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Revitalise Your Living Space: Tips for Refreshing your Home This Year

Exploring the World of Bespoke Doors: A Recent Business Trip to New York

As a bespoke door manufacturer, expanding our client base is always a top priority. We recently took a business trip to New York to meet with current clients, new potential clients and showcase our high-quality doors. We stayed in the heart of Manhattan which was an excellent way to immerse ourselves in the local culture and experience all that the city has to offer. Being close to our clients was essential as we could easily travel to their projects as well […]

Front door design: styling an exquisite entranceway

Your front entrance is an important aspect of your home, as it is the first aspect people come across making first impressions count. The home entryway shows your personal style therefore choosing the right front door is essential. Style: Complementing the style of the exterior of the house can be challenging but adding a classic look with a personal touch will ensure it is an eye catching curb appeal for any house. Our front doors have the beauty of being […]

Luxury Doors and Homes go hand-in-hand

As homeowners, first impressions count. Whether this is your own impression or guests, it is important guests feel welcomed but also astounded by the entrance. Once you have entered the property, your home should take you on a journey through the internal doors of the house too. Your front door will say a lot about you, for example if your front door shows elegance and style, people would expect to walk into a very clean, peaceful and tidy home. You […]

3 Luxury Interior Door Ideas that make a Statement

Pivot Door Pivot doors are the ultimate show stopping entrance for any home. In comparison to a standard door, a pivot door is not on hinges and it opens on two contact points at the bottom and top of the door, creating the dramatic effect when opened. When the door swings open, it creates the opening you walk through but also a smaller gap on the hinge side for a modern look but also allows lots of natural light to […]

Add Luxury to your Home with a Luxury Door

Doors are an essential part of any home and are often forgotten about by homeowners. Doors separate space, allow natural light to flow through a home, add character and much more. Adding high end materials into your home will make a huge improvement to the entire look and luxury effect to your home. It is necessary to add luxury to the foundations of your home such as the windows and doors for the real sense of indulgence. In everyday life, […]

Bespoke Door Designs

Bespoke luxury has always been the cornerstone of SWD’s story since the company began supplying tastemakers with impeccable design and exemplary craftsmanship 20 years ago. We aspire to be people first, innovative and interior design focused to deliver the finest quality products. At SWD Bespoke, we have a wide range of door styles and designs that you can choose from with bespoke ironmongery and stains to choose from too. As well as having these door designs, we often have clients […]

Door Ironmongery

Top interior design trends for 2022

Top interior design trends for 2022 What interior trends do we like from 2022? With home interiors changing often, over the past few years furniture design and interiors schemes have changed quite a lot. Although interior designers do not tend to follow trends, many designers design a space for the client and will add a twist of their style of the decor. Green Tones: You may have noticed that the colour green has been ‘the’ colour of 2022. Whether it […]

Front door trends that will boost your home’s curb appeal

Front door trends that will boost your home’s curb appeal Boosting your home’s curb appeal by revamping your front door will transform the look of your home’s exterior but also the value. Whether it is traditional homes or modern homes, installing a new exterior door will make a huge impact and give a great first impression, as well as focal point. Recent trends and curb appeal ideas: Glass front doors have become a popular door style as they are a […]

Your guide for choosing the best entrance door

Your guide for choosing the best entrance door Your front door is your home’s kerb appeal. It is the first thing anyone see when they enter your home or walk up to your home. As well as this, it also enters you into your home and closes you away from the world outside. When choosing an entrance door for your home, we have the best solutions and recommendations for you. With so much variety of door styles, glazing options, door […]

Modern internal doors

2022’s favourite modern interior door styles: Classic & Timeless Style: Trendy internal door styles this year have shown to feature stylish and classic wooden doors. Although classic wood is not massively modern, the stain, finish and ironmongery can determine this. Stained oak doors in a modern home can be extremely sleek, where it balances the contemporary style with a classic door look. Many modern properties have been seen with traditional panelled doors with panels and mouldings however with a taupe […]

Most Stylish Door Accessories

When it comes down to door accessories, this does not always have to be door furniture. Even accessories such as door mats, door signs and coat hooks can be part of the accessories if styled well. The most obvious door accessory would be door handles, locks, latches and hinges. Lever handles nowadays, can be extremely stylish and sleek. Whether you are going for a traditional or contemporary door design the perfect finishing touch will always be the handshake of the […]

Internal Door Ideas for 2022

Internal Door Ideas for 2022 Popular door trends in 2022 have not changed dramatically, unlike interior trends this year which have taken some bold turns. You can pretty much have any door design now with any beading style, panel quantity, frames and architraves. Whether you are looking for internal doors or an entrance door to your home you can have many door styles to suit your home and more importantly, suit you. Detailed but traditional doors have been popular for […]

How to choose the best luxury front door

How to choose the best luxury front door Your front door is not only focal point of your home but it sets a scene as soon as you walk in, as well as being a security element to your house. As well as the aesthetics the performance and functionality are just as important. You may want your exterior door be a large feature itself and be the statement to your home, however you might like an understated look that minimal. […]

When is a Door More Than a Door_ When it’s Feng Shui!

When it can effect other areas of your life, many people believe strongly in the power of Feng Shui. Whether it is a front door of a home or the front door of a business this is where the major part of chi enters and therefore the door plays a vital role in determine the quality of feng shui experience by the household. In feng shui, the house gets its Chi, or energy nourishment, through the external door (also called “The Mouth […]

SWD loves Luxury Bespoke Wardrobes

The extravagant luxury bespoke wardrobes may just be the status symbol of our times, proof that you have really and truly made it. A walk-in wardrobe or bespoke in-built wardrobe is a fantastic addition to any luxury bedroom. As with everything else, the more of them we see, the more distinguished we want ours to be. Custom-built wardrobes and dressing rooms allow you to organise your bedroom neatly and efficiently, while maximising the best use of your space. With our own […]

