The Struggle of Keeping Doors Open
We've all been there - carrying a heavy load in both arms, chasing after a pet, or just having hands full - and suddenly you're faced with a closed door right in your path. Opening doors when your hands are full can be a huge hassle and more complicated than it seems. There are many creative solutions to keeping doors open that can solve this daily nuisance.
The Annoyance of Closed Doors
Doors that close on their own can be extremely inconvenient when you don't have a free hand to turn a knob or push them open. Some reasons closed doors are so frustrating include:
- Taking multiple trips to carry items through a door
- Putting items down and losing your hold on them
- Having to bump or kick the door open
- Potentially dropping fragile objects
Additionally, closed doors can make it difficult to move large objects or furniture through a doorway. Having to stop and reopen the door interrupts the process and wastes time and energy.
Solutions for Hands-Free Opening
Luckily there are some clever solutions that allow you to keep doors open without having to touch them. Here are a few options:
Doorstops
Doorstops are wedges or anchors that hold a door in place at a certain angle. They are made of various materials like rubber, plastic, metal, or wood. Just slide or kick a doorstop into place and the door will stay open until the stop is removed. This allows hands-free access through doorways.
Commercial Door Holders
Special door holders can be installed onto floors or walls near doors. They use springs, padded stops, or magnets to physically keep doors open until released. These provide the ultimate hands-free convenience but require installation.
Auto Door Closers
Adjustable door closers can be installed to control how far a door will swing when opened before gently closing on its own. This allows doors to stay open briefly without a stopper.
| Solution | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Doorstops | Inexpensive, portable | Can be kicked or removed accidentally |
| Commercial Holders | Hands-free, secure | Require installation |
| Auto Closers | Allow adjustable open time | Don't keep door fixed open |
Finding the right solution can help you sail through doorways with your hands full and make your life a little easier. No more struggles pushing open closed doors every time you enter a room!
Types of Doorstops - Wedge, Hinged, Weighted, Spring-Loaded
Doorstops come in a variety of types and designs to suit different needs. The main categories are wedge, hinged, weighted, and spring-loaded doorstops.
Wedge Doorstops
Wedge doorstops, often made of rubber or plastic, are likely the most common. They are triangular shaped wedges that anchor under the bottom edge of the door. Pros are that they are inexpensive and portable. Cons are they can be kicked out of place accidentally.
Hinged Doorstops
Hinged stops are attached to floor or wall and swing out to hold door open. Pros are durability and not removable by accident. Cons are they protrude which can be a tripping hazard.
Weighted Doorstops
These heavy stops use gravity to keep doors in place. They are often made decorative. Pros are a stylish appearance. Cons are they can be difficult to reposition.
Spring-Loaded Doorstops
Spring-loaded stops mount to the floor or wall. When depressed, a spring releases to hold door. Pros are they retract when not in use. Cons are they make a loud bang when activating.
Comparison
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wedge | Inexpensive, portable | Can be kicked out of place |
| Hinged | Durable, not removable | Potential tripping hazard |
| Weighted | Stylish appearance | Hard to reposition |
| Spring-Loaded | Retracts when not needed | Loud bang |
When selecting a doorstop, consider your budget, installation options, flooring, and traffic flow. The type you choose can help safely keep doors open for hands-free access throughout your home or office.
Doorstops for Security, Safety, and Convenience
Doorstops serve several important purposes beyond just keeping doors open. They can help provide security, safety, and convenience in homes and businesses.
Security
Doorstops can act as security devices to prevent intruders. Ways they improve security include:
- Keeping doors from fully closing and latching if someone tries to force them shut
- Sounding an alarm if the doorstop is displaced from motion sensors or switches
- Wedging doors shut from inside to prevent entry
- Stopping doors from blowing open in wind, allowing unwanted access
Safety
Doorstops also promote safety in various ways such as:
- Preventing damage or injury from doors slamming shut
- Keeping children's fingers from being pinched in doors
- Holding doors open to prevent locking people in rooms
- Allowing ventilation and preventing carbon monoxide buildup
Convenience
The hands-free convenience doorstops create is also useful:
- Holding doors open when carrying packages inside
- Keeping doors ajar when pets need to move room to room
- Allowing uninterrupted traffic flow in high-use doors
- Letting fresh air circulate on nice days
Choosing a Doorstop
When selecting a doorstop, keep security, safety, and convenience needs in mind. Considerations include:
- Holding power to resist forced entry
- Audible alarms or notifications
- Visibility so it won't cause tripping
- Adjustability for different door widths and weights
Investing in a quality, reliable doorstop pays dividends in terms of security, safety, and daily convenience around your home.
Choosing the Right Doorstop - Size, Material, Style
Selecting the right doorstop involves considering options for size, material, and style to best suit your needs.
Size
Doorstop size is important. Measure door width and weight when selecting a stop. Considerations include:
- Small stops for light doors like closets
- Medium stops for standard interior doors
- Large stops for wide or heavy exterior doors
- Extra long stops to anchor underneath or behind doors
Material
Doorstop material affects durability and function. Choices include:
- Rubber - lightweight but prone to sliding
- Wood - attractive but can warp over time
- Plastic - affordable but not as sturdy
- Metal - strong but prone to scratching floors
Style
Consider doorstop style for both form and function:
- Wedge - versatile for most uses
- Hinged - minimal protrusion into walkways
- Decorative - attractive accents for home décor
- Industrial - heavy-duty hold for exterior doors
Key Considerations
| Factor | Questions |
|---|---|
| Door Type | Interior or exterior door? Solid or hollow? |
| Traffic | High or low use door? |
| Surfaces | Type of flooring? Risk of scratches? |
Taking size, material, style, and key factors into account will lead you to the ideal doorstop for your needs.
