How To Cover A Closet Without Doors

Tom Gaffey
by Tom Gaffey

There is a lot of time dedicated to what goes in your closet. From hats to shoes and everything in between, your closet houses just about everything you wear on a daily basis. While you may put great effort and make lots of tough decisions on figuring out how to fill your closet, you likely spend far less time thinking about how to hide your closet itself. In fact, you may wonder how you can cover a closet without using a standard door.

Curtains, sliding doors, hanging beads, and sliding mirror doors are all very popular alternatives to normal closet doors. These options are all great if you are low on space, or if opening and closing your closet door is difficult. Folding shoji screens and room dividers are great options if you are looking to have a changing area that also hides your closet.

If you are looking to hide the contents of your closet using something other than a standard closet door, you have many options. Consider your reasoning behind why you can’t or do not wish to use a standard closet door. Whether you don’t have the space, are looking for a chaining area, or want a fun way to upgrade your closet area, one or more of these closet door alternatives will surely suit your needs perfectly.

10 Ways To Cover Your Closet Without Using Doors

1. Curtains

Curtains are a very popular and affordable option for those looking to cover a closet without using doors. One of the biggest selling points for using curtains to hide your closet is the low cost and ease of installation. You can purchase quality curtains in nearly any measurement you want for less than $50. If cost is not a concern, you can opt for higher end curtains, including heavy draped velvet curtains for a chic dramatic effect.

Curtains are also simple to install. If the curtains are light, you can simply purchase a properly seized retention curtain rod and call it a day. If you want a more secure structure, all you need is a drill, a few screws and a wooden curtain rod. This more permanent installation insures that your curtains will be effective for years to come.

Curtains are also a very versatile option. You can purchase curtains in any color or texture. This allows you to use the curtain closet door to tie in a color scheme, or create an additional design accent in your room. You can also easily change your mind from time to time, and change the curtains – thereby changing the look of the whole room.

2. Hanging Beads or Macramé

Both hanging beads and macramé are very fun ways to give your closet a youthful and very retro vibe. Hanging beads bring back the era of disco and the 1970s, while also serving a practical purpose. They act as a shield between the room and the closet. Beads do not allow for complete privacy, but they certainly provide a good shield, making it difficult to see beyond the beads.

Macrame is great for those living in a more earth-toned and eco-friendly dwelling. Not only is this vintage braiding quite trendy, but it is also very durable and practical. You can purchase large woven macramé pieces online. You can choose to drape just two, like curtains, or you can purchase 4 to 8 thinner panels to achieve a more airy effect.

3. Sliding Barn Door

If you are not using a door for your closet because it is logistically difficult to open and close one in your space, consider a sliding barn door. Sliding barn doors are very aesthetically pleasing and they are shockingly versatile. These doors combine the best of industrial with farmhouse country chic. This allows you to use a door like this in nearly any type of home.

While sliding barn doors and their installation can be more costly than other options, they are much more affordable than they used to be thanks to their increased popularity. They take up very little space, and can really elevate the look of the room.

4. Folding “Shoji” Screen

Foldings screens, or “shoji” screens as they are often called, are another option when you are looking to cover your closet without doors. These screens come in a variety of styles and shapes. You can go geometric and modern, or classic Japanese with a rice paper and Bambu authentic style shoji screen. You can even go old school Victorian with a British, or even French style folding screen. These popular screens range from very affordable to very pricy, depending on what you are looking for.

Another reason a folding screen is a great substitute for a closet door is that these screens allow you to have a built in private dressing area. This means even with someone else in the room or with the door open, you can comfortably change clothes just outside your closet without having to worry about whether you are showing too much skin.

5. Room Divider

If you are looking for something similar to a folding screen, but possibly large and more permanent, you might want to try a room divider. A tall rectangular room divider placed in front of the closet will allow you privacy, and also block the closet from view. Room dividers are a popular option for those looking to hide more than just a closet. If you have a private desk nook, or another small area that you would like to keep separate from the bedroom, a room divider is a great option. It essentially allows you to turn your bedroom into two separate rooms.

6. Mirrored Door

Sliding mirrored doors are another great option instead of a closet door. This is especially true for those who are tight on space in their bedrooms. Mirrored doors are functional in several ways. For one, they hide your closet with the mirror, creating a barrier. Secondly, they provide you with a large full-length mirror .

Mirrors are also a great way to increase the perceived size of your room. This is why using mirrored doors is a popular option for small bedrooms that feature a closet. It is a smart use of space.

7. Exposed Open Closet

While you might be looking for a solution to hide your closet, you might want to think about showcasing it. Exposed closets are becoming more popular, and there are all sorts of designs to achieve a desirable effect. One great way to achieve a stylish looking closet is using various paint colors.

Paint the trim and the interior of the closet different colors than the rest of your room. This will help the closet stand out, but in an intentional way. Create small cubby and shelf spaces for accessories that you can display. While this look will require you to stay neat and organized, isn’t that the end goal anyway?

8. Use Clothing Racks

If you are unable to use a door to close your closet, consider bringing the closet out in the open. There are all sorts of clothes racks designed to live in the midst of a bedroom. You can choose a variety of models, from the chic “minimalist” look, to the practical space saver approach. Either way, this allows you a place to hang clothes without the worry of needing a closet door or a closet at all.

9. Antique Armoire

If you are having an issue with your closet door or closet area, consider an armoire. These massive and regal pieces can really tie a room together while also creating some essential clothing storage space. If you choose the right armoire, you can essentially hang all the clothing you need for each season, if you rotate it properly.

Armoires can be quite heavy and difficult to move. This is particularly true for larger antique ones that can fit a lot of clothing. This option is best for those who do not plan to move around frequently, and ideally don’t have to battle too many staircases.

10. Glass Doors

If you are looking for a very upscale way to transform your closet, consider glass doors. Sliding glass doors and French glass doors are both popular options in high-end closets. This is a great option for those who have a large (or at least pronounced) closet, and want to show it off.

Glass doors work particularly well for those who have walk-in style closets. French doors that open up in the middle act as a grand entrance, and also a display, to your show-stopping closet. This is certainly a much more dramatic and fitting opening for a large closet than a simple door.

Summing Up Closets Without Doors

No matter what your reason for wanting a closet door alternative, there is a solution out there. While curtains are a popular and affordable option, there are many other alternatives to suit your needs. If you want to go classy you might want to consider a sliding barn door or even glass display doors. If you want to incorporate a changing area you can even use a room divider or folding screens.

Tom Gaffey
Tom Gaffey

Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.

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