Interesting Facts About Doors

Interesting Fun Facts About Doors From Around The World Things you never new about doors: Archaeologists have discovered what they think to be Europe’s oldest door in Zurich. Using tree-ring dating they estimate that the door is around 5,100 years old. The largest doors in the world are supposedly at the entrance to NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. They measure a whopping 456 ft and take around three quarters of an hour to open or close. A Philadelphian inventor […]

How To Position Interior And Exterior Doors

The correct placement of your interior and exterior doors is vital, as doors that are too narrow, or open the wrong way, will affect the aesthetics of your home, and can completely change the look and feel. The Placement of doors Aesthetics Doors really can add the glam in glamorous when it comes to improving the aesthetic appeal of your home. Its important to understand that positioning not only include where the opening for the door is placed in the wall, […]

High Gloss Front Doors – Your Very Own Downing Street Door With SWD

Most likely the only inspiring moments coming from 10 Downing Street at the moment is their inspiration for high gloss front doors. Number 10 Downing Street is one of the most photographed and broadcast doors in the world. British politics has experienced many changes over the past 300 years, with 76 Prime Ministers overseeing the fortunes of the United Kingdom during this time. While many of these leaders would have had opposing views, one thing they nearly all have in common is […]

Bespoke Luxury Doors

SWD is a leading manufacturer of bespoke internal and external luxury doors. Our team of experts will ensure that you receive doors that not only perfectly match the design and decoration of your home, but also reflect your personality and taste. Once our luxury doors are installed in your home, you’ll find that they’re as practical as they’re beautiful, as we do not sacrifice functionality for design. Here, we’ll be looking at a few of our luxurious door models. […]

Luxury Doors Near Me

SWD Bespoke is a widely-known, family-run door manufacturer with a talented, highly experienced, and dedicated team. It would only take you a few seconds on our website to recognize the quality of our products as they define what elegance and sophistication is. Why You Should Choose SWD There are many reasons why SWD would be the right choice for you when it comes to high-quality luxury doors, here are just a few: 1. Proud History SWD was founded […]

Importance of PAS24 Doors

Importance of PAS24 Doors This year SWD have carried out numerous tests on our PAS24 doors to ensure we have the highest standard of products which are fully certified with high security performance levels. We are proud to say that our doors were able to withstand fire for 43 minutes in a 30-minute test and therefore received an approved document of certification against fire testing. We also carried numerous rigorous tests to see the operation and strength characteristics of our PAS24 […]

Door Finishes

Choosing the right door finishes for your home. Internal Doors: Internal doors create a pathway leading you from room to room, meaning an attractive and durable door is vital. A traditional and classic finish for an internal door is generally a veneer finish, either natural or made made wood but can be stained. A natural wood gives a timeless finish and can come in such a variety of door designs. Veneered doors such as oak or walnut will often be […]

James Bond-esque Modern Mansion

This incredible new build property was constructed by the owner and designed for a futuristic and on trend home buyer. It is almost 12,000 sq ft and has 5 bedrooms spread across 4 floors. With an indoor swimming pool, cinema room, bar and gym, this property is perfect for entertaining and relaxing. As well as all this there is a heated yoga studio, annexe, floating staircases, sun terrace balcony and all bespoke lighting and cabinetry. However, the ultimate showstopper for […]

A luxurious home away from home in Antigua

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Sea lays Antigua. With crystal clear blue seas and sandy beaches to look onto, Villa Papillon is the only place you would want to stay. This newly built property on the South West Coast of Antigua is 8000 sq ft and set across 5 different floors, featuring 6 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, a spacious open plan living area, outside bar, 2 dining areas, an infinity pool with terrace, a […]

Bespoke Walnut Internal Doors

Amongst the most popular types of door are our Walnut internal doors, mainly for their truly traditional and sophisticated appearance. Walnut has many practical and physical properties, and is recognised worldwide as the ‘aristocrat of fine hardwoods’. The grain of walnut wood runs characteristically straight, and many favour this uniform look in their furniture. The straight grain retains that traditional look and feel but with a somewhat ‘neater’ appearance to it. Walnut boasts a variety of colours that range from light […]

Sliding Door Cage Systems – The Advantages

SWD’s fitting teams have installed most of the cage systems that are available on the market. Sliding door cage systems over the last few years have become more and more popular. So what is a cage system? A cage system is a complete kit which includes the top track, the guide pin and the framework for the pocket itself which is boarded over and then plastered. The alternative to a cage system would be just to build 2 walls with a […]

Introducing SWD Bespoke

We’re thrilled to unveil our refreshed brand identity which reflects the evolution of our company since it was established as Solid Wooden Doors in 1999, streamlining all the services we now offer. We have always made it our mission to grow with intention and keep ahead of the market and trends. SWD Bespoke consists of four autonomous brands, each with a focus on enhancing the doors and hardware in projects of any scale. Whilst each brand is individual, the same […]

SWD celebrates the Evening Standards ‘Best Luxury Home’ of 2019

2019 has been an exciting year of growth and continued excellence for SWD, not least for the recognition given to one of our luxury projects in the Evening Standard New Homes Awards. Judged by readers, the awards champion inventive design, hi-tech features and quality finishes. Winner of ‘Best Luxury Home’ was Wellington House in Surrey, introduced as a “French Provincial-inspired mansion” with a “lavish, meticulously crafted interior with Art Deco and midcentury modern flourishes”. The new build residence is set […]

The Advantages of SWD Door Sets

Door sets, what are they exactly? A door set is when along with the door leaf the frames and often the architraves are also supplied. More importantly the frames and the doors are all machined with the hinges and the locks and latches. If you are not familiar with doors being supplied in this way, then you definitely must live in the UK. In mainland Europe and most other countries in the world, this is normally what people are used […]

London Design Week 2018

London Design Week 2018 is comprised of over 100 events, one of which turned the exclusive Chelsea Harbour Design Centre into a buzzing hub for creatives, designers and innovators alike. SWD Bespoke attended the visionary event for the 8th year in a row since opening its doors in the Design Centre in 2010. The event offers a glimpse into the collections and designs of neighbouring showrooms with ample opportunity to meet the designers too. This gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look […]

