How can I match the look of the doors?

Mark L
by Mark L
Any suggestions on how I can mimic the look of the main door on the small hollow slab closet door? I'm thinking 5 matching panels created with trim, but not sure how to create the "glass" look for inside the panels
  10 answers
  • Linda Barrett Dirksen Linda Barrett Dirksen on Jan 16, 2018

    Most closet doors don't have glass. The trim alone, with paint?, will make a huge difference. Coordinate the wood with the front door, for cohesivnise, doesn't have to be a twin

    • Mark L Mark L on Jan 16, 2018

      Thanks! I'll maybe try that first and see how I like it

  • Ken Ken on Jan 16, 2018

    I could not see the photo before. Are the panels actually glass? No matter, you should be able to find a paint that will closely approximate the color of those panels. You are correct that you could copy the stiles and rails with 1x3 and 1x4s from the lumberyard. Problem I see though is that the door will be too thick to accommodate a standard lockset. That door is 1-3/8" thick and you will bring it up to 2-1/8" with the lumber addition. Even exterior doors are only 1-3/4" thick.


    Another option is to simply paint the closet door to match.

    • Mark L Mark L on Jan 16, 2018

      Yes, the panels on the door on the right are actually glass

  • Janet Panos Janet Panos on Jan 16, 2018

    Hello Mark. If you have a phone that takes pictures, take a picture of the door so that you have the color of the door in your phone. Then go to your local paint store where they typically can mix the paint color of your choice. Show them the color on your phone and they should be able to concoct the matching color for you so that it will match your closet. Good Luck!

    • Mark L Mark L on Jan 16, 2018

      Thanks, but I'm just trying to match the door on the left of the picture to match the door on the right with the glass panels. They both will be white

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Jan 16, 2018

    Can you provide a photo? Just with a guess, how about paint and then lay clear glass over that area?

  • Anne Marie McNeil Anne Marie McNeil on Jan 16, 2018

    I would match the paint color on the doors and trim and the hardware (new handle to match entry door on the closet door) and leave the door alone. It would look too busy in my opinion and may draw attention away in the wrong way from the lovely modern entry door.

    • Mark L Mark L on Jan 16, 2018

      Thanks! I do have the matching hardware to go on, so maybe a fresh coat of paint and adding that is the best way to go and see how I like it.

  • Janet Panos Janet Panos on Jan 16, 2018

    Oh — looks like I misunderstood. I hope the other suggestion works for you!

  • Sandy Sandy on Jan 17, 2018

    get rectangular picture frames to attach to the door which will mimic the look on the main door. I can't tell what color the glass is, but either paint the back side of the glass or put scrapbook paper behind the glass

  • Montana Marie Montana Marie on Jan 18, 2018

    I think I may be thinking similiar to Sandy.. I would do just one big rectangle (with trim or picture framing or scrap wood), lengthwise and porportionate to the rectangles on the right door, as in 1:5. I'd make sure the spacing between the edge of the door and rectangle was equal to the spacing between and around the 5 rectangles on the other door. And only paint the bead or trim or whatever you use to create the rectangle, and the same color as that glass appears.. dark grey or whatever it is. I think filling in that one long rectangle on the 'new' door with dark grey could be too much, though I debated about it..

    • Montana Marie Montana Marie on Jan 18, 2018

      Oh and a must is change the handles and either paint the hinges or match with new ones. Dependent on the style you're going for, I would potentially change both handles.. perhaps one larger and one a mini version on the closet door..

  • Montana Marie Montana Marie on Feb 01, 2018

    What did you end up doing? Would love to see pics! =)

    • Mark L Mark L on Feb 01, 2018

      lol, I haven't done it yet! it's been too cold and I'd really rather paint in the garage not the house. I'll post a pic though when it's done

  • Montana Marie Montana Marie on Feb 01, 2018

    Ah yeah, I suppose you're right.. lol. I guess I think it's more fun to see others projects than actually tackle my own.. ;) Okedoke.