Making a doorway without a door: the most successful options. How to fix door trims Artificial stone and clinker tiles

There are various design techniques for visually increasing the space. One of them is the removal of a block in the interior partition. So it is possible to expand the entrance opening and give the interior more aesthetics. Usually, adjacent rooms are connected in this way, the door between which only complicates free passage - for example, between the hall and the hallway. Also, the door is removed between the kitchen and the living room, when it is impossible to redevelop and otherwise combine these two rooms. The method of opening the opening in this case plays an important role. You can make it neutral or accent. About options for finishing a doorway without a door - today's material.

Plasterboard arch in oriental style Source: decorazionedellacasa.me

When can you refuse an interior door

Not every doorway can be dismantled canvas. The bathroom and storage room are not even discussed. The spaces of the home study and library also require privacy and silence, as does the bedroom with the children's room. In extreme cases, to create an atmosphere of privacy, you can use fabric curtains or screens, which the rest of the time will successfully decorate the opening. This will save free space and create an optical effect of dividing rooms.

Arch in the interior Source evrookna-mos.ru

Note! With the help of open passages, you can successfully emphasize the unity of the living space. Therefore, for openings choose the same shape and structurally similar material.

Most often, a doorway without a door is found between a kitchen with a living room, a kitchen with an entrance hall, and a living room with an entrance hall. However, for the kitchen, it is necessary to leave at least a glass partition, a screen or a fabric curtain. This will quickly isolate it from the adjacent room.

Restrictions apply to kitchens with gas equipment - here a door or partition must be required.

The door and window unit is completely dismantled when the balcony is combined with the kitchen or living room. For separation use curtains or a screen.

One of the advantages of freeing the doorway from the canvas is better air circulation in the rooms.

Arch laid with stone Source www.pinterest.com

Making a doorway without a door is possible in the following situations:

• When the opening between rooms retains its shape. The passage visually expands, and due to the massive decor it looks more aesthetically pleasing.
• When you need to create an arched opening. The shape of the arch is chosen depending on the style of the room and the height of the ceilings.
• When there is a desire to create a passage of a complex asymmetric shape, triangular or trapezoidal configuration. The restriction applies only to openings whose width is less than 80 cm.
• When a bar, stained glass or mosaic canvas is installed between the kitchen and the living room in the aisle.

Pros and cons of free passage between rooms

simple archway source episode.ru.net

The design solution, in which the block is dismantled, has its advantages:

• Adjacent rooms are combined into a single space. The common room becomes visually lighter, more spacious, but at the same time each of them retains its functional purpose.
• There is a large selection of ways to design a doorway - all materials look decorative and do not need complex care. With their help, you can focus on the chosen style of the interior.
• If we talk about the cost, then decorating the opening, for example, with panels made of precious wood, will be cheaper than installing a new door made of quality material.
• High-quality ventilation of all premises of the apartment.

A simple rectangular opening Source www.ivd.ru

Among the shortcomings of this solution, they note the lack of privacy of the premises, the possibility of a draft, when combined with the kitchen, discomfort is possible due to noise and smells.

The choice of form for the opening

There are two fundamentally different ways to design an opening - with the preservation of its original shape, often rectangular, or with its change. The choice of form is influenced by the style of the room and the finishing materials used.

Decorative epoxy resin inserts in the opening Source www.thegolfclub.info

Traditionally, doorways are rectangular in shape. Even an inexperienced person in repair work can work with it. First you need to completely dismantle the door frame and canvas. Then the side and upper ends are leveled - they are prepared for decorative finishing.

Two different openings Source www.interiordesign.net/

When choosing an arched form, there are many ways to design:

• With the help of a semicircular arch, you can emphasize the classic interior. This method is not suitable for rooms with low ceilings and narrow aisles.
• For an apartment with a low ceiling, it is better to choose a trapezoidal arch - it is easier to make it than a semicircular one. Such an opening would be appropriate when combining any premises.
• A triangular arch will look best in a spacious room with a high ceiling.
• An asymmetric opening will be appropriate in a modern interior. It is made from drywall, and then finished with any materials. This option is convenient because lighting, shelves, niches and other decorative elements can be mounted inside the plasterboard structure.

Ways to design openings between rooms

You can decorate a doorway without a door using almost any finishing wall material. The most budget option is plasterboard sheathing followed by wallpapering or painting to match the walls. Such an opening will not attract attention. If you want to emphasize, then drywall allows you to perform an asymmetric design of any complexity. Budget materials also include plastic panels and MDF.

Interior arch without decor Source dveridoc.ru

Tiles, artificial stone and natural wood for finishing openings will cost more. For classic interiors, you can choose polyurethane stucco.

Important! When choosing a finishing material, the style and color scheme of the interior are taken into account. The doorway should become a natural part of the room, and not stand out in it as something foreign.

Unusual opening design Source homeli.ru

There are several ways to arrange the passage: using the upper end or only the side ones.

For the manufacture of an arched structure, experts recommend using drywall:

• it is easy to work with him;
• it has a low cost;
• from the sheets you can cut shapes of any complexity.

In the process of manufacturing the arch, a frame is mounted from a metal profile, and then drywall elements are attached to it with self-tapping screws. The caps of the fasteners are sunk a couple of millimeters and puttied together with the joints. To get a perfectly even edge of the arch, a flexible perforated corner is attached to it during the puttying process. Then they grind and finish with any material - wallpaper, artificial stone, tiles, mosaics, wood or plastic panels, plaster and stucco.

Decorative stone in the interior of the living room Source en.decorexpro.com

Drywall is also suitable for straight openings - it makes it faster and easier to align the ends.

wood arch trim Source www.sztachetki.info

Arch in dark wood Source thisbuildis.com

Photo gallery: the most successful opening decor ideas

Let's take a look at a few examples of successful design options.

Option 1. The simple shape of the opening with a curved top end looks pompous and majestic, thanks to the classic columns along the edges of the portal. You can make such an arch from drywall. The presence of straight lines and the absence of complex decor allow you to maintain restrained proportions of the design. The same color with the walls outside and inside allows you to create a holistic interior.

Making an opening for the kitchen Source lt.dikidaycare.com

Option 2. Stucco decor is suitable for spacious rooms. The arch allows you to combine two rooms - a dining room and a living room. And at the same time, it allows you to delimit rooms in accordance with their functional purpose. In any case, the common space is perceived as lighter and more spacious. Stucco decor is suitable not only for strict classical, but also for modern interiors, for example, Scandinavian.