A Family Business

Tony Cope established SWD Bespoke in 1999 and it has since grown into one of the most reputable bespoke door companies in the UK. This is not only down to the quality and craftsmanship of each product but also to the input and expertise of Tony and his family. Tony and his wife, Beverley, live in Surrey with their three children Olivia, Charlotte and Alex. Over the years all of them have been involved in the growth of SWD. Charlotte […]

Security Just Got Stylish

The new Integra E-key fingerprint scanner is the latest feature for high security doors. Ensure your home is kept safe and secure in the most stylish way possible with the elegant design of an E-key which is processed with the best materials to ensure a perfect finish. At SWD we can install this slim and sleek design to blend perfectly into your desired high security door with a stainless steel mount. The E-key isn’t just nice to look at, it’s […]

12 Questions With Tony Cope CEO of Solid Wooden Doors

Tony Cope owner and driving force behind SWD takes half an hour out of his busy schedule to answer the following questions 1. How did you get into the Door industry? Well, that’s a long story … My interest probably started when I was at school in Windsor and I took woodwork at A level. At the time I wanted to be a furniture designer but there weren’t many jobs going in that field. So, I went to art college […]

Fire Door Safety Week 25th September – 1st October 2017

Fire door safety week, which runs from 25th September – 1st October 2017, aims to raise awareness of the critical role that fire doors play in protecting property and saving lives. Now more than ever, fire door safety should be taken seriously with only three months since the devastating inferno at Grenfell tower which tragically killed at least 80 people. More than one third of fire-related fatalities from April 2015 to March 2016 (where the cause of death was known) […]

Made To Measure Doors – Unusual Door Sizes With SWD Bespoke

Unusual door sizes – Cant find your size? Renovating, self-building, a property developer or an interior designer? You might just find yourself in need of doors of a different or non-standard size. At SWD doors all of our doors are made to order. We are proud to be able to offer faster lead times on all of SWD bespoke doors than other bespoke joiners and European manufacturers. We understand that in today’s homes you’ll find a range of modern home designs […]

Latest SWD Project – Bespoke Internal Doors For Luxurious Modern Developments

A recent project by SWD was supplying three luxurious modern developments in Epping, with each plot using a different bespoke internal door model to showcase and make each home unique. The bespoke internal doors we supplied are all fire rated FD30 with a thickness of 45mm. Fire doors are heavier and more substantial providing enhanced performance with improved sound and thermal insulation. The models used and shown below are 1004, S800 and 850. Bespoke Internal Doors Sophisticated, clean, luxurious finish […]

European Oak Bespoke Front Doors

What is European Oak and why we use it for external doors The ‘genus Quercus’ (Latin for oak tree) with more than two hundred separate species produces the true oaks. Most of these are found in the northern hemisphere, where in temperate regions they may form pure stands, or may be dominant species in mixed woodlands. While in warmer countries they tend to occupy the mountainous areas. Most of the true oaks are trees but some are shrubs. The trees, […]

External Doors with Sidelights – Let the Light In

Allow natural light to stream into your home with our bespoke sidelights. If you are not familiar already with these design elements, sidelights are panels of windows that can be installed to the sides of your external doors where additional light and design flair are desired. They frame your door and should be cohesive with the overall architectural design of the entryway. Sidelights allow for extravagant unique entrances to be created by flooding light into your entrance hall. This is […]

What are Fire Doors and Where Do We Need Them?

The role of a fire door What are Fire Doors and Where Do We Need Them? By SWD Team The role of a fire door FIRE DOORS are used to provide evacuation time between the outbreak of fire and the breakthrough from one room to the next. An open door provides no fire resistance at all: it can create drafts and turn a small fire into a large one surprisingly quickly. Self-closing doors are effective though unpopular, however to meet regulation […]

Introduction to Fire Doors CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

Introduction to Fire Doors CPD (Continuing Professional Development) The below video provides critical knowledge and guidance for specifiers about Fire Doors. These are accredited by the Construction CPD Accreditation Service. Therefore should be put towards your requirement for your professional institute requirements. Why do we need fire doors? Understanding fire doors is a complex subject. Below we explain he importance of fire doors. Fire doors are the most vital elements of a building They are part of a buildings passive […]

Hotel Doors Must Be Multi Skilled in 21st Century!

Hotel doors really do have their work cut out. Not only is it often the first impression you will gain to your hotel room. The hotel doors are often the most noticed parts in a corridor or hallway. So it really has to look the part, strong and stylish, it also needs to be safe and offer you privacy as you enter your hotel room. So apart from looking great, it also needs to perform extra duties, it needs to […]

Veneered Bespoke Doors: The Art Of Making Them

What types of veneered doors do you offer? Veneers come in two main types in our ranges of doors and wardrobes. Natural veneers sourced from trees such as oak and walnut, or manufactured veneered doors, of which Eco Oak and Dark Grey Ash are examples. Whatever type of veneered door you are looking for we will be able to help! NATURAL VENEERS As the examples below illustrate, natural veneers are sliced from logs that are crown cut, which is where […]

High Security External Doors

What makes a Security door ‘high security’ and why would you ever need one? Although all external doors supplied by SolidWoodenDoors are ‘Secure By Design’ as standard, utilising security hinges and quality locks, clients can order additional items to further improve their security. A High Security Door is constructed with a combination of materials and parts not normally found in a standard front door. Typically a metal core and striking bolts that secure the door are added into the frame. It is essential […]

Solid Wood vs Solid Core Internal Doors

Solid Core Doors Historically doors have always been primarily constructed from solid wood. Times have changed, and in recent years many doors are now supplied veneered with various types of composite cores. SWD Bespoke began life selling hardwood doors only. We have since moved away from this method of construction. All of our internal doors are now veneered or MDF facing. There are two main reasons for this: consumer demand and fire regulations. Consumer Demand We have entered an era where many […]

What is Intumescent Material and Why is it Used for Fire Doors?

