Choosing the right closet doors for a given closet can change the look of the whole room, or cause your closet to blend in with the rest of the room and not even be noticed. Some people want the closet door to make a statement, be a centerpiece, a piece of art. Others simply want to hide their stuff from open view in the closet. For them, a closet door is more functional then decorative.
The first thing you will need to do is measure the width and the height of the closet opening. If it is very narrow, you may need a custom door, but you may find that accordion style doors can fit many odd size types, even if loosely.
Next, consider what type of door you may be interested in. The type you choose will depend on the size of the room. If the closet is in a narrow hallway, a closet door that swings wide open will not work as well as sliding doors that tuck into the wall when opened. There are many varieties of closet doors to choose from so do not limit yourself to what you are already familiar with.
Flat closet doors that swing open on a hinge are popular because they can be more versatile. You can hang a mirror or shoe organizer over the door. That is harder to do with an accordion style, molded, or sliding doors. They are also the easiest to repaint, as there are no nooks and corners or hidden parts as there are with other doors. If you are one that likes to redecorate often, the ability to easily repaint will weight heavily for you.
Accordion closet doors have many panels that are all hinged together. When properly fitted, they make one flat panel when closed and fold flat to the side of the closet when opened. Accordion style closet doors have the advantage of fitting many unconventionally sized doors. If you can not find a perfect fit, the doors may not fold flat, but have a rippled effect when closed.
Sliding closet doors will slide into the wall when opened. This is great for tight spaces. Some older models have been known to stick because some manufacturers only put a track on the top, making opening and closing difficult, but most newer models have that glitch fixed, as most are installed with a track on the top and a guide on the bottom of the door, making opening and closing a breeze.
Mirrored closet doors are making a come back in interior design. They may be either sliding or hinged. Having mirrored doors is like killing two birds with one stone. You need a full length mirror in your bedroom anyway, so this is a great way to apply it. Some do not like the look of side by side mirrored doors, as they look too wide, but a single mirrored door can look classy. In a narrow hallway, they definitely open up the space, but they can startle a guest who may not be expecting to see his reflection.
Lavoured closet doors have wooden slats that allow for air circulation in your closet. These are not the most attractive option, but air circulation has a lot of advantages. It can prevent odors from developing and bugs from infesting due to moisture. If you will be using your closet often, like your bedroom closet, this is not an issue, but it is a benefit for storage closets that are not often accessed.
There are a few alternatives to closet doors as well. Some hang a drapery curtain over the door, giving the impression that there is another window in the room. The best way to do this is by having an exact match to the other draperies you have in the room. Another option is to use a Chinese folding screen for a decorative effect. This can give the closet door that dramatic flair than many people are looking for. The only problem with these alternatives is that you may find that they are not as durable for everyday use. Although these can be fun, a more traditional closet door will be a better fit for most people.
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