Stucco molding and columns are appropriate to use in living rooms. But it is important to remember that such a decor looks massive, and therefore looks organically on wide, high openings. If it is possible to adjust the width of the opening, then it should be borne in mind that for a small room it is better not to make a wide opening - it will look awkward and violate the proportion of the room.

White drywall arch Source frombaltic.ru

Option 3. Making the opening with natural materials always looks impressive. The stone looks massive and is suitable for styles such as country or rustic. For a modern interior, you can choose artificial stone, which may look lighter, but at the same time creates the necessary texture. The contrast with smooth neutral walls looks especially impressive. This material has a lot of advantages - it is easy to install, hides irregularities, does not require complex maintenance and has a long service life. You can choose an imitation of any stone that exists in nature, even very rare and expensive.

stone decoration Source no.aviarydecor.com

Option 4. In an opening of sufficient width, you can mount an arch made of a wooden frame and stained glass. This design looks easy and elegant. It transmits light and visually expands the space. In this example, the shape of the arch follows the shape of the window, but is the main focus.

doorway decoration Source maz-sirena.ru

Option 5. This arch is suitable for interior design in modern style. Smooth lines, a noble tone of wood and an elegant pattern on frosted glass emphasize the nobility of the design with a sliding door.

Making an opening to the hall for two doors Source vplate.ru

Materials and methods of opening the opening

There are many ways to design a doorway. One of the original ways is to install a spotlight or LED strip on the end of the opening. When installing adjustable fixtures, you can change the angle of incidence of the light beam and adjust the intensity of illumination of adjacent rooms. There are also many options for finishing the portal with different finishing materials - let's take a closer look at some of them.

A simple opening without a door Source: finance.yahoo.com

With the help of textiles

This is the easiest, fastest and most inexpensive way to design an opening without a door. It is enough just to fix the cornice over the passage and hang the curtain. The advantage of this arrangement is as follows:

• You can quickly change the scenery and choose a fabric for a new interior, quickly create the necessary mood.
• With the help of dense fabric, you can divert attention from the opening without taking up free space.
• The fabric looks light and elegant, suitable for all interior styles.
• With the help of light curtains made of flowing light fabric, you can visually expand the space.
• Using a dark deep fabric color, you can adjust the width of the room.
• You can make the interior bright and colorful with the help of rope curtains.

Curtain decoration Source totalconstrucao.com.br

Dark curtains for privacy Source luke.momstamales.com

Doorway with curtains Source detskaya.info

With plaster

Plaster is a unique material with which you can emphasize the design of the arch and emphasize it. Textured compositions with abrasive, sometimes multi-colored fillers are best suited for these purposes. Such plaster when applied creates a different relief. It goes well with other finishing materials - with artificial and natural stone, tiles, stucco.

Beautiful design Source www.interiordesign.net

Microcement and Venetian plaster look especially elegant. This type of decoration is best suited for classic interiors.

Plaster in addition to decorativeness, has excellent performance properties:

• it does not burn;
• not afraid of moisture;
• resistant to mechanical stress;
• visually corrects the space;
• hides defects and irregularities of the base.

The only drawback is that experience is required to work with decorative plaster.

Arch decoration and painting on the wall Source ispovednik.ru

With siding and PVC panels

The inside of the opening Source www.greenbuildingadvisor.com

Plastic panels are another budget and easy-to-work finishing material with which you can quickly and efficiently finish a rectangular or arched portal between rooms. PVC panels are fixed using fasteners (clips) on the frame or on liquid nails. To make the frame look aesthetically pleasing, the junction is decorated with a plastic trim on both sides. For its fastening, a guide bar is used.

Plastic panels are very flexible, so they can be given any radius and even an irregular bend shape.

Interroom semi-arches in the interior Source roomester.ru

This also includes siding. Despite the fact that this material is considered to be street cladding of facades, it is sometimes used for interior decoration. Siding on the surface of the wall or at the end of the opening creates an interesting relief texture. Depending on the style of the interior, you can use vinyl or metal slats. The surface of the material can imitate wood.

The advantage of this material lies in its exceptional durability and ability to hide the unevenness of the base. Installation of lamellas is not difficult, so special experience in working with it is not required. The material is resistant to water and mechanical stress, so it can be used in any room.

With artificial stone

Finishing with decorative stone Source dizainvfoto.ru

A practical and common way to decorate the walls around the entrance without a door is facing with artificial stone. This material has a lot of positive qualities:

• Tiles have a small thickness and weight, so artificial stone can be used on any, even weak, bases.
• This material has a long service life. He is not afraid of corrosion, ultraviolet, mechanical stress.
• If one of the decorative masonry elements is damaged, it is easy to replace it - just remove the damaged fragment and install a new one.
• In terms of strength, artificial stone is not inferior to natural.
• It is an environmentally friendly and safe material. A stone made on the basis of gypsum has a positive effect on the microclimate in the room. Gypsum is able to absorb excess moisture from the environment and give it back if necessary.
• Artificial stone does not burn, does not provoke or support fire.
• Facing does not need complex care. It maintains a presentable appearance throughout the entire service life.

Using artificial stone, you can imitate masonry from different materials - the cladding accurately conveys the texture of limestone, marble, malachite and other types of stone. Such cladding always looks rich and organically combined with other finishing materials, especially with natural wood. It is possible to lay artificial stone dies in accordance with a pre-designed pattern or in a chaotic manner.

Finishing with artificial stone Source mirstrojka.ru

In the manufacture of decorative stone, natural ingredients are used - stone chips, coloring pigments and polymer fillers. Usually, an opening lined with such material is distinguished by torn edges, which look especially expressive. For rooms, it is better to use a stone that is not too textured, otherwise the finish will look heavy. Fix the stone on liquid nails or a special adhesive solution. Laying can be done independently.

Neat opening in stone Source luchiefasady.ru

One of the types of cladding is clinker tiles. Outwardly, it imitates brick and looks like real brickwork. This finish is in demand in many interiors - in the style of a loft, country, Provence, chalet and others. The convenience of facing the opening lies in the fact that in addition to flat elements, manufacturers offer corner parts. You can buy elements of any size and external design. The realism of the masonry is created by grouting the joints with a special compound.

