Hettich presented the results of its research into consumer preferences for accessing cabinets at Interzum 2013. The furniture hardware solutions specialist has found that sliding doors have grown in popularity within a range of spaces, including guest rooms.
According to Hettich, sliding doors open up a wealth of options for purist-style furniture and interior design – making excellent use of space and provide ergonomic and unobstructed access. With this in mind, Hettich placed a particular spotlight on sliding doors at Interzum 2013, and gave visitors new inspiration with its stand theme: Slide it. Love it. The complete presentation is also available on Hettich’s website.
For its research, Hettich interviewed a representative sample of consumers in Germany. The research revealed key decision-making behaviour in buying furniture, as well as on the immediate perception of the practical convenience that various door mechanisms offer.
Directly compared with side-mounted doors and flaps, sliding doors were clearly favoured because they stay out of the way when they are open, require no space on opening and closing, and make an ideal choice for open-plan spaces.
Asked which doors respondents would opt for if they were buying a new piece of furniture, the results of a face-to-face video presentation show that sliding doors were the preferred option for all furniture – from wardrobes to living-room cabinets and kitchen wall units.
Hettich has launched a new Sliding and Folding Doors UK Collection, complete with an accompanying brochure. The company has also brought out its new customer-friendly Furniture Fittings and Applications catalogue, which can be ordered from Hettich with immediate effect. The latest edition reflects Hettich’s entire range of technology for furniture, and is seen as the standard work for target groups of manufacturers and designers.