Thinking about replacing your closet doors but not sure which kind of door is right for you? We understand why--it’s a relatively minor change that can elevate an entire room, so it's an appealing project for many homeowners. But one of the places where people get stuck is just what kind of closet door to use. While bypassing sliding doors are the most common, there are so many other types that could work better for you than what's standard.
In this guide you'll learnthe most popular closet door styles, their ideal applications, and the hardware that makes them work. Whether you're updating a bedroom closet, linen storage, or a walk-in wardrobe, you'll find the information you need to make the right choice.
Understanding Different Types of Closet Doors
Mirrored Closet Doors
Mirrored closet doors remain one of the most popular choices for bedrooms, and for good reason. These doors are multifunctional, and they also make rooms appear larger and brighter by reflecting light. You might wonder, do mirrored wardrobe doors always have to be sliding doors? No, they don't. You can find mirrored sliding, hinged, or bifold closet doors.
Pros:
- Convenience: A built-in full-length mirror eliminates need for separate mirrors
- Available in sliding, bifold, and hinged configurations
- Creates the illusion of more space
Cons:
- Fingerprints and smudges: Glass needs frequent cleaning to maintain its appearance.
- Limited design flexibility: The look of a full panel mirror can dominate the room's aesthetic. This style of mirrored closet door looks best with more ornate or glamorous styles.
Best Locations For Mirror Closet Doors
- Main bedrooms: Ideal for dressing and getting ready
- Small bedrooms: Maximizes the feeling of space
- Home gyms: Allow for form checking during workouts
The bottom line: Mirrored doors work well in rooms with limited natural light or smaller square footage.
Bifold Closet Doors
Bifold doors are a classic choice that offers excellent accessibility while taking up minimal floor space. These doors fold in half as they open, providing access to nearly the entire closet width.
Pros:
- Wide opening: Provides access to almost the entire closet width
- Space efficient: Requires minimal floor clearance to open
- Cost-effective: Generally among the most affordable options
Cons:
- Hardware durability: Hinges and tracks can wear out over time. So high quality hardware is key for bifolding closet door systems.
- Alignment issues: Doors may sag or become misaligned with use
Best Bifolding Closet Door Locations:
- Reach-in closets: Perfect for standard bedroom closets with smaller door openings
- Linen closets: Great access to shelving
- Pantries: Allows easy access to stored items
The bottom line: Bifold doors are particularly well-suited for closets where you regularly need to access the full width.
Bypassing Sliding Doors
Bypassing sliding doors are two or more door panels that slide past each other on a track system. This kind of closet door is very common and likely what you already have in at least one room in your home.
Pros:
- No floor space required: Doors slide within their own frame
- Modern aesthetic: This door configuration is sleek enough to work well in modern and contemporary spaces.
- Quiet operation: With the right hardware, bypassing tracks operate nearly in silence
Cons:
- Limited access: Only half the closet is accessible at one time
- Track maintenance: Tracks can collect dust and debris
- Installation precision: Requires careful measurement and leveling
Best Bypass Closet Door Locations:
- Main bedroom walk-ins: An elegant solution for large closets
- Modern homes: Looks good with modern and contemporary architectural styles
- Wide closets: Works best with openings 6 feet or wider
The bottom line: These doors perform best where you don't need simultaneous access to the entire closet width.
Pocket Doors
Pocket doors slide completely into a wall cavity, disappearing when open. Originating in Victorian homes, they still look beautiful in historic or traditional houses. But with a modern door design, they work for modern or contemporary interiors too.
Pros:
- Maximal space savings: Door completely disappears when open
- Unobstructed access: Provides full-width opening
- Minimalist look when open
- Ideal where every inch counts
Cons:
- Complex installation: Pocket doors require a door frame within the wall. This may or may not be possible depending on the wall itself. If the wall has electrical wiring or is load bearing, pocket doors won't work. Installation of the door and frame should be done by a professional unless you are truly proficient at DIY.
- Maintenance access: Repairs may require opening the wall
Best Pocket Closet Door Locations:
- Small bedrooms: Where space is at a premium
- Narrow hallways: Eliminates door swing interference
- Studio apartments: Maximizes usable space
The bottom line: Pocket doors are ideal when you want the door to completely disappear. The right pocket door frame makes a meaningful difference, and is just as important as the door itself.
Closet Barn Doors
Barn doors bring rustic charm to any space, sliding along an exposed track system. With modern, minimalist designs available, they can work with more decor styles than farmhouse.
Pros:
- Distinctive style: Adds character and visual interest
- Easy installation: Mounts to wall surface, and suitable for DIY
- Space efficient: Slides along the wall, minimizing necessary floor clearance
Cons:
- Wall space required: Needs clear wall space that is at least equal to door width
- Sound transfer: May not seal as tightly as other options, so it’s critical to get sizing right.
- Dust collection: Exposed track can collect dust
- Style limitation: May not work in extremely traditional or classical interiors.
Best Closet Barn Door Locations:
- Farmhouse-style homes: Perfect for rustic or country décor
- Hallway closet doors: Saves space in narrow hallways, as seen in the photo above, good for linen closets or laundry rooms.