With ready cash

A rectangular passage can be arranged using ready-made extensions and platbands. This finish will look simple, but tasteful. Production material - natural wood, plastic or MDF. The cost and appearance of such cashing varies, as well as its operational properties.

They produce two types of extensions from MDF. They can have an end edge or be telescopic. In the first case, there is no decorative coating along the edge of the plank. When installing, you have to try to fit the joints more tightly. In the second case, there is an edge on the bar, which gives the product completeness and aesthetic appearance. A decorative film on the end of the plank in case of uneven joints levels the defect and preserves their presentability.

large opening Source www.taraestatespvtltd.com

The shape of the platbands is different. They are flat, rounded or any other shape. If the planks are made of natural wood, then they can be decorated with carved or applied decor. Platbands are installed using special glue, nails or self-tapping screws. Installation of telescopic architraves is carried out with the help of a lock fixed on the surface of the bar.

Finishing a doorway without a door Source 1eposplus.ru/photo

If the casing is made of plastic, then it can be used in rooms with high humidity and where frequent wet cleaning is required - in the hallway, in the kitchen, in the children's room. One of the advantages of using plastic platbands is that inside their structure it is possible to lay hidden wiring - cables from the telephone, the Internet, cable TV. PVC platbands are equipped with a special cable channel, which makes the process of laying wires easier.

Portal cladding rules Source www.davidlane.com

Plastic architraves do not necessarily look simple and boring, some models imitate the texture of wood or look like stucco decoration. At the same time, all the positive properties of plastic are retained.

Decorative cashing has a different width and thickness. Outwardly, they are flat, rounded and figured. You can buy them ready-made in many hardware stores. The exception is carved elements, which are made in a single form to order, and therefore are much more expensive.

wooden frame Source ceilingworld.com.my

Platbands made of natural wood look luxurious, they are practical and versatile. They are chosen because of their unique natural texture and environmental friendliness. Before installation, it is important to treat the parts from all sides with antiseptics and flame retardants.

One of the advantages of wooden cashing is that it can be finished in various ways - painted, varnished, oiled, waxed, stained, brushed.

With MDF panels

You can decorate the portal beautifully and inexpensively using MDF panels. From the outside, you will need to use platbands. The only thing that needs to be considered is the vulnerability of the material to moisture. Under such conditions, the plates swell and deform. Therefore, it is better not to use MDF for finishing the passage between the kitchen and the living room or the kitchen and the dining room. An exception may be rooms with a well-functioning forced draft.

simple wood finish Source happy-room.com.ua

To cover the portal with MDF tiles, you will need to build a wooden rack frame. Then the panels are cut into fragments of the required length and width and fixed with special metal clips. The fastening of the slats with each other is carried out using a tongue-and-groove lock connection.

Wood design option Source airgpm.com

If the panels are not equipped with a groove and tongue, then they are fixed using a special adhesive solution using a frameless method. In this case, the base must be perfectly flat. To mask the joints, a decorative strip is used, and cashing is installed along the edges.

Using polyurethane stucco

Polyurethane stucco has replaced gypsum - heavy and fragile. With its help, the openings are finished in interiors decorated in a Venetian or other classical style with a sufficient area and height of the room. Such stucco molding is distinguished by high strength, low weight and the possibility of staining in other colors than white.

Framing the doorway Source kakpostroit.su

The surface for fixing polyurethane stucco moldings must be clean, even and durable. To do this, it is pre-leveled and primed. For mounting parts use a special glue. When the parts dry, the joints between them are treated with putty and sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. Stucco molding can be left snow-white or gilded and patina can be applied to it.

Decorative plaster molding Source www.doverie-omsk.ru

The advantages of polyurethane cladding include the following:

• Insignificant weight, which allows you to mount such a decor on weak bases, such as drywall.
• The possibility of adjusting the shape of the product due to its plasticity - polyurethane can be cut and sanded.
• The material is not afraid of exposure to moisture and temperature changes, so it can be used in the kitchen.
• Polyurethane has a long service life, the decor does not crack or crumble.
• The range of decorative elements is diverse and is represented by false columns, moldings, pilasters, rosettes and other elements.
• The stucco molding is easily mounted with the help of an adhesive composition, so all the work can be done independently.

How to use an unnecessary opening

Sometimes, as a result of redevelopment, an unnecessary opening is formed in the room. The easiest way to hide it is to force it with furniture or sew it up with drywall. If the style of the interior allows, then you can hang a large panel or carpet, perform decorative drapery.

Functional niches in the wall Source divalmebel.ru/

However, there are more functional solutions. You can sew drywall on one side, then you get a niche. You can use it for different purposes:

• As a rack, install shelves inside - wooden for books or glass for dishes and souvenirs.
• As a decorative space for a painting, statue, decorative fountain or other art object.
• As a boudoir, just hang a mirror and a console shelf for cosmetics.
• In the nursery, you can organize a rack for storing toys and books, and in the kitchen - dishes.
• If the opening is large, then you can install the head of the bed in it - this will save free space.

In a niche, depending on its size, they also organize a storage area, install a desktop or have a mini-pantry. Another option is a light panel.

opening masking Source vnegoroda.com

Conclusion

Therefore, if you apply imagination and ingenuity, then a doorway without a door can even look much more interesting than with a door block. When choosing a finishing method, it is worth considering the dimensions of the portal and the room, its height, purpose, design style and color scheme. It is also worth preparing the base with high quality - it is better to level it with drywall.

Sections of the article:

A doorway without a door allows you to visually expand the space, adjust its visual susceptibility, combine several rooms into a single zone, give the interior lightness, freedom with conventionally defined boundaries. To make such an opening look complete, it will require finishing with various materials. How to arrange an open doorway - read our article with photo examples.

Advantages

Doorways without a door have the following advantages:

• Saving space due to the lack of free space along the path of opening the door leaf. For normal operation of a swing door, a minimum of 1 m2 of area is required, which should be left free, without cluttering up with furniture and other interior items;
• More light, especially for adjacent rooms, one of which does not have a window or is equipped with a small window. An open doorway will allow natural light to enter the dark room;
• Air circulation, relevant for small rooms with insufficient ventilation, for example, due to the lack of a window;
• Unification of space due to two rooms, decorated in the same style, between which a conditional distinction will appear in the form of an open opening;
• Visual expansion of space by attaching small rooms to the main one, for example, a balcony or loggia to a room;
• Zoning. A similar effect is used when dividing one large room into two smaller ones, while maintaining the freedom and lightness of space due to the open door portal;
• Ease of maintenance, since regular wiping of the doors, glasses inside them, lubrication of constipation and hinges is not required;
• In addition, a stylishly designed doorway without a door allows you to give the room an original and unique look due to the shape, texture or shade.

