Closet doors play an important role in home design and functionality. As interior designers know, the closet door is more than just a functional necessity – it’s an opportunity to make a style statement and impress guests. We sat down with top designers to get their insider perspective on the latest trends and innovations in closet doors. From materials and hardware to layout and accessibility, here’s what designers had to say about crafting the perfect closet entry.
Choosing Materials
The materials for closet doors run the gamut from natural woods to painted MDF, glass, and even creative use of fabrics. Here are some of the most popular options along with the pros and cons noted by designers:
Natural Wood
Wood remains a top choice for high-end homes. According to designers, solid wood closet doors convey quality and richness. Popular species include oak, maple, cherry, mahogany and walnut. The natural patterns and grains of the wood add depth and visual interest. The cons are that solid wood is expensive and can warp or crack over time.
Mirrored Doors
Mirrored closet doors provide an ultra-glamorous look while also making a small closet appear larger. The abundant reflection of light gives the illusion of extra space. However, the constant fingerprints and smudges require frequent cleaning to maintain the mirror’s brilliance. Back-painting provides some scratch resistance.
Glass
Glass doors maintain an open, airy aesthetic. Clear glass provides unobstructed views inside the closet while frosted or patterned glass diffuses the contents. Tempered glass doors with minimal frames have a light, contemporary vibe. The cons are glass shows every speck of dust and is prone to smudging and fingerprints. Not ideal for high-traffic areas prone to bumps and knocks.
Painted MDF
Doors made of medium density fiberboard (MDF) with a painted finish offer a budget-friendly alternative to solid wood. The smooth, factory-painted finish resists nicks and comes in unlimited color choices. MDF doesn’t warp but lacks the richness of real wood. These doors are a great choice for homeowners looking for trendy painted finishes like navy blues, bold citrus shades, and matte black.
Fabric Covered Doors
For a soft, cozy aesthetic, designers recommend doors covered in fabric or wallpaper. This transforms basic doors into works of textile art unique to your home. The tactile texture adds depth and absorbs sound. The cons are fabric requires gentle cleaning and may fade, wrinkle, or stain over time.
Hardware and Accessories
Beautiful closet doors deserve equally beautiful hardware and accessories to complement them. Designers recommend:
Pulls and Knobs
Opt for substantial pulls and knobs that align with the overall style. Cool, streamlined bars in polished nickel or oil-rubbed bronze work on contemporary doors while antique crystal or porcelain knobs suit traditional rooms. Don’t underestimate the power of attractive hardware to elevate ordinary doors.
Soft-Close Hinges
Nothing ruins the tranquility of a well-designed space like slamming doors. Stop the racket with soft-close hinges. They gently catch the door and pull it into the frame without slamming. This provides both a satisfying user experience and longer life for doors.
Motion-Activated Lights
Make it easy to find what you need with battery-operated or hardwired motion sensor lights. LED strip lighting illuminates the closet’s contents when you open the door. Some are remote controlled allowing you to set the color temperature.
Shelving & Drawers
Maximize the usability of closet space with built-ins like shelving, cabinets, and drawers. Tailor these to your specific storage needs. Glass shelving provides an airy feel while solid wood matches most closet doors. Go for soft-close functionality on any drawers.
Rods, Racks & Hooks
Use closet rods in multiple lengths to hang clothes neatly. Consider special hangers like cascading racks to double hanging space. Install sturdy hooks on the back of doors to hang bags, belts, and hats. This small investment transforms wasted space into usable space.
Layout Considerations
How you configure your closet doors impacts both aesthetics and utility. Designers shared these top tips:
Double Doors
In larger closets, double doors create a grand, welcoming entry to the space. Pair two elegant doors together or opt for asymmetry with one solid door and the second a gauzy fabric panel. Double doors also improve accessibility to closet interiors compared to a single door.
Bifold and Pocket Doors
Ideal for tight spaces, bifold and pocket doors conceal neatly out of sight when open. This avoids having doors that impede hallway traffic flow or limit furniture layouts. Just be sure to install high-quality hardware designed for the weight of closet doors. Cheap versions can sag over time.
