Fun Fact Tuesday: Did You Know? Sliding Doors Made From Paper and Wood Were First Used in Ancient Japan and Were Designed to Save Space in Small Home.

15th October 2024

In ancient Japan, sliding doors made from paper and wood, called shoji, were designed to maximise space in small homes. Unlike traditional doors, which swing open, shoji slid along tracks, conserving valuable room in compact interiors.

These lightweight doors, built with wooden frames and covered in translucent paper, allowed natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy. Beyond their practicality, shoji reflected Japan's minimalist aesthetic, creating a peaceful, flowing connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Today, sliding doors remain a timeless design feature, inspired by this clever, space-saving innovation from ancient Japan.

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