Varieties

Open door portals can have a classic rectangular shape, differing little from the usual door structure, or they can be made in the form of arches of various shapes and sizes.

The shape of the arched opening can be:

• Roman (romantic) with a vault in the form of a half circle, equal in diameter to the width of the opening;
• Turkish is characterized by the oriental design of the vault in the form of a dome;
• The British is considered a smaller version of the Roman archway, since the vault is made in the form of a truncated circle;
• Ellipsoidal is considered a more elongated analogue of a romantic archway;
• The Slavic opening is distinguished by smooth rounded corners of the classic rectangular passage;
• Gothic is distinguished by the lancet form of the vault, the upper edges of which stretch to a single point;
• The Thai opening has the shape of an arch cut in half, one of the halves of which was replaced by a wall;
• The transom has a deaf vault, decorated with stained glass, embossed, frosted, mirror glass or other light-transmitting material.

There are also arched openings of unusual patterned shapes and completely round portals.

Design options

A doorway without a door will not have a complete appearance without decoration with various finishing materials. Finishing can be done with plastic panels, MDF, chipboard, natural veneer, laminate, drywall, clinker or mosaic tiles, natural wood, eurolining, wallpaper, brick, stucco, plaster, natural and artificial stone. In addition, ready-made arches and platbands for opening openings are on sale.

PVC panels

To the question: “how to finish the doorway?” plastic panels come to mind first. Affordable cost, a variety of textures and colors, as well as the flexibility of the material allows you to design an opening of any shape. Simple and easy installation can be done independently without the involvement of specialists. Ready-made kits for arched openings without a plastic door are on sale. The set consists of 4 long architraves intended for mounting on the vertical parts of the opening, between which 2 additional strips are inserted, and 2 short horizontal architraves and 1 additional strip for decorating the upper part of the opening.

Open arched openings, decorated with plastic panels, harmoniously fit into any interior. For example, a plastic imitation of metal or stone will perfectly fit into modern high-tech or techno styles, and panels in a small flower on a pastel tone are a stylish addition to Provence.

MDF panels

The most popular is the decoration of a doorway without a door with MDF panels. Lightweight, flexible enough panels are very easy to install with your own hands. Imitation of natural wood allows you to stylishly and inexpensively design a portal that will require a minimum of care in the future. It is not recommended to use such a finish in rooms with high humidity, as the panels are deformed by gaining moisture.

Plaster

High-quality, durable finishing of interior openings made of plaster is distinguished by visual depth and tangible texture. The level of porosity and shade allow the plasterer to imitate natural stone, marble, textiles (silk, velvet, etc.). The structure of the material, combined with certain skills and a specialized tool, allows you to create various patterns and effects on the surface of the portal without doors.

Plaster is a versatile finishing material that will perfectly fit into any interior. Depending on the color and texture, a plastered opening can be either a harmonious continuation of the interior or a bright accent inside it.

Wallpaper

An analogue of plaster is the finishing of interior openings with liquid wallpaper, which is also applied to the surface with a spatula and is suitable for creating various patterns. Liquid wallpaper differs from plaster in a softer texture and visual lightness. For fans of interior design with wallpaper, finishing an opening without doors with vinyl or non-woven wallpaper is suitable, which can be either a continuation of the wall or a bright boundary of the entrance to the room. The photo below shows the options for decorating door portals with wallpaper.

Decorative rock

Natural stone creates a luxurious, cozy atmosphere in rooms designed in loft, minimalism, ethnic, country, chalet, Mediterranean styles. To design an open opening with such material, a certain skill and experience is required, with the help of which the possibility of installing a fairly heavy material is assessed. Therefore, it is recommended to invite a specialist who will not only assess the risks and the possibility of such a finish, but also not spoil the expensive material.

A budget replacement for natural stone is artificial. The light weight of the bricks allows you to independently arrange the doorway even on plasterboard walls. How to finish the opening between the rooms with a decorative stone, you can see in the video below. It also shows how to give artificial stone a natural look by applying acrylic lacquer, which also protects the finish of the opening without a door from getting into the pores of small particles of dust and dirt.

Clinker tiles

Clinker is a ceramic tile of an elongated rectangular shape, which is laid out in a "run-up" like brickwork. The protruding edges of the tiles in every second row when making a doorway are not cut off, creating the effect of a torn edge. Clinker is made not only in the form of horizontal tiles, but also in the form of corner elements that allow you to draw corners without preparatory work for cutting and fitting. The palette of shades allows you to choose tiles for almost any interior.

stucco work

Stucco designs are commonly used in Empire, Classical and Antique styles. Openings without doors, decorated with columns on the sides and pilasters, visually stretch the room, which is especially true for rooms with medium or low ceilings. Such a stylistic decision is not recommended in small rooms, since the relief and many small elements will simply “eat up” the free space. What should be the stucco decoration of the door portal can be seen in the photo examples below.

When choosing a material, it is recommended to pay attention to polyurethane stucco molding, since, unlike gypsum, it is lighter, more flexible and durable. Such stucco molding is not afraid of blows, possible during falling and transportation, does not require special skills during assembly.

Textile

Budget decoration of openings between rooms in a short time can be made of textiles. Curtains can be made of thin, weightless fabric for small spaces or in the form of thick curtains, harmoniously combined in classic interiors. For rooms without a door with low ceilings, filament curtains are the best option, which will create the illusion of a higher space. Textiles can either freely fall in folds, or be fixed from one or two sides with ribbons, fabric cuts, chains or twine.

The main advantage of this design is the ability to remove textiles at any time for replacement with another option or washing.

When planning a room, many are wondering how to decorate a doorway beautifully? Increasingly popular is the stylish and practical design of the passageway without a door, built into a storage area that occupies the entire wall area from floor to ceiling. Depending on the preferences of the owners, the storage area is designed as a large shelf for books, figurines, photographs and other pleasant things. In the bedroom, a wall with shelves can replace a full-fledged wardrobe for clothes.

A small doorway, for example, between the dining room and kitchen, living room and loggia, is interestingly complemented by windows on the sides, through which sunlight additionally penetrates, giving the room lightness and weightlessness. Side windows are replaced with built-in illuminated niches, shelves, narrow cabinets, decorative elements made of metal or plastic, on which photo frames, paintings, climbing plants are attached.

