coulissants

Coulissants, in French, refers to sliding elements or doors and drawers that operate along rails or tracks. The term can describe any component designed to move horizontally or vertically by gliding on rollers or glides, and it is commonly used in furniture, architecture, and interior fittings.

The concept derives from the verb coulisser, meaning to slide or glide. In practice, coulissants are found in a variety of installations, including sliding wardrobe doors, cabinet fronts, room dividers, and pocket or sliding doors in interiors. They are also used for windows and balcony doors that move along a track. The hardware typically comprises tracks or rails, rollers or glides, and sometimes counterweights or magnets for alignment and closure, with finishes ranging from metal and glass to wood or composite materials.

Types and components vary with application. Common configurations include horizontal sliding panels for wardrobes, vertical sliding doors for partition walls, and multi-panel systems that stack or tucker into a recess. The choice of materials affects load capacity, durability, and maintenance requirements; metal tracks with nylon rollers are typical for heavier doors, while lighter systems may use plastic or wooden rails.

Advantages of coulissants include space efficiency, ease of access in confined areas, and a clean aesthetic with concealed hardware. Considerations include weight limits, precision of alignment, track cleanliness, and safety features to reduce finger injuries, especially in households with children.

See also: sliding doors, pocket doors, sliding windows, cabinet hardware.