8 Closet Door Alternatives to Spruce Up Your Home
Reimagine your closet door
Maybe you’re putting together your dream bedroom, or want to refresh your space. If you haven’t considered closet door alternatives yet, you should. It’s a great way to take something that’s often overlooked and add a new twist to it. The right closet door alternative will help tie your space together while still being functional.
1. No Door
For a modern look, skip the closet door altogether and let your closet space be an extension of your bedroom. You might opt to do this if you love the look of your closet—maybe you splurged on a custom closet from a closer maker near you, or enjoy keeping it tidy and organized. Ditching the door can also help a smaller bedroom feel bigger.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No need to pay for closet doors | All the contents are visible |
| Easy to access your closet | Requires regular cleaning and tidying up |
| Makes the room feel bigger | Can make a room feel busy or cluttered |
Best for: Organized, visually pleasing closets
2. French Doors
If you like the idea of making your room feel bigger but still want a door, a French door could be a good option. Installing traditional French doors with clear windows allows you to easily take a peek at what’s inside the closet. On the other hand, you could opt for doors with frosted glass if you want to enjoy the visual appeal of the doors while keeping the closet area private.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Elegant appearance | The doors may not fit your room’s aesthetic |
| Option to use clear or frosted windows | Seeing through glass doors into your closet can make your room look busy |
| Can help the room feel bigger | Guests may confuse the French doors for doors that open into another room |
Best for: Adding a light, airy vibe
3. Sliding Doors
Sliding closet doors are convenient and come in a variety of designs. They allow you to have your closet door partially open without blocking the walkway, which is a plus if you’re always on the go. Traditional two-track systems with two doors or three-track systems with three doors are available for larger-than-average closets.
There are rustic barn doors if you have a farm-style home, a wood slat door to add texture to the space, or MDF doors for a traditional look. Another sliding door option is pocket doors. These doors slide into the wall and are ideal for smaller rooms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keeps walkways clear when doors are open | Doors have gaps that can take up space, with the exception of pocket doors |
| A variety of designs to fit different room aesthetics | Requires a perfectly level floor to work properly |
| Certain door styles can add charm to the space | Can be noisy when opening and closing |
Best for: Small closets and tiny bedrooms
4. Curtains
Using curtains instead of closet doors is cost-effective and easy to DIY. It’s best to choose curtains based on the look you’re going for—light, sheer curtains will add an airy vibe, whereas dark, heavy drapes offer a stately feel. Optionally, installing curtain tiebacks allows you to pull the curtains back for a no-door look.
Non-traditional curtain options to consider include macrame and beaded curtains. Macrame will add a boho, vintage-inspired look, while beaded curtains evoke the 1960s.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy and inexpensive to install | Some may not like the visual aesthetic |
| Plenty of color and design options to choose from | They could clash with your window curtains |
| Easy to swap out curtains depending on the season | Not an actual door, so won’t keep noise and dust out of closet |
Best for: Those sticking to a budget
5. Glass Partition
If you’re planning a closet remodel and want something contemporary, a glass partition is one of your best bets. There are many possible layouts, like installing a partition parallel to the closet doors with a large opening. You might also install a partition in a rectangular shape with multiple openings that serve as doors. These partitions are typically wall-to-ceiling glass pieces with different colored frames. Frosted glass can increase the level of privacy, whereas clear glass can be paired with curtains.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modern and sleek | Requires regular cleaning to maintain all the glass |
| A luxurious vibe | May not be a good fit in homes with young children |
| Can be combined with a curtain for increased privacy | Closet should always stay tidy and organized |
Best for: Modern spaces
6. Wood Partition
Consider a wood partition if glass is too modern for your space. These are often slatted wood pieces that are also used as room dividers. It’ll add a down-to-earth vibe to your room while also working well as a focal point. Choosing lighter-toned wood helps brighten the space while darker-toned wood adds drama.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modern with a down-to-earth twist | Can make a room feel smaller |
| An eye-catching focal point | It can warp, swell, or grow mold if your space is humid |
| More affordable than glass partitions | Fairly permanent option that’ll be hard to switch out if you want a change of pace |
Best for: Contemporary homes with a down-to-earth vibe
7. Foldable Room Divider
A foldable room divider is similar in concept to a glass partition, but it’s much more budget-friendly. It requires no special installation other than setting it up. The divider is likely to work better if you have enough space to allow for a walkway. This way, you don’t have to move it every time you want to enter the closet. Any room divider will work, so you’ll be able to find one that perfectly matches your room’s decor.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use and cost-effective | It can fall over easily |
| Choose from any room divider | Won’t work as well in very small spaces |
| Swap the divider out anytime you want to redecorate | Can add a cluttered feeling if the room has a lot of furniture |
Best for: Someone looking for a quick or simple solution
8. Secret Door
Installing a secret door is an out-of-the-box closet design idea that’s both fun and space-saving. Most secret bookshelf doors are single shelves that slide to the side or swing outward. There are also double French bookshelf secret doors for an even bigger opening. It’s a win-win if you have a small space, since your door doubles as an extra shelf.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique and customizable | Can be difficult to open and close |
| Maximizes small spaces | Costly installation |
| Available in different designs | Difficult to DIY |
Best for: Whimsical homes
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