For lovers of nature and natural styles, an interesting design solution would be a lively green frame or a moss wall around an open portal. The built-in drip irrigation and fertilizer system gives the owners of such decoration the opportunity to admire natural greenery for many years without any effort.

Dimensions of open doorways

The style of the interior depends not only on the materials for finishing the open doorway, but also on its shape and size. So, for example, a wide opening, almost the entire length of the wall, unites two rooms, creating the illusion of a free, bright and airy space. At the same time, depending on the design of the opening, the combined space may look solid or have a conditional distinction.

A rectangular opening up to the ceiling allows you to visually raise the low ceiling, stretching the room. In addition, such a height of the opening draws attention to itself and sets a certain reference point for the interior.

A semicircular or domed archway softens the space, setting it up for relaxation and comfort. The Roman arch looks great both in the opening of the wall of small thickness, and as a small vestibule or corridor with a ceiling that continues the contours of the passage. The semicircular shape of the arch of the opening without a door is considered the most popular among the owners of apartments and houses.

Thai arched opening, consisting of a right angle on one side and a circle on the other, allows you to create a unique interior. The large hall is interestingly played up with the arrangement of two Thai openings, located at right angles to each other and separated by a small wall. This design looks like a large semicircle, divided in half.

The original, unique interior is created with the help of a figured open opening. Volumetric patterns and curls in the form of a frozen wave, asymmetry, contrasting finishing materials and the addition of a portal with lighting, shelves, niches or columns will become a stylish accent and a guide for the entire interior.

When ennobling the opening of the entrance or interior door, the peculiarity of its design is taken into account. The presence or absence of a sash affects the choice of material. There are many options for finishing the doorway, but when implementing a design idea, one must take into account the harmonious combination with the interior of the entire room.

To choose the right solution for a doorway, first consider its shape. The front door is traditionally associated with a rectangle. Interior rooms in the absence of a sash are given curly configurations.

Classic

Classic style technology allows you to ennoble the passage between rooms without affecting its shape. A traditional rectangle, with or without a sash, is lined with platbands. For finishing wide slopes, extensions are used. As platbands, you can glue a decorative corner. The stained-glass windows above the doorway, made of multi-colored glass inserts, look beautiful.

Arch

The arched shape is considered the most popular way to decorate an opening without a sash. Its advantage lies in smoothing sharp corners. Smooth transitions of the upper part of the door structure allow you to beat the imagination. In low rooms, the arch visually makes the ceiling higher, and in high rooms - lower. The effect is achieved due to the size of the structure. The more the arch expands, the lower the ceiling appears.

The wood frame of the arched doorway between the rooms looks rich. In the budget option, you can use plastic or MDF. Arches usually separate the hall from the kitchen or hallway, and are also used when combining an insulated loggia with a living room.

Trapeze

Not a very popular form for decorating a passage in a partition, especially in a small apartment. Sharp corners will make the room uncomfortable. The trapezoid is suitable for a wide doorway in a large apartment, and the best cladding option is materials of light and warm shades. In a house with low ceilings, it is undesirable to make a narrow upper part of the trapezoid. A small jumper will visually lower the ceiling, reduce the room and give the interior a heavy look.

Asymmetrical shape

To achieve a modern interior, room design is often associated with the idea of ​​arranging an asymmetric opening on the interior partition. Hardware stores offer ready-made kits. When implementing your idea, a bizarre shape is created with a galvanized profile, and sheathed with drywall on top.

Asymmetric configuration involves the formation of smooth transitions in different parts of the structure. Avoid sharp corners. Finishing is usually done by painting or wallpapering.

Curtain decoration

Free passage between rooms without a sash is decorated with a screen or curtains. This is the most affordable way to decorate. Curtains made of fabric look cozy. Filament curtains create an unusual interior. In the "eco" style, the room is decorated with bamboo curtains.

Materials for finishing the doorway

Plaster

Stucco, which is gradually losing popularity, is used as a budget option when you need to arrange a doorway for painting or wallpapering. The disadvantage of the method is the complexity of the work and a large amount of dirt. If the technology is violated, the formation of cracks and even shedding is possible. In stores, plaster is sold in the form of a mixture. The composition is different. The method of preparation and application to the wall depends on the type of plaster.

In general terms, finishing work consists of the following steps:

• Mix the solution in the container. The amount of one batch is calculated for half an hour of work.
• The solution is thrown onto the surface of the wall, distributing it with a rule and a spatula.

• When applying a thick layer of plaster, beacons are used. Guides will help to perfectly level the surface.
• So that a thick layer of plaster does not crack, after applying 1 cm of mortar thickness, a reinforcing mesh is laid.

Decorative plaster can be painted. If this is a rough finish, then the surface is covered with textured putty.

Drywall

Finish the doorway with drywall in two cases:

• when changing dimensions or shape;
• if you just need to sheathe the opening instead of plaster for subsequent finishing.

To create figured openings, a galvanized profile is used. First, a metal structure of the required shape is assembled, and then it is sheathed with plasterboard.

Drywall can be used to correct large irregularities without changing the shape of the opening. The slopes are sewn up with sheets, and the corners are aligned with a profile.

After installation, the GKL surface is primed. Seams, protruding caps of the self-tapping screw and other defects are sealed with glue with a sickle lining. After the surface has dried, a layer of starting putty is applied. If it is intended not to wallpaper the opening, but to paint, another layer of finishing putty is applied. After drying, the surface is rubbed with a sanding net.

MDF panels

The advantage of finishing the MDF doorway is that there is no need to additionally prepare the surface by applying plaster or plasterboard sheathing. A wide selection of colors allows you to choose the material even under the old metal door. When the door slope is sheathed with MDF panels, the total thickness of the cladding is taken into account. It should not interfere with the opening of the sash.

Installation is carried out on the frame. The structure is assembled from a metal profile or wooden slats. Attached to the wall with dowels and screws. Sheathing starts from the top crossbar, then goes to the side slopes. The joints at the corners are sealed with a decorative strip matched to the color of the panels.

Plastic

Finishing the door slope with PVC plastic panels is similar to MDF sheathing. However, the disadvantage of the material is its brittleness. The sheathed frame creates cells with voids between the slats. Near the door, someone will definitely press the slope with their hand and the lining will break through.

