14 Closet Door Alternatives

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.

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.”

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.”

Pocket Doors

“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.”

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.”

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,” explains Moiseoff.

Sliding Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors have become super trendy thanks to the rise in modern farmhouse decor—but they’re actually quite practical. “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,” says Moiseoff.

Consider a French Screen

Sometimes the easiest solution is going to be the best one—and that might just be the case when it comes to closet door alternatives. If you don't want to fuss with a DIY project but also want to avoid spending too much money on a fancy custom fit, a simple French dressing screen can offer just as much style and practicality as something bespoke.

Folding Doors

Folding closet doors are also another great option for your closet. “Folding closet doors offer a little bit more space compared to other closet doors because they fold up when not in use; and they'll fit any size door opening,” says Houghton. “These are very popular in basements because they aren't permanent fixtures, so you can easily remove them when no longer needed or if you have an unexpected plumbing problem.”

Macrame

Macrame has gained a lot of popularity over the last couple of years due to the feel-good, boho-style mood it sets. You can easily find handcrafted macrame curtains on artisan websites like Etsy, which makes it a great option for abnormally shaped closet door frames.

Painted doors

You don’t have to swap out your doors entirely just to freshen up your space. If you’re not ready to go through the hassle of shopping for door alternatives, consider wallpapering, painting (or commissioning) a mural. This will freshen up the space while also offering serious visual interest.

Mirrored doors

Whether you have a large walk-in closet or something a little more modest, a couple of mirrors can make a huge difference in the overall functionality of your closet. Mirrored doors will be the easiest and most practical way to add mirrors to the space.

Hidden doors

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.

Swinging shelving

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.