An intumescent material is one that expands when heated. It is a poor conductor of heat, therefore it is ideal for many fire-proofing applications, including doors. In doors these are special strips that are inserted into rebated grooves in the frame. When the fire causes the strip to expand, it essentially glues the door in position around the edges of the frame to stop it distorting and therefore, preventing the fire getting through the edges. Fire doors don’t work by […]

Leather Panelled Doors

Leather panelled doors are a unique feature that has been proving popular in our clients homes lately, together with our many styles of doors at SWD we offer a huge range of finishes too. Although upon first hearing the term ‘ leather panelled doors ‘ one would instantly assume a classic door, perhaps Georgian with leather in each panel. This would be quite unique, as usually the only doors to make use of this feature are the ones with a […]

The Importance of Fitting Fire Doors Correctly

Fire doors are engineered to withstand fires for a certain period. In the UK, many houses now require fire-rated doors. Usually any door that leads to the hallway (where a fire can spread). The minimum period of time the doors must withstand fires is 30 minutes. This translates to the code ‘FD30’. In some cases, ‘FD60’ may be specified, which would last 60 minutes. Any Fire door with an FD30 rating would be typically 45mm in thickness. Usually these doors would be […]

White Primed Doors That Look Royale In Any Property

Theres a whole host of white primed doors one can choose for a house or development, in fact one of our most popular is the Royale (N311 with SWD) range. Pictured below is the Royale with silver ironmongery: Stylish in its look yet perfectly modern. The Royale is a great choice in a new build, it also looks equally at home in a more traditional property. SWD supplied and fitted these white primed door sets (model N311) into a superb refurbishment […]

Fire Doors and How They Actually Help in Case of a Fire!

As summer moves into full swing and we look forward to the bank holiday it is also one of the hottest times of the year. This means our own home protection against fires is of the utmost importance and fire doors are the most popular protection against them. But what do fire doors do? They slow down the development/inflammation of a fire. They are designed to allow an accessible path to exit a property. By withstanding and holding back a fire and […]

High Doors Give a Grand Property That X Factor!

Check out these 2.4 metre high doors at this prestigious development in Windlesham, Surrey. Ironmongery also supplied by SWD, look how great these high doors look! To find out more about our fabulous range of internal doors, coupled with some excellent images, please click below. https://www.solidwoodendoors.com/products-category/internal-doors/ Or to see a large mix of images at a glance then please visit our stunning portfolio. https://www.swdbespoke.com/portfolio/

Handles with Style from GriffWerk

We’ve some different styles of handles here from GriffWerk. Some are in a matt finish as seen in the picture below and also in a fantastic chrome look as pictured after. Here are some examples of the Avus & Caroler levers on rose range. Two different finishes are shown. GriffWerk was founded in Italy and consequently, brings a classical Italian design with a sleep modern look. To find out about our handles together with more of our ironmongery range please visit our link below : https://www.swdbespoke.com/products-category/ironmongery/

Modern Apartment Doors Show Off Their Class

We’ve fitted out another new development, this time an apartment, using some of our modern doors. Styled in a very modern, classical-contemporary look, the doors have a metal inlay, oak wood effect. To compliment this sleek look, they are coupled with matching ironmongery handles. Call today if you have any comments on this amazing home! To see additional images please visit our online photo album, furthermore you can visit our showroom at Chelsea Harbour at SW10 London. https://www.swdbespoke.com/portfolio/ Let our […]

New Doors for a St Georges Hill development

St Georges Hill, Weybridge is an exclusive estate of houses in Surrey where SWD were privileged to work, our works included the fitting out of some new doors from our range. These darker wood effect sets are featured in the video and images below. They were 2.7m tall on the ground floor to be in proportion to the higher than normal ceilings which stood at over 3.2m in height. The door style was a SWD model R109. With 3 step […]

Gloss Doors – Look How Shiny They Are!

Gloss doors will create a real statement to your property. Our high gloss doors really are something very special. They are SO glossy that they give a mirror like finish – we can cater for most colour choices too. THE PROCESS The process begins by making a door with materials that have no movement, using special glues and caulks to finish the joints. Having a door with no movement is vital for a high gloss finish as any movement will […]

External Doors Fit For Westeros!

When Tourism Ireland ‘revealed’ a new door to advertise the filming of the latest series of Game of Thrones. Such was the furore, it subsequently reminded us of some of the stunning detailed external doors that SWD have! Let us make your home a castle with our external doors which can be complimented with a stylish medieval look. Equally guaranteed to keep dragons and white walkers at bay! http://www.ireland.com/en-us/what-is-available/ireland-on-screen/game-of-thrones/destinations/northern-ireland/county-antrim/articles/doors/. Below is the Chatsworth door which can be ordered from SWD. Although […]

May Gallery Showcase Projects 2017

Grand Homes Some of the showcase projects we’ve been working on fitting out lately have really taken us back in their finish and sophistication, what do you think?!… Above is a grand home project with a dramatic curving staircase. The SWD doors that have been fitted and are seen in their natural wooden effect finish and look great. The above dining reception room also looks great, the doors even match the tables! Find out more about SWD and our mission https://www.swdbespoke.com/about/

Veneered Doors – Timeless Classic Doors

Veneered doors are a finish that are timeless in any property. Often using a lacquer or coating onto the surface. The resulting effect can transform a matt or plain looking grain into something glossy, attractive and appealing. SWD supplied and fitted all the walnut door sets for this large and comprehensive refurbishment project: Located at 44 Sheffield Terrace in Kensington, London. The door sets were mainly standard door sizes in walnut using the SWD model 1006 variant. Walnut was chosen to […]

Glossy Doors Gallery: See How Shiny They Are!

