hangers. It is securely fastened lengthwise or crosswise depending on the width of the product. In the second case, it is supplemented with a retractable mechanism. If the crossbar is installed in the upper part, then a special device (pantograph) will be required. For blouses, shirts and skirts, a distance of 0.8 to 1 m is sufficient. Longer wardrobe items (dresses, raincoats, coats, etc.) will require from 1.5 to 1.6 m. To determine the vertical dimensions of the opening, you need to add 20 cm to maximum length of clothing.
- No closet is complete without shelves. They can be pulled out to provide access to the remote part. To restrict movement, clamps are installed on them. The optimal distance between them is 30-35 cm.
- Drawers are suitable for storing small items. They move easily thanks to the roller system. By design, the boxes are either closed or mesh. Some of them have partitions inside, which allows you to quickly find the right thing.
- Retractable trousers consist of several parallel slats. Allows you to keep clothes in perfect condition.
- A similar device, but smaller in size, is used for belts, ties, scarves, and scarves.
- The lower part is usually reserved for shoes. It is installed on inclined lattice stands. This principle ensures good ventilation. It is easier to hang boots with high tops using plastic clips.
- The upper tier is suitable for things that are used occasionally. Its height ranges from 0.4 to 0.6 m.
