Stylish Closet Door Alternatives

The easiest way to upgrade your closet space is by simply replacing the closet doors. There are a variety of options to add functionality to this important bedroom storage space while complementing any layout or style. Below, we’ve rounded up some stylish closet door alternatives to consider.
01 of 14 – French Doors


‘French doors are my absolute favorite alternative to the traditional closet door,’ says Andre Kazimierski, CEO, Improovy. ‘Typically, French doors have glass panels along the length of them and swing out easily from the walls. They’re perfect for creating a light and airy feeling in a room and are especially striking because they come in pairs.’ If you’re hesitant about the glass revealing a messy closet, Kazimierski suggests that you consider adding curtains or frosted glass to the doors, which will still give the same airy feeling without being fully transparent.


02 of 14 – Wooden Doors


If you want something unique and aesthetic, a wood slat door might be the right closet door alternative for you. ‘I suggest installing a wood slatted door that’ll add more texture to your bedroom,’ says Robert Johnson, Founder of Sawinery. ‘There are tons of designs to choose from with varying colors. As a woodworker who worked on several similar projects, I assure you that it can match any existing style in your bedroom.’


03 of 14 – No Door At All


In the last decade or so, home goods and decor manufacturers have truly made an art of storage—so much so that a closet door might not even be necessary for households with an affinity for decluttering and organizing. ‘We are no longer limited to wicker baskets and wire hangers,’ says Allison Smith, Founder of Allison Smith Design. ‘There are many storage and organization options available to us in a variety of styles, materials and finishes. It’s simple to find ways to display and organize our belongings in a way that complements the design style of the room.’


04 of 14 – Pocket Doors


Pocket doors are a classic solution with a seamless look. ‘Pocket doors are a great space saving option for your closet as the doors slide into the wall instead of swinging into your closet space,’ says Priscilla Moiseoff, lead stylist at Walker Edison Furniture. ‘This will also allow you to avoid having to close yourself into your closet to use it.’


05 of 14 – DIY Curtains


‘Another more versatile closet door alternative is to hang curtains,’ says Moiseoff. ‘These are easy to install, fairly inexpensive, and can be easily customized to your space.’


06 of 14 – DIY Doorway Beads


If you want to go really retro you could always use a beaded curtain as a closet door alternative. ‘Beaded curtains can be an easy way to add a pop of color and texture to your room, though they can be difficult to hold out of the way when getting something out of your closet,’ says Moiseoff.
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Sliding Barn Doors@twenty1fivecustoms / Instagram
Sliding barn doors have become super trendy thanks to the rise in modern farmhouse decor. They’re actually quite practical. According to Moiseoff, sliding barn doors have the same space saving benefits of pocket doors but are easier to install and can give a more rustic vibe to your space.


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Paneled French Screen@bespokevintageuk / Instagram
Sometimes the easiest solution is the best one. When it comes to closet door alternatives, a simple French dressing screen can be a great option. If you don’t want to fuss with a DIY project and also want to avoid spending too much money on a fancy custom fit, a French dressing screen can offer style and practicality as something bespoke.


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Bifold Doors@heart_inourhome / Instagram
Bifold doors are another great option for your closet. As Houghton says, folding closet doors offer a little bit more space compared to other closet doors because they fold up when not in use and will fit any size door opening. These are very popular in basements as they aren’t permanent fixtures and can be easily removed when no longer needed or if there’s an unexpected plumbing problem.


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Macrame@needle_and_claw / Instagram
Macrame has gained popularity in the last couple of years due to its feel-good, boho-style mood. Handcrafted macrame curtains can be easily found on artisan websites like Etsy and are a great option for abnormally shaped closet door frames.


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DIY Painted Doors@lagirl310 / Instagram
You don’t have to swap out your doors entirely to freshen up your space. If you’re not ready to go through the hassle of shopping for door alternatives, consider wallpapering, DIY painting or commissioning a mural.


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Mirrored Doors@reisetopia / Unsplash
Whether you have a large walk-in closet or a more modest one, a couple of mirrors can make a huge difference in the overall functionality of your closet. Mirrored doors are the easiest and most practical way to add mirrors to the space.


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Hidden Doors@jipy32 / Unsplash
Hidden doors add a sense of whimsy to any space and are actually quite easy to achieve. Simply paint your closet doors the same color as your wall or apply the same wallpaper for a seamlessly integrated door.


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Swinging Shelving B&B Wood
Swinging shelving or bookcase doors are a great way to add additional storage to your space while also hiding the closet entirely. They can be quite heavy to push and pull, especially if you pile on a ton of books or other storage, but they are one of the most visually interesting options on the list.


Is it OK to have a closet without doors? Yes, skipping doors can be a cost-saving measure or a design choice. Just be sure to keep it tidy and dust-free.


What is a closet without doors called? An open closet.


Which is better, bifold or bypass closet doors? Hinged bifold doors that fold inward when opened provide full access to the closet and have a modern look.
Horizontal sliding bypass closet doors offer a sleek and contemporary look, making them an attractive option for modern home designs.


However, these doors have a drawback: they only allow access to half of the closet at any given time.



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