Glossy doors so shiny they look like mirrors! The doors fitted to this apartment in London have transformed this property. These T600SG range doors from SWD are ones that can be fitted anywhere and make a huge impression in this Mayfair development. Coloured in a cherry tone, they also have a very glossy finish, so it emulates something out of a chic hotel. The great thing about glossy doors is the enormous impact it has on the finish of a […]

White High Gloss Doors Stylish Through the Times

Frequently white doors have always been a popular choice, mainly due to the neutral look it maintains. White high gloss doors can be used in almost any type of property as they merit any decor scheme and rarely clash with most light colours. The doors here are panelled with glass windows. Which was chosen for this large development with multiple large rooms. The doors can be supplied to almost any specification though, so can be great for apartments or offices. […]

Modern Doors Installed in High End Development in West London

Modern doors were fitted in this high end apartment project, all fittings were an incredibly high specification. The developers chose the model B610 from the SWD collection and is shown in the images here. This particular door is a wenge stained oak which looks fantastic giving a modern cutting edge look. MATCHING FRAMES, ARCHITRAVES AND SKIRTING! The door sets were made to 2350cm in height with matching frames and architraves, to complete the look, finally matching skirting was also fitted. […]

Sliding Doors A Portfolio Home: The Modern Contemporary in Kensington

This designer property was fitted with new sliding doors in a complete refurbishment of the house. Below is the new corridor with new doors and contemporary lighting fitted. SWD supplied and fitted the doors. Sliding doors creating a doorway beyond words! https://www.solidwoodendoors.com/what-we-do/sliding-doors/ The image below shows the lounge reception area in the Kensington property with its new pine colour doors. INTO THE KITCHEN…. The kitchen is ultra modern and has a real signature style design. The choice of doors give […]

Stained Doors Gallery – Part 2

Stained doors are a continuously popular choice of door style type. The stained door effect is a used widely on developments or properties. Where a more traditional look can be achieved while maintaining a high quality finish. The paneled door pictured first here is a R109 from the SWD range and is actually installed in a house in Ormonde Gate in London. The natural wood effect product which can look discreet yet still premium suits this house perfectly. The stained […]

Stained Door – A Huge Choice of Colours

Today we’re having a look at the Stained Door. Timeless in their use and modern where installed appropriately. Stained doors have long been used to add pattern and individuality to a door. In the past when choice was limited it would often have previously had a flat or matt finish. The first door pictured is probably one of the simplest designs you can find. Yet it is perfect for a room that needs a clear uncluttered look and where the […]

Exclusive Door Handle Designs We Like

I want a stunning door handle! There is lots of choice in relation to door handle choices. However they are normally dull and not exciting. If you want some bling on your door then take a look at these highly desirable ones from Deluxia which particularly stand out. This Kua lever pictured beside oozes with quality and charm and looks great anywhere in a property. The silver finish lends itself well to a property of similar standard decor so is […]

Glazed Doors a Great Fit for all Properties!

Glazed doors are constantly in demand. While sometimes a more traditional glazed door can fit in well with a variety of decor types in a property. Suitable for ultra modern to a classic English style, ensuring that a glazed door can be a safe and reliable choice. Many developers love its neutral look. Versatile with huge choice… Adding to it’s versatility, the wide range of glazed doors available will match any decor style. The door beside above is a great example […]

Door Width and Height: Top Tip

Certain types of door designs – especially classic panelled doors – can look different depending on the size and width – which is really important when taking into account the overall look and finish of a property or building interior. I personally believe that a good proportion for a door is height 2.5-3 times the width. If you come away from these proportions too much and the door is 2:1 or 4:1, the door can look quite unusual! I’ve written […]

Solid Wooden Doors Opens the Way for Britain’s Most Popular House

Britain’s most viewed property is under the spotlight from tabloid newspaper The Sun. The extravagant mansion located in Walton-on-Thames is currently the most viewed property on Zoopla. A property as beautiful as this would naturally have doors supplied by SWD! The house is going for £4,950,000 – the highest any property in the surrounding estate has ever fetched. The beautiful 6 en-suite bedroom home features the striking model N-312 Belgravia door in walnut, which perfectly compliments amazing spiral staircase.

Decorative Doors: Mini Gallery

Whilst some like the look of a plain but high quality door others choose to shout about their property or building using decoration in either door selection. Some prefer to keep their external doors more contemporary but opt for a more decorative pattern on their internal ones. Here’s some examples of one’s we’ve stocked and fitted in recent months: The door above has a nice lattice decor to the window panels which are perfect for dividing large rooms with The […]

Gloss Finished Doors

There are several emerging trends and textured doors that are now in demand. We often find designers look for awakening the customer´s senses, so we are contributing to the development of this idea by supplying textures – for example, you may want to feel a door finished in antique metal or a fabric of some kind. Popular this season though so far are high gloss doors. Below are some examples of some we’ve had interest in lately: It stands out […]

Aluminium Inlays in Interior Doors

As the interior door becomes a growing part of the overall finish of the house, so do the range of styles in the doors increase. One of the most popular finishes over the last year is a stained door with aluminium inlays – they add a real chic end result and add sophistication to any property. Some examples of this are below (and some of these we resale, such as the model R150).

Door Dimensions

Happy New Year! As there are a huge array of door designs and styles – especially classic paneled doors – these designs will obviously look different depending on the size and width meaning the exact dimensions are a key part to get right. I personally believe that a good proportion for a door is height 2.5-3 times the width. If you come away from these proportions too much and the door is 2:1 or 4:1, the door can look out […]

Christmas Decor Door Sights

It’s nearly Christmas and whilst most of us are getting ready for spending time with family and friends over this festive season we can’t but help look at some examples of Christmas decorated front doors! The first example is this brown-coloured door which has been embraced with a great ‘giant reef’ of branches and cones creating a cottage like effect on this low-ley entrance – a nice natural touch! The second one we’ve seen is the red-coloured door (below right) […]

How Doors Can Affect the Value of a Property: Part 2

Welcome back to our second part of how doors can affect the value of your property. Beside is an example of a refurbishment, showing the original doors. There was nothing wrong with the originals, except that there was also nothing special about them. They blended into the surroundings like a chameleon, not provoking much thought or inspiration; which is absolutely fine. The replacements however, with the striking walnut finish and unusual modern features just scream quality and good taste. In […]