- Walk-in closets: Create a dramatic entrance
- Home offices: Add character while maintaining function
The bottom line: a space-saving choice, barn doors also offer you a chance to make a bold design statement. For proper installation, review our guide on how to measure for a barn door to ensure the right fit.
French Closet Doors
French doors bring elegance and sophistication to closet openings. If you’re concerned about privacy, opt for frosted glass instead of clear. Or choose a wood-only design for your double door closet system.
Pros:
Visual continuity: Help rooms feel more open and connected
Versatile styles: Available with various glass types and/or panel styles
Enhances the mood: Makes spaces feel larger and more luxurious
Cons:
Glass maintenance: Glass panels require regular cleaning
Limited privacy: Transparent or translucent glass reduces closet privacy
Swing space required: Need floor space to open (unless this system is done with two pocket doors)
Best Location For French Closet Doors:
- Main bedroom suites: Add luxury to primary closets
- Dressing rooms: Create a boutique-like atmosphere
- Home offices: Separate storage while maintaining a feeling of openness
- Formal areas: Complement traditional décor
The bottom line: French doors are ideal when you want to create a high-end, sophisticated look.
How To Choose Your Closet Door Replacements
When selecting the right closet doors for your home, think about these factors:
- Space constraints: Measure both your closet opening and the surrounding area. Consider ceiling height, adjacent walls, and furniture placement.
- Closet access: Think about how often you access your closet and whether you need full-width access or partial access.
- Style preferences: Choose doors that complement your existing décor and architectural style.
- Maintenance: Consider how much upkeep you're willing to do. Some closet door types and their tracks need more frequent cleaning than others.
Discover our collection of sliding barn doors, pocket doors, and interior swinging doors to revitalize your closet today. They are all made-to-order from solid wood, in your choice of over twenty wood species. Crafted by expert artisans right here in Gig Harbor, Washington State, RealCraft closet doors are the best option for anyone who values the longevity of solid wood and traditional construction.
Closet Door Hardware: What You Need to Know
The hardware you choose has a direct impact on how well your closet doors function and how long they last. Quality hardware prevents common problems like sagging, misalignment, and noisy operation.
Sliding Door Hardware
For barn doors and bypassing doors, track systems are the foundation. Track hardware comes in several configurations:
Exposed Track Systems (Barn Doors):
- Visible mounting above the door opening
- Easier to install and maintain
- Available in multiple finish options (black, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, brass)
- Can support substantial door weight with proper installation
- Track length should be at least twice the door width for proper operation
Bypassing Track Systems:
- Double track configuration allows doors to pass each other
- Can be top-mounted or top-and-bottom mounted
- Bottom tracks are recessed into the floor
- Roller quality directly affects smooth operation
Soft-Close Mechanisms: Modern sliding hardware often includes soft-close features that prevent doors from slamming. This extends hardware life and reduces noise—worth the investment for frequently used closets.
Bifold Door Hardware
Bifold doors rely on a combination of hinges and track systems:
- Pivot hinges at top and bottom allow doors to fold
- Track guides keep doors aligned during operation
- Spring-loaded mechanisms help doors stay in position
- Quality matters significantly—cheap bifold hardware fails quickly
Pocket Door Hardware
- Pocket doors need specialized hardware hidden within the wall:
- Wheeled carriers mounted to door top
- Track system installed in wall cavity during framing
- Soft stops prevent door from slamming into wall cavity
- Flush pulls for doors without room for traditional handles
A quality pocket door frame kit includes all necessary components for proper installation.
Hinged Door Hardware
Traditional swinging closet doors use standard door hardware:
- Hinges: Ball-bearing hinges provide smooth operation and longevity
- Handles and pulls: Available in countless styles and finishes
- Latches: Magnetic or roller latches keep doors closed without locking
Closet Door Ideas for Every Room
Bedroom Closet Doors
- Bedrooms benefit from doors that operate quietly and offer either full or partial visibility:
- Mirrored sliding doors maximize the feeling of space and provide full-length mirrors for getting dressed
- Solid wood barn doors add warmth and character, especially in farmhouse or rustic bedrooms
- Bifold doors work well in smaller bedrooms where swing space is limited
Walk-In Closet Doors
- Walk-in closets are transitions between the bedroom and dressing space:
- French doors create an elegant entrance to larger walk-ins
- Barn doors make a dramatic statement and slide open to reveal the full closet
- Pocket doors disappear completely when open for unobstructed access
Linen Closet and Hallway Storage
- Hallway closets need space-efficient solutions that don't obstruct traffic:
- Bifold doors provide excellent access without projecting into the hallway
- Barn doors slide along the wall, saving space in narrow halls
- Pocket doors disappear completely, ideal for tight quarters
Laundry Room Closets
- Laundry spaces often have limited square footage:
- Bifold doors allow full access to washer, dryer, and supplies
- Barn doors can conceal the laundry area when not in use
- Bypassing doors work for wider laundry closets where partial access suffices
Pantry Closet Doors
- Kitchen pantries need doors that provide good visibility and access:
- French doors with glass let you see pantry contents without opening doors
- Bifold doors offer wide access for loading groceries
- Barn doors add farmhouse charm to country kitchens
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