Interior Barn Doors
Barn style sliding doors lend a casual, rustic vibe to closets when used on the interior. They also take up zero floor space, which is excellent for small rooms. Be aware that barn doors offer little to no sound insulation for the closet space when closed.
Louvered Doors
Doors with horizontal slatted louvers have an exotic, plantation-style aesthetic. They allow for airflow which is great in humid climates. The downside is they do not fully conceal the contents of the closet. Mini louvers set into a larger paneled door provide partial screening while maintaining some privacy.
Accordion or Folding Doors
Accordion doors stack into a compact footprint against the wall to maximize floor and walking space in tight areas. They offer easy access with a playful, Old-World character. Avoid flimsy plastic versions which break easily – spend a bit more on doors with sturdy wood or metal frames with canvas/vinyl panels.
Curved and Arched Doors
For a dramatic statement, designers endorse curved or arched doors in spaces where they can truly shine without competing architectural details. The unique shapes immediately draw the eye. Ultra modern closets can even incorporate elliptical and parabolic designs. Take care when selecting hardware for specialty shapes.
Transoms and Side Lites
Borrowing from classic front entry design, transom windows over doors and narrow side lites flanking the door add height, light, and elegance to a closet entry. This luxe detailing works in high-end walk-in closets and dressing spaces. Be sure the added windows align with the room’s overall architectural style.
Achieving the High-End Luxury Look
For clients wanting to elevate their closet to the height of luxury, designers recommend:
Built-In Cabinetry
Seamlessly integrating the closet storage with the architecture via custom built-ins imparts a polished, expensive appearance. Opt for details like crown molding, elevated baseboards, and concealed cabinet hardware to link to the room’s finishes. Include glass cabinet fronts, open shelving, and varied drawer sizes for a furniture-like feel.
Natural Materials
Closet doors, cabinetry, and finishes in rich woods, stone, and leathers feel luxurious and timeless. Details like mullioned glass doors, chrome bars, and glass knobs add the perfect finishing touch. Avoid anything flimsy or thin – luxury is in the substantial details.
Soft Neutral Colors
Creamy whites, pale grays, and soft taupe hues keep closets light and soothing. Contrast with dark hardware in black, matte nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze for definition. Use texture and natural materials rather than bold colors to add interest.
Artful Lighting
Ambient, task, and accent lighting set the stage. Install dimmers and view the space at all times of day. Mix elegant flush-mounts, adjustable recessed cans, accent strips, and compartment lighting inside drawers and cabinets for a five-star experience.
Mirrors & Glass
Strategically placed mirrors visually expand space, reflect light, and create depth. Incorporate mirrored closet doors or a statement mirror over vanities. Use mirrored backsplashes and glass shelving to add transparency. Just avoid going overboard – too many competing reflections look chaotic rather than chic.
Making Small Closets Feel Bigger
For diminutive spaces, clever styling tricks and layout choices prevent closets from feeling cramped:
Light Colors
Just like white reflective paint opens up small rooms, pale closet colors reflect light and create space. Go for light, bare wood tones if you prefer natural finishes. Use glass doors when possible.
Organizers & Accessories
Outfit small closets with goods devoted to organization. Stackable shelves, hanging files for sweaters, under-cabinet lazy susans, and compartmentalized drawers prevent a junky vibe. Conceal clutter in covered bins and baskets.
Clear the Floor
Limit freestanding furniture in a small closet. Prioritize hanging rods and shelves on walls, building up to utilize vertical space. Keep the floor path clear to avoid blocking circulation. Consider wall-attached folding step stools to reach high shelves.
Visible Storage
Incorporate open shelving and display areas to showcase favorite shoes, bags, accessories and linens. This prevents constantly opening/closing doors to hunt for buried items. Use pretty boxes and baskets to camouflage clutter.
Mirror Trick
Hang a mirror on the interior closet door to double the sense of depth. Place a second mirror at the rear wall for infinity reflections. Angle mirrors to bounce light into unlit corners. Just beware overly dizzying mirror mazes!
Replace Bi-fold Doors
Bulky bi-fold doors consume floor space even when open. Opt for lighter barn doors, pocket doors, or curtains instead. This frees up valuable square footage in cramped closets.