Framing the Finish: Doors are Becoming Part of the Furniture

In 2015 a door or door set is seen as part of furniture of the house – a key feature in the styling of a property and one that can truly finish the standard of a home. The future of a door is not only about opening and closing a room, but being part of those spaces. Doors are starting to play a leading role in decoration. They are steering away from pure functionality and giving substance and style to […]

Painting Primed Doors

Caulk – To fill cracks between moulding pieces and between mouldings and walls or ceilings. Wood putty – It is used to fill holes or gouges. It will need to be sanded after drying and primed before painting. Sandpaper Acrylic of alkyd paint The Paint The paint used for woodwork can be either acrylic (water-based) or alkyd (oil-based). There are advantages and disadvantages to them both. The advantages of alkyd paint far outweigh the downsides. The rich, smooth, porcelain like […]

Gallery: Frames & Architraves

There’s something about the right frame that can really complete the interior of a property. The mix of dark wooden frames with matching door set of the property below exudes quality and style. The kitchen can be a frequently overlooked part of the design when finishing a project or house so the example in the picture below shows a great mix of a detailed architrave and dark wooden door set that works well with the paint colour of the wall, […]

Gallery: Ultra-Tall Sliding Doors

If there’s one new trend that certain discerning buyers and developers are seeking, it’s ‘big’. So with the arrival of these new 2700cm x 4 metre sliding doors, you can imagine the stunning finish it relays in any property. Pictured in a new installation below, these doors have a gloss finish with matching frame. If there’s one new trend that certain discerning buyers and developers are seeking, it’s ‘big’. So with the arrival of these new 2700cm x 4 metre […]

Installing a Pre-Hung Door Set

We follow the door installation process that is standard across Europe. The diagram beside shows the basic requirements to install a door set. Ideally you should put in a subframe made of 30mm softwood or 18mm ply screwed securely to the brickwork. In a new build this enables you to make an accurate opening and be able to plaster up to it. Then you will be able to install these door sets at the last minute, after all decoration has […]

Identifying the Handing of a Door

Working out the handing of a door is simple if you always do it this way: Stand on the side of the room with the door opening away from you. If the hinges are on the left this is a LEFT HANDED opening door. If the hinges are on the right then you have a RIGHT HANDED opening door (see images below).

Leading Edges on Doors Overview

A range of doors are supplied with solid wood lippings that have leading edges on both sides (certainly the ones we have at SWD do). Leading edges are common from most European door manufacturers especially on the higher quality pre-finished doors. The purpose of a leading edge is to obtain smaller gaps around the door when it is hung. The below explanation by the British Woodworking Federation sums this up nicely: “The reason why it is common practice to apply […]

Bifold doors – A Guide to Fitting Them

We have a lot of enquiries for bifold doors. This is an ideal way of being able to close or open up 2 adjoining rooms if the structural opening is too wide for a set of doubles. Usually the opening needs to be between 2.5 metres and 3.5 metres. An alternative to bifolds would be a set of doubles and side screens (bottom picture) but this doesn’t allow to open up the total width of the opening. It can however […]

High gloss Piano Finish Front doors

High gloss front doors are always popular. These doors can be specified as large as 2700×1200 for a single leaf. When you do high gloss it has to be almost the perfect finish which is expensive. When the finish is substandard with an orange peel effect it will look cheap. So how do we manage to get such a high finish on our front doors when others fail miserably. You need to start by making a door with little or […]

Double door insight: Master and Slave

Double doors always have a ‘master’ door and a ‘slave’ door. The master is the main/active door and the slave is the door that is passive/often fixed in place. A flush bolt is often used on the slave door which enables this door to be closed and held in place and also to hold both doors in the frame when they are closed together. Flush bolts are usually situated on the edge at the top of the door (see image). […]

Using Timber for External Door Sets

All timber contains moisture. Timber doors that have only been installed recently can have similar moisture content to those that have been around for decades. All timber originates from a living tree and as such remains reactive to the environment in which it’s placed. In other words, under wet, damp or humid conditions it will absorb moisture and in dry arid situations it will lose moisture. This affects it’s dimensional stability and is what can cause a door to stick […]

Door Guide: What Ironmongery do I Need for a Pre-Hung Door Set?

The key benefit to a door set is they arrive on time at the site together with the hinges and locks / latches factory fitted. On site you will simply need to add a few more components to have a fully operable and swinging door with the correct associated ironmongery. Each room can be marked up with a Latch type, the three options are: – LATCH, for doors that are just to be opened and closed with a lever handle […]

Internal Doors: An Insight into Quality

We often get asked the pros and cons between Solid Wood and Engineered internal doors. Although we can manufacture Solid Wood doors we tend to steer away from Solid Wood for several reasons, mainly instability, costs, fire ratings and limitations to finishes. As a result 99% of the internal doors we sell are Engineered construction. Engineered Construction Our engineered internal doors have a high density chipboard core, solid wood lippings that are 25mm-28mm deep dovetailed into the core, and use […]

Primed Doors

Do we supply primed doors? Yes, in fact we do this very often. It is then down to the client to finish the leaf themselves. What is a primed door? When the door leaf is constructed (or ‘engineered’ as we like to say, since a high density timber fibre is used to prevent issues such as warping), the bare surface is exposed to the outside world; this needs to be ‘primed’. This prevents the final finish from being absorbed into […]

September Door Gallery: More Architrave Ideas and Trends

We’ve been busy finding out some more trends on finishes and colour schemes again! The dark stained doors on this property are brought to life by the detailed white architrave and plinth blocks that altogether create a stunning interior piece. This effect is great if the look is designed to exude a very high quality type of building or space where residents will be reminded each time they walk through or past the door! Contrasting white frames and architrave can […]

Advantages of Buying a Pre-Hung Door Set

It’s possible to purchase your door as a complete pre-hung door-set, at SWD all of ours come like this too.The great advantage is that it’s a ‘no fuss’ solution – an end user doesnt need to go out and buy separele (and often difficult to obtian accessories and fixtures) and it’s a far faster fitting process if the whole door set is started and completed in one short process. Having a door set made to order like SWD sets means […]

White or Matching Frames and Architrave?