Creative and Fun Doorstop Ideas - Make Your Own, Decorative Options
Tired of boring old wedges holding your doors open? With some creativity and DIY spirit, you can craft unique doorstops that add personality throughout your home.
Make Your Own
Making your own doorstops allows total customization. Some fun DIY ideas include:
- Painted rocks or bricks
- Dried bean bags
- Covered metal piping
- Wood blocks decorated with paint, stickers, or fabric
- Cement garden stones molded into shapes
When crafting your own, make sure doorstops have sufficient weight to hold doors open. Materials like rocks, bricks, or piping work well. Get creative with decorations to show off your style.
Decorative Doorstops
Decorative doorstops offer whimsical designs to accessorize rooms. Stylish options include:
- Animal shapes like dogs, cats, or birds
- Pop culture characters from movies or games
- Novel designs like food items, vehicles, or geometric shapes
- Materials like metal, granite, marble, or polyresin
Decorative stops like concrete garden gnomes or cast iron robot figures add a fun touch while holding doors.
Doorstops for Kids
For children's rooms, look for stops that align with their interests like:
- Colorful alphabet or number wedges
- Figure stops shaped like Disney, cartoon, or storybook characters
- Building block or Lego inspired designs
- Animal shapes like turtles, ladybugs, or frogs
Whimsical options like alphabet caterpillar or smiling emoji stops make door holding more enjoyable for kids.
Matched Sets
Collect matching doorstops for a coordinated look throughout interior rooms. This creates cohesion from area to area.
With endless possibilities, let your imagination run wild to create doorstops that blend form and function with a cheerful touch.
Installing and Using Doorstops - Placement Tips, Troubleshooting
Installing doorstops properly is key for optimum functionality. Consider placement guidelines and troubleshoot any issues that arise with doorstops to keep them working effectively.
Choosing Doorstop Locations
Ideal doorstop placement includes:
- 2-3 inches from the door's edge
- Out of primary walkways or paths of travel
- Against baseboard or floor molding when possible
- Angled in direction the door swings open
Measure door size and watch traffic flow patterns to select the best location per door.
Installing Built-In Stops
When installing hinged, spring-loaded, or sliding doorstops:
- Use manufacturer's instructions
- Select a stud location for secure mounting
- Pre-drill holes for attachments
- Use proper anchors for wall or floor type
Built-in stops require precise installation but offer hands-free convenience.
Troubleshooting Problems
Common doorstop issues and solutions include:
- Door swings past it - Adjust angle or move stop's position
- Stop falls over - Try larger size or weighted stop
- Stop slides - Add non-skid pads or switch to higher friction material
- Stop damages floor - Add protective pads or change to less rigid material
Assessing and resolving any problems will keep your doorstops working as desired.
Regular Maintenance
Check doorstops periodically for:
- Damage requiring replacement
- Debris needing removal
- Proper positioning against the door
With strategic placement, careful installation, and routine maintenance, doorstops will function reliably for safety and convenience.
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy Doorstops
Amazon Prime provides a number of benefits when purchasing doorstops and other household items. Here are some tips on how to maximize your Prime membership for doorstop shopping.
Take Advantage of Free Shipping
One major perk of Prime is free two-day shipping on over 100 million items. This allows you to get doorstops delivered quickly without paying extra shipping fees. Make sure eligible items are shipped directly by Amazon to get the Prime shipping perks.
Use Prime to Get Discounts
Many doorstops sold directly by Amazon offer special discounts and deals for Prime members. Look for items labeled "Prime Exclusive" to save up to 30%. You can get great prices on top brands with these Prime-only offers.
Shop Prime Day Specials
Each summer, Amazon holds its Prime Day sale exclusive to Prime subscribers. During the 48-hour event, thousand of doorstops and home products are deeply discounted. Create a wish list ahead of time so you're ready to snag deals.
Explore the Prime Home Section
Check out the Prime Home section for deals on furniture, decor, kitchenware, and more. Filter by "Doorstops" to see curated selections of discounted and in-demand models for Prime members.
Use Amazon Coupons
Clip digital Amazon coupons on select doorstops to save even more. Coupons range from % discounts to dollars off and are applied at checkout. You can typically combine coupons with other promotions.
Setup Alerts for Price Drops
Use the Amazon price tracker to set alerts for price drops on specific items. You'll get notifications when the price changes so you can snag a deal on the doorstop you've been eyeing.
Using Amazon Prime's perks can help you save on doorstops and accessories for convenient hands-free access around your home.
How Doorstops Can Add A Touch Of Modernity To Your Home Decor?
Doorstops can be a unique and modern addition to your home decor. Here are some ways they can add a touch of modernity:
What Are Some Popular Materials Used For Modern Doorstops?
Here are some popular materials used for modern doorstops:
Another interesting products
34 Review
37 Review
What Are The Advantages Of Using Stainless Steel Doorstops?
Advantages of using stainless steel doorstops include:
Similar products
52 Review