PVC panels are best glued with liquid nails. The color is selected with imitation of natural materials, most often wood. Nice classic white. Glue the panels on a perfectly flat surface, pre-finished with plaster or drywall. Before installation, the back of the plastic is rubbed with sandpaper. The roughness will provide better adhesion to the adhesive. The joints at the inner and outer corners are hidden by corners.

Laminate

To beautifully finish the door slope with a laminate with your own hands, you need to choose the right material. The color of the panels is selected so that it matches the shades of the doors, flooring and even the baseboard. The slope, which stands out in contrasting colors, looks tasteless.

Fix the laminate in three ways:

1. On a perfectly flat surface, the panels are glued with liquid nails. The process is identical to the installation of plastic. Slopes are first plastered or sheathed with plasterboard. Laminate begin to glue on the top crossbar, then go to the sides.
2. Mounting on the frame allows you to lay thermal insulation in the cells. Simultaneously with the finishing, the opening is insulated.
3. Gluing with mounting foam is similar to using liquid nails. The difference is that there is no need for a perfectly flat base. The foam itself will even out the flaws when it swells.

Facing made of high-quality laminate will last up to 20 years.

Decorative rock

In modern apartments, it is fashionable to finish the doorway with a decorative stone that does not differ in appearance from natural material. Facing is best done with small elements with a weak relief. The design of doorways with a decorative stone with a deep texture inside the room creates the effect of a bulky structure.

A variety of materials allows you to embody bold design ideas. On the entrance door slope, imitation of brickwork looks good. Fans of the classics are offered elements with the texture of clinker tiles. To finish the corners of doorways, there are special corner plates that eliminate the need to cut stone.

To get a beautiful door slope, you need a flat surface. Elements are glued with liquid nails. The formed seams are covered with grout.

Polyurethane

The elements used to frame the doorway made of polyurethane have completely replaced the gypsum moldings. Lightweight and durable material sticks well, does not break when dropped, and is resistant to moisture. The resulting seams are covered with putty, and after they dry, they are rubbed with sandpaper. Polyurethane stucco is suitable for rooms with high ceilings.

Dobory

To finish the doorway with extensions, they buy a kit. It consists of wooden or MDF planks. When assembled, a product is obtained that hides the slopes protruding beyond the door frame. The end result is a complete structure.

There are three types of extensions on the door slope:

• simple;
• with an edge at the end;
• telescopic.

The first option is a plank with a raw edge. Tape-edged extensions allow you to hide the uneven edge in case of installation flaws. Telescopic boards are equipped with mounting grooves.

Tile

Finishing the door slope with tiles is justified if the material is in harmony with the design of the walls. The option is optimal for a bathroom or kitchen. Tiles are produced in various shapes, which allows you to veneer not only rectangular areas, but also arches. For laying ceramic tiles, you need a flat, solid surface. Installation takes place on the adhesive composition. The joints are covered with decorative grout.

Gypsum

Making a doorway with gypsum stucco is rare. The material is quite brittle and heavy. In case of poor fastening, the falling element will break, and can also injure a person. To get a beautiful design of the doorway, there should be a lot of gypsum, and one style should be observed. This can only be achieved in a large spacious room with high ceilings.

Wallpaper

The easiest and oldest way is to glue the wallpaper on the slope. Moreover, the door leaf itself is often subjected to pasting. Wallpapers are selected high-quality, resistant to abrasion and dampness. If you are finishing with photo wallpaper, the opening can be designed in the form of a living corner. To hide the doors from view, the slopes and canvases are pasted over with the wallpaper that was used for the walls. For contrasting highlighting, the sash is partially pasted over with patterns. Geometric shapes or pattern fragments are acceptable.

Doors and objects adjacent to them are considered the hallmark of the house. It is not worth saving on the design of this site, because it first of all catches the eye of guests.

A beautifully designed doorway always looks neater and gives the whole room a finished look. It's hard not to notice how much it changes when it is framed. And the point is not only that they hide all the nuances of the installation process, but also that the opening becomes more pronounced and noticeable. Very often, designers specifically pay great attention to such a finish. As a result, they get a unique and often unique element of decor in their execution. Increasingly, you can also find openings in which there are no door leaves. Sometimes this is also a deliberate move by designers, and sometimes it's just a necessity. Today we are going to look at the questions design of a doorway without a door. Consider when it is appropriate to leave the openings open, and what disadvantages and advantages such a solution entails.

1. Open opening - a design move or a necessity?

Open-type doorways can increasingly be found in the interiors of modern apartments. Sometimes this is really a design technique, which is designed to bring originality to the overall atmosphere. But more often than not, this is a very sure move in visual terms. expansion of space and save space. At the same time, no one says that such an opening cannot look interesting and unusual. Standard swing doors take up a lot of space, especially if they open inward. Depending on the width of the opening, the door can “eat up” up to 1 square meter of the total area. Instantly appear restrictions on the placement of furniture or decorative elements and a host of other inconveniences.

Sometimes sliding structures are used instead, which are undoubtedly much more compact. However, they do not always look aesthetically pleasing. If the door guides are not enclosed between the walls, they must be mounted on one of them. Thus, the appearance of the wall in one of the rooms may look spoiled. Therefore, in some cases, it would be appropriate to decide on the dismantling of interior doors. At the same time, the line between two adjacent rooms is automatically erased and a single space is formed.

Sometimes it really appropriate, for example:

• In case of increasing the size of the room by attaching a balcony or loggia to it. In any case, such actions are accompanied by the dismantling of the balcony block, otherwise the whole plan will not be realized;
• If you plan to combine the living room and hallway. The organization of an open-type portal in this case will blur the line between two rooms that are completely different in purpose, but at the same time maintain a conditional separation. A small living room at the same time will seem much more spacious;
• If you have organized in the bedroom, while sacrificing the size of the bedroom, it is better not to use blank door panels. Leave the opening without doors, and we will teach you how to beat it beautifully.

Many people use a similar technique when joining the living room to the kitchen. Most often, the opening is performed in the form of various shapes. Undoubtedly, this is the most aesthetic way of combining. But do not forget that if you use the kitchen for its intended purpose and are actively preparing food, then all the smells that accompany this process will instantly spread throughout the apartment.

