Upgrade Plain Bifold Closet Doors With A Modern Twist

Bifold closet doors are a practical feature, but they rarely do wonders for the room when it comes to looks. In some cases, it can seem like an unavoidable compromise. As much as we want the design to shine, smaller areas often make the space-saving benefits of bifold doors the only option. If you're facing that situation, it's time to rethink the traditional layout and try a bifold style that offers the utility you need without dragging down the decor. That means a contemporary upgrade with a barn door aesthetic. We may think of barn doors only as a slide-to-the-side style, but an update to the classic design makes them versatile enough for low-profile bifold closet doors.

TikTok channel @2thesunnysidediy shows how one simple kit and reused doors make this neat DIY easy to accomplish. The final look delivers an attractive highlight to mesh with styles ranging from rustic to modern. Looks aside, you'll also gain some much-desired functional advantages. One of the worst parts of a typical bifold door is that when they fall out of the track, the door swings freely, and you're left with the irritating task of popping it into place. With hanging rollers on a barn door, the door's weight holds it in place, making this annoyance less likely. They're sturdy and smooth-operating, and with the chance to match your closet to your home's other barn door features, you should definitely consider this modern twist for your next project.

Bifold barn door kits, such as the EaseLife kit, are available on Amazon, with prices ranging from about $30 to $150, depending on the size. Doors come in widths to replace any style, whether it's a swing, sliding, or bifold panel. If you are replacing a sliding or bifold door setup, you can get a kit to match your existing system's width and reuse the old doors. You may just have to take a few extra steps to ensure the frame is square and measure for the appropriate kit size. To set up your bifold closet barn door, you'll need a drill, wrench, tape measure, level, and an extra person to help you hold everything in place.

Following the product instructions, you'll measure, level, and mark the track height. You can then drill pilot holes into the frame's header and install the track with lag bolts. Install hinges on the doors and bolt the roller bases on the upper corner of the doors. The last step is installing a pivot plate on the floor that holds the fixed side of the door. Drill a hole in the door's bottom edge where the plate locks in. Put the plate in the hole, and set the door on the track. Find where the door is plumb, mark the plate position on the floor, and remove the door to screw the plate into place. You can then hang the door and start using it!

With the barn door system's elegance, you'll likely want to update the doors themselves to bring the design together. Thankfully, you can pick almost any style and make it work. Even something as simple as painting your old wood, louvered doors can transform the look. Choose a crisp white finish to tidy the appearance and accentuate the contrasting barn door features. Or, use an accent color and layer in hues from a particular palette. Finish up by adding a new handle to match the hardware and give your door the ultimate updated aesthetic.

Of course, you may want a completely new door design to take your bifold closet barn door to the next level. While you can always buy a new set, you could also stay in the DIY groove and design a unique set with what you have. Save money with a creative overhaul of your existing doors to fit your style. One option is to make a blank canvas with plywood and glue on trim with a DIY bifold door hack. With this, you can pull off a clean, modern style with infinite design possibilities. Otherwise, if you want a farmhouse feel to fit the barn door sliding layout, YouTuber Circle M DIY has you covered with a crafty tutorial to give your door authentic, rustic charm. You can have tons of fun taking this upgrade in any direction to elevate your home's decor, and it all starts with one easy-to-install kit!