A common question I get asked is which looks better…white frames and architrave or matching frames and architrave? There is no right answer. It all depends on the overall feel of the property and the designer or owners preference. Shown are images of properties in which I have used both options to achieve an equally impressive look. What would you choose? Wenge stained doors with white frames and architrave were fitted on the project pictured below have been increasingly popular. […]

Types of Door Handles – Part 3

Mortice Knobs – The use of mortice knobs is becoming more popular with the more traditional type of doors. It is important that if mortice knobs are selected that the choice of locks and latches works with these. The following points are important. The locks/latches are deep enough to avoid hitting your knuckles, At least 100m locks with 75mm back set. This is the distance between the door edge and the position of the knob.The locks are sprung lightly enough […]

Top Tip: Fitting Sliding Doors

Most sliding door systems are supplied with cages to form the pocket. These are perfect for keeping wall thicknesses reduced. These cages can be very flexible if only covered with one single skim of plasterboard. Someone or something leaning against it for a long period of time could bend the cage into the door, furthermore potentially causing permanent damage to it. As a bare minimum requirement I would recommend to clad these systems in a WBP ply before plaster boarding […]

Types of Door Handle – Part 2

We posted a few weeks introducing door handle types part 1, so now here’s part 2!: Levers on Rose – If you choose handle on rose for your internal door, the escutcheon and turn and releases are separate items. The escutcheon is a piece of door furniture that goes below the lever and hides the cut out keyhole in the door. You’ll need to make sure that you choose the escutcheon that is the same finish as your chosen handle. […]

How Tall Should I Have My Doors and What Are The Correct Proportions?

This is a question I am often asked so I will now explain what we often tell the customer when they ask this question. My first question is how tall are your ceilings, as this is key to determining the ideal door height. My calculations are usually based on the ceiling height minus the cornicing if they have this detail, minus the width of architrave then minus 200-300mm of wall left between the architrave and the cornice or ceiling. What […]

Sliding Doors – An Overview

Sliding doors have rapidly become one of the most popular choices over a traditional hung door when space maybe limited in the surrounding area near a door way. It’s not always ideal to have a door swinging onto wardrobes, a feature wall or covering an area where a piece of furniture could potentially sit. The most common use of these systems is for en-suites and dressing rooms, however because of the fire rated systems now available they are now being […]

Types of Door Handle – Part 1

I often get asked about the different types of handles available. You have a choice of 3 types of door handle, Lever on Backplate, Lever on Rose or a Mortice Knob. The levers on backplate are more traditional types of handle although these are sometimes available as a designer piece too on backplate. The lever on rose comes on a round or square rose which in most cases is 50mm in diameter. The mortice knob is becoming more popular also […]

Latest Door Trends and Styles – July 2015

For me, choosing a door handle is the crowning moment of the door fitting process. Why shouldn’t it be as its normally the last thing our fitters do before they finish fitting one of our many projects. Its also important as the handle lets us interact with our doors, helping us to open, close and in some cases lock our doors. Fitting handles is just the beginning of a long relationship we are about to have with our doors, so […]

Skirting and Architrave Guidelines

We are often asked our advice on this subject so this article runs through all the things that you need to consider when choosing these items. Architrave is the frame that surrounds the door and lining, and skirting runs around the room at floor level. With our prehung door sets we can provide certain designs of architrave and skirting that are veneered so these items match what ever finish you have chosen for the doors. Your first choice is to […]

Walnut Royale Doors in St Johns Wood

SWD provided prehung door sets for the refurbishment of an apartment in one of the most glamorous apartment buildings in St John’s Wood. The door model chosen was the N311 Royale Circle Rosette Door. All of the door sets and frames were pre-finished in walnut to match the skirting and flooring. The hinges and handles were simple, contemporary and elegant, finished in satin stainless steel to match the fixtures in the rest of the property. You can view all the images and […]

A Guided Tour of our Showroom

Have a look at our guided tour online. If you are unable to visit our showroom, we have filmed a guided tour to enable you to see the range of designs and finishes that we have to offer. All of our doors, both internal and external high security, are made to order specifically to your specification, nothing is off the shelf. Completely bespoke to you! Our factories operate with a 8-10 weeks lead time for production and delivery. Get in touch today for […]

Wooden External doors with Sidelights – Let the Light In

If you are not familiar already with these design elements, sidelights are panels of windows that can be installed to the sides of your wooden external doors where additional light and design flair are desired. They frame your door and should be cohesive with the overall architectural design of the entryway. Sidelights allow for extravagant unique entrances to be created by flooding light into your entrance hall. This is not only a source of light for the day, but can provide a […]

Veneered Bespoke Doors

Veneers come in two main types in our ranges of doors and wardrobes. Natural veneers sourced from trees such as oak and walnut, or manufactured veneered doors, of which Eco Oak and Dark Grey Ash are examples. Whatever type of veneered door you are looking for we will be able to help. Natural Veneers As the examples below illustrate, natural veneers are sliced from logs that are crown cut, which is where the logs are cut straight through or quarter […]

The Advantages of Pre-Hung Door Sets

Pre hung door sets, what are they exactly? A pre hung door set is when along with the door leaf the frames and often the architraves are also supplied. More importantly the frames and the doors are all machined with the hinges and the locks and latches. If you are not familiar with doors being supplied in this way, then you definitely must live in the UK. In mainland Europe and most other countries in the world, this is normally what […]

SWD Increases Value of Kensington Project

SWD worked in collaboration with developer Vision Space Ltd to help double the value of a property in London’s prestigious Kensington. Whether your home is modern or traditional, our contemporary external doors which epitomise quality and effortless style, will be a statement of design and leave a lasting reflection on its owner and any visitors. Additionally, these stunning contemporary doors are available in horizontal, vertical and diagonal boarded designs. Equally important, we also use the finest engineered timber door cores to […]