FAQs About Closet Doors
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions homeowners and designers have about closet doors:
What is the standard closet door size?
The most common width for a standard closet door is 24, 30, or 36 inches. Standard heights range from 80 to 84 inches. Measure your specific opening before purchasing doors to ensure proper fit.
Should I get wood, glass, or mirrored closet doors?
This depends on your room’s style and needs. Wood offers a warm, traditional look. Mirrored expands small closets. Glass maintains an open, airy vibe. Mix materials for contrast. Just be sure the finishes tie together.
How much do custom closet doors cost compared to off-the-shelf?
Custom doors average $400-$800 per door, but the price skyrockets for exotic veneers, carvings, inlays, specialty shapes, and luxury materials. Off-the-shelf doors cost $100-$300.
What are the best closet door materials?
Top choices are solid wood for durability and richness, steel or fiberglass for modern durability, and solid-core laminate for affordable classic style. Avoid hollow-core doors which feel flimsy.
Should I get double closet doors or single?
Double doors provide a grander statement and easier access to closets, especially walk-ins. If space is tight, singles work better. In small closets, pocket or bifold doors save space. Consider the room layout when deciding.
How can I make cheap closet doors look high-end?
Paint or stain particleboard doors for an instant facelift. Adorn with substantial hardware like wrought iron pulls. Add trim details like rosettes, carved headers, or applied molding. Install professional track lighting and mirrors.
How can I make sliding closet doors more stylish?
Paint tired tracks and doors with on-trend colors and patterns. Or insert sliding barn doors for rustic flair. Add door handles or pulls for interest. Ensure tracks operate smoothly. Finally, paint the interior bright white to reflect light.
What should I know before installing closet organizers?
Measure carefully and customize systems to your space. Focus first on structural elements like rods and shelves, then add accessories as needed. Boldly purge unwanted clothing first to prevent “over-organizing” an already-full closet.
Conclusion
A home’s closets wield tremendous influence over both aesthetics and utility. By paying attention to the latest trends and design considerations for doors and interiors, homeowners can elevate these small spaces into truly impressive showpieces. Whether you favor sleek and modern or traditional and ornate, follow these designer tips when planning your next closet or renovating an existing space. The right doors and layout establish a strong foundation, allow you to make the most of every inch, and convey your personal style to visitors each time you open the closet.
Expert Talk: Designers Open Up About Closet Doors
Interior designers share their insights on the latest trends and innovations when it comes to closet doors. From choosing materials and hardware to accessories and layout considerations, discover what design experts have to say about crafting the perfect closet entry.
Choosing Door Materials
Popular options include:
Solid Wood
Conveys quality but can warp over time. Oak, maple, cherry are top choices.
Mirrored
Glitzy but requires cleaning. Back-paint for scratch resistance.
Glass
Maintains an open, airy look but shows dust and smudges.
Painted MDF
Budget-friendly, smooth finish. Unlimited color choices.
Fabric
Provides a soft, cozy vibe. Requires gentle cleaning.
Hardware and Accessories
Elevate ordinary doors with:
- Substantial pulls and knobs
- Soft-close hinges
- Motion-activated lighting
- Glass shelving and drawers
- Rods, racks and hooks
Layout Considerations
Configurations to consider:
- Double doors for large closets
- Bifold and pocket doors for tight spaces
- Interior barn doors add rustic flair
- Louvered doors allow airflow but not privacy
- Accordion doors conserve floor space
- Curved doors make a dramatic statement
- Transoms and side lites add height
Achieving a Luxury Look
Designer tips include:
- Built-in cabinetry for seamless integrations
- Rich natural materials like wood, stone and leather
- Soft neutral colors
- Artful ambient, task and accent lighting
- Mirrors and glass to expand space
Maximizing Small Closets
Tricks to prevent a cramped look:
- Light paint colors
- Shelving and compartmentalized storage
- Clear floor space
- Visible storage in baskets
- Mirrors to double visual space
- Replace bi-fold with sliding doors
Success in closet design is all about the details from layout to finishes. Follow these expert pointers when planning your next closet or renovation.
