Replacing accordion bedroom doors in cottage

Question

Hi, I would really appreciate your help and ideas. Last year, we threw out our original sticky,(gross) vinyl accordion bedroom doors, thinking they would be easy to replace. At the time we couldn't find any. Since I didn't like them, I am not keen on using them again, eventhough there are other retailers that now carry accordion doors. Right now we are just using regular curtains. There is no room for regular doors, since we use every inch of space in the rooms. We thought of DIY sliding barn doors or pocket doors--not enough room in 1 bedroom. We thought of bi-fold doors, but they are noisy and impede the opening which is narrow, and probably wouldn't hold up long term. We thought of a French type door (split regular door), but that impedes the flow in the hall/rooms. We thought of making a slab MDF door, but were told that hinges wouldn't stay put...Any other suggestions please?

Tegma · Answer

What about wall doors?  Doors that slide into the wall.... do you have room for those in your sidewalls?

Tegma · Answer

If wall doors won't work, I think your only alternative is a new accordion door.  They do sell them at Lowes and  other big box stores.  You could do sonething clever with them.....paint to match the walls so that they blend with the room, add fabric to match or co-ordinate with your bedding, paint a design or scene on them.... whatever!  Otherwise, curtains to match your decor really aren't that bad!

Tammie Housley · Answer

Have you thought about a swingin door? What I always think of as the saloon type doors? If you are DIYers you might even be able to make some from long shutters? Or it might even be worth the effort to enlarge the door opening. Just a couple inches would make a difference. Someone with minimal construction skills should be able to help you. Check at Home Depot and see what the smallest door size is. I think it would just be a matter of cutting it down then adding a stud on each side to nail the door frame to. Hope you find a good solution and let us know how you work it out.

Tegma · Answer

Have you seen the sliding panels they sell for patio doors?  They are made out of the same vinyl as louvres, I believe, only made in one piece.  They hang on a small bar, in much the same way as a barn door would.  Since they are very light and thin, perhaps they would work for you even tho' a barn door wouldn't.  They come fabric covered, and in various patterns and colors, as well as plain.  (See J C Penneys)  if your hubby is a handyman, you might even make something similar out of quarter inch plywood.  They could be hung on drapery rods, rather than heavy piping like barn doors.  Even with outlets etc., I think these panels, or something  similar, would work.  Look and see....

Tegma · Answer

Yes, that's what I'm talking about.  I believe JCPenney's sells them, too.

Kristen Bishop · Answer

I believe Hunter Douglas and several of the other shade companies make a shade that slides from one side to another and attaches to the wall on the other side with a strong magnet. I had one years ago for a sliding glass door that faced the ocean and wanted it open most of the time but closed at night for some privacy. They are pricy but should solve your problem

Kristen Bishop · Answer

Probably not.

Marty Grimson · Answer

Sears still sells accordion doors. Google!

B. Enne · Answer

Thanks Marty many places still do carry accordion doors. I was looking for alternatives, since I do not think they look nice. I couldn't find any other ideas online that suit our needs.

B. Enne · Answer

Happy New Year and thanks to everyone for your advice!

Since this is for my cottage, and I'm trying to maximize every inch, conventional methods do not work very well. I may have to bring in a blind company, and have them make thin, custom bi-fold plantantion-type shutters if I want the doors to match. Thanks again!

Replacing accordion bedroom doors in cottage

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Replacing accordion bedroom doors in cottage

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