Security Levels on Front Doors Different Types Available

What will your front door withstand? When we think of home security levels we think of burglar alarms, cctv and often motion detectors. These are all of course very important to home security. However, ultimately the doors of your home are critical to your security levels. After all it is your first defence against would-be intruders. Many people are unaware that there are many different levels of security now available on doors. Every 40 seconds in the UK a burglary occurs. […]

PAS24 -Secure By Design – Apartment Doors

PAS24 is an important enhanced security standard. Your apartment doors need to be super secure. There are many locks and doors available on the market. It’s not just all about the price. The initial price difference between an ordinary replacement multi-point locking door. Or one that is certificated to PAS24:2012 for enhanced security would cost you an extra £100 – £200. You would maybe be tempted to choose the cheaper version! On the other hand, what if you understood that […]

Luxurious External Wooden Doors

Every aspect of your home is a reflection of your unique personality. A distinctive door, expressing your impeccable good taste, makes a lasting first impression. Please note we no longer sell timber front doors, but any of these designs can come as a high security front door. If you’re looking to update your home lets start at front of house. Starting with the front door can make all the difference to giving your home a luxurious fresh new look. Your front […]

Keys are No Longer Necessary with the ISEO Libra Smart Cylinder

Often associated with vehicles, keyless door entry is also changing the way we access buildings and interact with public and private spaces. This convenient and time-saving technology is designed to make life easier. The ISEO Libra Smart Cylinder lock lets you open your front door using just your phone, and can even let in guests when you’re not home. The ISEO Libra Smart Cylinder lock works via Bluetooth and will open the door from the following devices smartphones, smartwatches, cards and other accessories, […]

Key Points When Installing Fire Doors

It is important to remember some key points when installing a fire door. The doors must be fitted with a required gap between the door and the frame. Too large of a gap and the door would not withstand the smoke or vapour which the door would need to help guard against. Usually the gap should not exceed 3mm along the 2 edges across the top of the door leaf. At the bottom it should be no more than 10mm […]

High Security Just Got Stylish

The new Integra E-key fingerprint scanner is the latest feature for high security doors. Ensure your home is kept safe and secure in the most stylish way possible with the elegant design of an E-key which is processed with the best materials to ensure a perfect finish. SWD High Security Door Entry At SWD we can install this slim and sleek design to blend perfectly into your desired high security door with a stainless steel mount. The E-key isn’t just […]

Fire Doors FAQs

Fire doors play an essential role in fire safety, and as such they are a legal requirement in ALL non-domestic properties. Read below to learn more. Fire doors They are also requirements to install a fire door in certain domestic situations. In order to ensure that your fire door is operating as it should be, as well as complying with all fire safety regulations, we have compiled answers to some of your most frequently asked fire door questions. What is a fire door? A fire door creates […]

Fire doors And Why They Are Essential For Loft Conversions

Whilst loft conversions can be one of the most cost-effective ways to increase space without having to build out, it does however throw up a wealth of considerations. Here SWD answers some common FAQs: 1. Do Fire Doors need to be fitted in loft conversions? Yes, fire doors are essential in loft conversions. Building Regulations provide that when converting an existing roof space into a room, or rooms, the provisions for escape need to be considered. This often means that additional fire protection will be […]

Extra Tall Internal Doors – Non Standard Sized Doors Made To Order

Tall interior spaces evoke that sense of grandeur in our homes and one of the most effective ways to make your space feel more open and taller is by using extra tall internal doors and taller passageways. By doing this you create the perception of height without making your ceilings any higher. Unlike most SWD are able to personalise any of our exceptional doors to your specific requirements. We can manufacture large interior doors up to 2700mm tall and incorporate 30 and 60 […]

Door Fitting – Watch How We Do It

Door fitting close up. Here is a musically themed video of the fitting process of a door set. This one’s a high gloss white set going into a residential development.

Contemporary External Doors – Building Security into Wooden Door Design

Our Luxurious bespoke contemporary front doors will leave a first impression impossible to reverse. Whether your home is modern or traditional, our contemporary external doors which epitomise quality and effortless style, will be a statement of design and leave a lasting reflection on its owner and any visitors. Additionally, these stunning contemporary doors are available in horizontal, vertical and diagonal boarded designs. Equally important, we also use the finest engineered timber door cores to produce striking designs with routed grooves that are ideal for […]

Bespoke Glazed Fire Doors

Glazed Fire Doors – Is There Such A Thing As A Glass Fire Door? Historically, glazed fire doors were functional but unattractive, the Georgian wired glass panel a standard feature and familiar sight wether strolling through the corridors of a school, Hospital or Hotel. They were not made for stylish looks or to compliment the decor of a building but to perform a task if and when required. How they looked was not thought to be of any great importance. But […]

Acoustic Doors for Soundproofing

At SWD Bespoke we offer top-of-the-range acoustic doors that can replicate the highest level in soundproofing. All of our doors come with a good acoustic rating naturally, but if you are looking for extra privacy, we are able to tailor to your needs and create the best possible acoustic soundproofing with any of our door sets. In order to do this we use Lorient acoustic seals between the door and frame as well as drop down seals which are similar […]

Accoya and Why it is an Ideal Material for External Doors

Accoya is the ideal timber to make our external doors. Known for enabling the consistent supply of durable and non-toxic solid wood Passing all tests with flying colours for it’s dimensional stability, durability, paint retention and in-ground condition. It therefore creates the highest performing external doors. Accoya has properties that match or exceed those of the best tropical hardwoods and treated woods. It is manufactured using wood from sustainable sources. It is the world’s leading high technology long life wood. Used in many everyday products […]

10 Reasons SWD Doors Are The Right Choice For You

We pride ourselves on our ever expanding established reputation amongst architects, home owners and interior designers, who have entrusted their projects to us. 1. SEEING IS BELIEVING Our showrooms are the perfect backdrop for viewing our magnificent SWD door collections. A visit to one of our showrooms is an experience that will delight your senses. Luxuriate in the splendour of our products, amid an aura of elegance and tranquility. Savour, first-hand, the highly acclaimed SWD door collections. Feel the rich textures, the delicate, […]