Hate Your Closet Doors? This Designer's DIY Fix Will Instantly Elevate Them
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Closet doors can take up significant visual space in any room—meaning if they're less than inspiring, they can drag down the entire atmosphere. Luckily, there are plenty of creative ideas you can use to combat plain, boring closet doors, whether they're in your bedroom, laundry room, bathroom, or hallway. Consider a fast and easy DIY makeover, like creating renter-friendly upholstered doors, using patterned wallpaper (the peel-and-stick kind is extra user-friendly), or adding a fresh coat of paint. For a larger project or as part of a remodel, you could swap out your existing single or bifold doors with custom mirrored ones, a glass option, or salvaged antiques. If you're feeling bold, you can even remove the closet doors altogether in favor of an alternative like a dramatic velvet or patterned curtain or nothing at all. Ahead, we've laid out some of the best designer-approved closet door ideas to try.
If you're working on a big closet overhaul, we have all of your other practical needs covered too, with tons of chic closet organization ideas and clothing storage ideas that can help if you don't have enough closet space. You might also want to make sure the items you plan to organize are all keepers by following our go-to decluttering tips. Once you've pared down your belongings to your favorite pieces à la Marie Kondo, the whole process will be a breeze.
You love finding new design tricks. So do we. Let us share the best of them.
Source Antique French Doors
Go for a lived-in look by replacing drab closet doors with antique ones. To enclose the wardrobe and ensuite bath in her Atlanta home, HGTV star Alison Victoria used French doors from the 1800s. A barn track allows them to slide open and close with ease.
Use Wallpaper
Play up the pattern in your space by covering the closets with wallpaper. In this bedroom, designer Elizabeth Hay used Aleta Pise wallpaper to cover the closets, walls, and ceiling—giving the room distinct cottagecore vibes.
Incorporate Mirrors and Molding
Transform any room by swapping out existing closet doors with custom ones that feature formal molding and mirrored embellishments, as designer Tasmin Johnson did here. A soothing paint color finishes the look and whispers quiet luxury.
Try an Upholstered Makeover
For a renter-friendly upgrade, designer Keita Turner upholstered the panels on bi-fold doors. The once uninspiring white doors are now padded and covered with a soft blue fabric. Drapery finials were turned into new door knobs for Parisian flair. For more details or to do it yourself, follow our step-by-step guide.
Install Glass Doors
Whether you use glass doors for a walk-in closet or as the closure to a traditional wardrobe, they're sure to give your dressing area a sophisticated look. Take this space by designer Kristine Paige Kamenstein as proof. Plus, this style is an excellent option if you prefer to see as many of your clothes as you can at one time.
Remove the Door
Sometimes a closed closet door can make your room and the closet itself feel smaller. If that's the case in your space, consider removing it altogether. In a compact bunk room, designer Dee Murphy did just that to make it feel more open. She beautified the door-free closet with wallpaper and paint to complete the look.
Make the Doors Blend In
Since the closet doors are flush with the walls, they disappear into this primary bedroom designed by Shapeless Studio. The minimalist look provides plenty of clothing storage without sacrificing space or visual appeal.
Paint It
For a quick yet impactful refresh, give your closet doors a fresh paint job. In this bedroom designed by Heidi Caillier, the plank sliding door and trim are painted in the same deep mauve that's on the walls for a seamless look.
Go for High Gloss
For a dramatic, high-end atmosphere, paint the closet door and walls in the same bold color with a high-gloss finish. In this bedroom designed by Brian J. McCarthy, the shiny red paint nearly camouflages the door. A minimalistic handle helps hide it.
Hang a Curtain
To prevent this primary bedroom from looking cluttered, the design team at ETC.etera separated the open closet with a luxe curtain. Not only is it an easy and budget-friendly solution, but it enhances the elegance and coziness of the room. You can apply the concept to a traditional closet with doors by simply covering them or removing them.
Select Warm Wood
If you lean toward a more minimalist aesthetic with a cool-toned color palette, take note of this primary bedroom by designer Eneia White. She cleverly turned an odd niche into a custom shoe closet using oak doors that add just the right amount of warmth.
Line Glass Doors
If you have glass closet doors or plan to install some, line them with fabric. Here, designer Anna Spiro chose a floral print to complement the paint. Brass knobs add a luxe, old-world touch.
Keep It Minimal
Make your closet doors pop without being the focal point by keeping things simplistic. In this modern yet classic bedroom designed by Robson Rak, the doors are painted in a soothing gray that stands out against the off-white walls. Slim handles nearly blend in.
Opt for a Pocket Door
In a primary bathroom by Joshua Greene, the linen closet features a pocket door that disappears into the wall to help maximize space. It's the perfect alternative to removing the closet door since you still have the option to close off the area.
Consider Metal Grilles
Take inspiration from the metal grilles that decorate this built-in closet designed by DuVäl Reynolds (and painted in Farrow & Ball's Sulking Room Pink) by applying them to your own closet doors. Not only will the metallic addition elevate the room, but it'll make it feel more open since you'll be able to see the clothes inside.
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