Also not quite right the solution would be to dismantle the door panels in the children's room, bedroom or office. All these rooms require separate space. Of course, the exception may be the case when you live alone and, in principle, there is no one to retire from. In all other cases, doorways without doors can expand the space. Therefore, they are especially common in small apartments.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of doors without doors

After we figured out when it is advisable and when not to use free doorways, it's time to talk about the clear advantages and disadvantages of this technique. Let's start with disadvantages:

• When dismantling door frames there is no clear distinction between where one functional area begins and another ends. Using the example of combining a kitchen with a living room in a similar way, we realized that this is not always appropriate. Of course, there are exceptions. For example, when you visit the kitchen in the morning to make yourself a coffee or in the evening to have a light snack. However, this same blurred border effect can be an advantage in other cases;
• If we take into account that the lack of secluded spaces for a person who lives on his own is not critical, then all the same there are rooms in the apartment where doors are simply necessary. For example, in bathrooms. This lack of open openings is not critical, however, it takes place.

Now let's talk about benefits portal organizations:

3. The choice of the shape of the opening, depending on the style of the interior

Before you choose how to design a doorway, you should also think about its shape. Of course, you can leave everything unchanged. And rectangular open portals look very impressive. And you can try pick up the shape opening, focusing on interior in the room. After all, the opening should harmoniously fit into the overall picture and emphasize its features. Consider the most suitable forms for different styles:

• Chic destinations such as rococo or renaissance imply a predominance of symmetrical, regular lines. This simplicity is compensated by a large abundance of decorative elements. It can be complex carvings, various stucco moldings with gilding, or complex arched bas-reliefs;
• Discreet and noble classic style best complement the arched type openings. In this case, the arches are preferably oval, three-center or semicircular in shape. Of course, the classic is not complete without such material as wood, which can be decorated with decorative carvings or milling;
  
• Eastern directions arched openings are also preferred, but their shape may be more varied. They can be lancet or keeled, in the form of a heart or a circle. In general, in this case, you can give free rein to your imagination and focus on the shapes and silhouettes of pieces of furniture;
• romantic destinations do not overload with complex bends. All elements in them should remain light and airy, smooth and graceful. Semicircular sloping openings without sharp transitions are ideal. At the same time, you should not abuse the amount of finishing materials and choose their rough and heavy options;
• Modern and concise styles, such as, or techno, recognize only strict regular geometric shapes. There can be no talk of any ovals. Strict symmetry must also be present. Therefore, in this case, it is better to leave the shape of the opening unchanged and only carefully align all the corners and edges;
• Such interesting and extraordinary directions as or pop art must have in the interior an object of a very unusual shape. Usually this is a small piece of furniture, for example, an armchair, chair or. But why not show your imagination and create a winding, asymmetric opening? It is this decision that will best complement and emphasize the stylistic affiliation of the room.
  

Choosing the most suitable form, you should lean not only to the above recommendations, but also to ceiling height in room. Otherwise, you run the risk of once again drawing attention to the existing shortcoming.

When choosing this type of finish, remember that natural wood requires careful maintenance. And the rest, it all depends on your financial capabilities and imagination. The color of wooden openings should be coordinated with the color of the floor or skirting boards. You can also rely on the color of furniture.

The style also plays a role. After all, not all modern trends welcome the use of such "warm" materials. For example, or minimalism is more preferred by plastic or metal.

12. Decorative finish with natural or artificial stone

When choosing a finish with natural stone, it is necessary take account of his the weight and select an adhesive mixture specifically for such material. In addition, the installation is further complicated by the fact that the fragments can slide under their own weight, so either it is necessary to lay them using the same technology as using a piece of a metal profile and wedges, or hold each pebble for several minutes until the glue grabs.

Also, some experts argue that laying should start right from the floor, but this is not always appropriate. For example, if you want to use skirting boards, it's better to leave room for them than to mount them on top of rocks. Natural stone is expensive material. Therefore, very often preference is given to an artificial substitute. Its appearance at a sufficiently high level imitates the natural texture. It is lighter and more affordable, easier to install and cut. And to further facilitate the process, they came up with ready-made corner elements.

Doorways lined with stone look very cozy. However, you should not choose a similar finish for deep and narrow openings. It may turn out that the opening will resemble the entrance to a cave, which is far from appropriate in all interiors.

13. Arch instead of the usual "rectangle"

Arched openings have become popular for a very long time and are still actively used by many designers. Doorways of a similar shape are very good decision for use in small spaces. They help to visually make the space more spacious. And the right proportions of the width and height of the arch can “raise” a low ceiling. Arches can be both standard forms and the most unpredictable.

Very often, such an element is a key element in the interior, and all the decoration depends on it. You can purchase ready-made arched portals from a variety of materials, or you can do arch on one's own. Often, the frame of the desired shape is mounted from metal profiles and sheathed with drywall. Instead of profiles, wooden planks of sufficient thickness can be used. A layer of plaster is applied on top of it, and then a decorative finish is performed. Very often, arches can be found as a connecting element between a loggia room. They may have built-in shelves, lighting, niches for placing decor items or a fragment. It can also be used as a dressing table or a place to place houseplants. Advantage the design of the doorway in the form of an arch lies in the fact that it can fit into almost any style of interior. It is enough just to choose the right shape and finishing material.

And for creation various functional elements. It can be a composition of wall niches, or it can be a homemade rack. The space around the doorways is often empty. If you equip shallow drywall shelves around the perimeter, you can save space, provide enough space for souvenirs, books, family photos. In this case, the need to purchase a wall or cabinet may disappear automatically.

In addition, such structures can frame openings not only of rectangular, but also of semicircular shapes. This solution looks very original and interesting. Subsequent drywall finishing will depend on the style of your room. It will be possible to simply plaster and paint the surface, choosing the color for the wall covering. Separate shelves can supplement colorful backlight. The back walls of the shelves can be pasted over or painted with a distinctive color.

This will give the design originality and make it visually deeper. From drywall, you can build, probably, absolutely any shape of the structure. The main thing to remember is that it should not be loaded with heavy objects. Still, such elements are more decorative in nature.

15. Making a doorway with textiles

Making doorways with the help of textile elements can be called the most romantic of all ways. A translucent tulle that blows in the wind will create a stunning atmosphere, especially if you choose a fabric with a barely visible shiny thread that will shimmer in the sun. It is with the help of curtains that you can create a design that, if necessary, will create a secluded atmosphere. If, nevertheless, you decide to connect the bedroom with the living room or another room, then choose opaque curtains with side pickups to decorate the doorway.

