Monday, March 25, 2013

Bifold Closet Doors Deconstructed


I mentioned last week in my post about our coat closet that I'd done some work on the closet doors, and here's how they turned out.

Our kitchen coat closet had bifold doors that were driving us nuts. The hinge thingy at the top broke and we replaced it, then it broke again. Yes, we could keep replacing the silly thing, the piece doesn't cost much, but it's super annoying. And I strongly dislike bifold doors anyway. They're almost as bad as those sliding closet doors that never allow you to see the whole closet at one time.

After months of living with the doors leaning against the frame, exposing all the clutter, or precariously leaning against the clutter, mostly hiding it, I finally got to work on it. (I thought I took a picture of the doors leaning, but apparently not)

I took off all the hardware that was on it originally and removed the slider track at the top of the door frame. Then I installed three hinges on each door- not regular door hinges since they're too big for these little doors. I also installed dummy knobs on each door and ball catches at the top to hold the doors shut.





I then removed the dummy knobs and painted both sides of each door white to cover the hated builders beige. After the paint dried I replaced the dummy knobs.

One thing I meant to do and didn't (though I may go back and do): I was going to chisel out spots on the door frame to allow for the hinges. I forgot to and ended up having to sand down the doors so they'd close better. Annoying.


In the end, it looks so much better and is so much more functional. I love it!

Hmmm, I just realized I've been using that word a lot. Apparently functional is very important to me :)

3 comments:

  1. We're in the process of replacing closet door around here, which means lots and lots of painting! I don't mind the bi-fold doors...what I do mind is the bi-fold mirrored doors that cover an entire wall in my bedroom! Those mirrors, plus the number of VS catalogs we get, addressed to the former owners of our house, paints a rather disturbing picture. :)

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  2. I also dislike bifold doors. My main problem (aside from pinched fingers) is that you can't take advantage of hanging things on the back of the door. Our entry way closet has 4 panel bi-fold doors. I've got to figure out a better solution because they are ALWAYS open. And for the record - it's impossible to fit ALASKA winter gear for 7 people in a normal closet. I just need more space!!! (and I need all those hooks)

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