In addition to the usual transparent or opaque fabrics, filament curtains, curtains made of bamboo or beautiful beads are perfect. You can create complex compositions from several types of fabrics with lambrequins and other elements. Such a volumetric design is appropriate only in large rooms and for wide openings. The room in which the door and window openings are decorated identically looks very interesting.

The only thing you should not do is to choose roller or Chinese curtains or vertical fabric roller blinds for decoration. Passing between rooms in this case will be very inconvenient.

An arch of extensions and platbands is one of the ways to design entrance structures. You can cope with the installation yourself without thorough preparation. You only need to choose the details of the block that match the color and style of the interior. It is also better to prepare the necessary equipment and materials for work in advance.

Doborki are special wooden, plastic or metal strips used to mask door slopes. Installation of additional elements is provided in cases where the wall thickness exceeds the width of the box. Extensions are built into areas with a bare wall, extending the box of the input structure.

Important! Platbands hide the ends of the panels, cracks and seams between the wall and the door block. Plates with built-in cable channels are designed for wiring that can be hidden. Such elements are made of plastic and consist of two parts. The first is built into a wall or a box beam, the second acts as a cover, behind which the wires are located.

The color of the decorating parts is selected to match the canvas and the box. It is recommended to purchase all additional parts complete with a box in order to choose the right shade the first time.

Advantages

The main advantages of framing openings with extensions and platbands:

• simple and economical installation technique;
• emphasizes the status of the owner of the premises;
• decorates the interior of any style;
• during installation, liquid solutions are not used, which adversely affect the door block;
• this facing material increases the duration of the service life of the input structure.

What will be needed for finishing?

To finish the doorway, you need to have a small repair kit on hand, consisting of the following tools:

• roulette;
• a hammer;
• construction square;
• masking adhesive tape;
• tape for framing the edges of the strap;
• mounting foam;
• electric saw or jigsaw;
• saw with a miter box;
• fasteners in the form of liquid or ordinary nails and self-tapping screws;
• ready-made or homemade boards.

If the plans are only to close the slopes without replacing the door leaf, the following materials will be useful for the manufacture of extensions:

• wood boards;
• pieces of wood-fiber sheets (MDF);
• several long strips of chipboard;
• plastic items.

When cladding with natural wood species, it is recommended to pre-treat the surface with a special impregnation. The antiseptic composition retains the properties of the material for many years of operation.

Attention! According to external characteristics, resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations, wood or MDF panels are more suitable for finishing external entrance openings. Indoor use of chipboards is allowed.

When installing plastic inserts, it is better to use panels with a metal base.

Finishing the opening with extensions

Camouflage elements are easier to mount in grooves. To do this, at the stage of buying a box, you need to pay attention to the presence of ready-made holes into which an additional bar is pushed.

In the absence of grooves, more scrupulous work or qualified assistance will be required. In such cases, the boards are fastened closely to the nearest millimeter. The slats are adjusted to one another and are built in as carefully as possible.

into the groove

The arch from the extensions is mounted in several stages. Installation of inserts is carried out after fixing the box in the wall.

Step-by-step description of installation work:

1. Careful measurement of the distance from the box to the edge of the opening.
2. The width of the additional element is determined as the sum of measurements of the width of the slope and the depth of the groove.
3. Additional strips are specially bought in slightly larger sizes in order to adjust the width of the element to the desired dimensions during the installation process.
4. Planks are built into the grooves.
5. When assembling telescopic elements, the structure is fixed with liquid nails or adhesive. The parts are connected by deepening the spikes into the grooves.
6. The horizontal bar is attached to the side bars at a right angle, forming a U-shaped structure. For precision work, use adhesive tape to fix parts.
7. Before filling the gaps with foam, temporary spacers are installed between the planks to prevent the extensions from being squeezed into the passage.
8. Excess foam is removed after complete drying.

Important: each slope is measured separately in at least four places.

Without groove

The portal from the extensions in the absence of slotted holes is performed in the following order:

1. Correction of planks according to measurements.
2. The edges must be finished with edging tape. The side with glue is placed on the edge of the plank and ironed.
3. At the ends of the elements, nails are driven in half the length with the same distance between them. Hats need to be bitten off, forming sharp ends. If you plan to strengthen the block with glue, three fasteners on the side rails and a central one for the top are enough.
4. Install the horizontal extensions first, then the vertical ones. After driving in the elements, it is necessary to make sure that there are no gaps in the resulting structure.
5. The gaps in the opening are eliminated with foam.

Finishing the opening with platbands

The fastening of the platbands can be started after the foam has dried between the box and the wall.

To calculate the length of the side trim, you need to add the measurements of the width of the top to the height of the box. The upper parts are sawn with a joiner's miter box (45 degree angle). From below and in the middle, the platbands are fixed with nails.

The edges of the vertical board are also formed at an angle for the joint. To do this, it is necessary to attach the casing to the place of attachment and apply markings for sawing. Further, all the platbands are joined, fixed with nails, followed by the removal of hats in order to hide the fasteners as much as possible.

In the case of using self-tapping screws, you will need to pre-drill the recesses for the hats. Twisted screws are hidden under plastic plugs.

Installation of telescopic parts is carried out using a comb built into the grooves on the extension. To strengthen the joints between the parts of the block, glue is applied. The lower part of the architraves rests on the floor, joins the plinth on the side.

In most cases, you can install the arch from the extensions and platbands with your own hands. If structural elements are purchased separately, some points should be considered:

1. Before starting installation work, it is recommended to level the wall.
2. Do not save on the purchase of edge tape. On the processed edges, installation errors will not be noticeable.
3. Edged ends protect the material from deformation in rooms with a high level of humidity.
4. Parts of the telescopic type are best purchased ready-made. For self-manufacturing will require special tools.
5. Aluminum platbands are fastened with self-tapping screws.
6. In the presence of a metal door, all elements are fastened by welding.
7. A layer of insulation can be placed in the gaps between homemade additional boards and the wall. Such a layer improves thermal insulation properties, prevents the penetration of extraneous sounds.
8. It is possible to achieve sealing of slopes with the help of silicone inserts in the grooves of the box beam.
9. In metal structures, gypsum boards are used for mounting the finishing.

Important: the thickness of the additional boards should not exceed the width of the grooves of the box.

Finishing doorways with extensions and platbands completes the framing of the opening for both entrance and interior doors. Additional elements give a finished look to the entire door structure.