Turning bedroom sitting area into walk-in closet but where can I get custom closet doors?

by Jamison J

+70

Answered

I would like to use bi-fold doors but the opening is ~8ft x 7ft which are not common at all. So I am open to any suggestions of other types of doors. Also, any suggestions on a custom door supplier that could make doors to fit this space? Also notice the top corners are not the usual 90 degree angle. If there are any contractors willing to take on this job, I am open to hearing from you as well.

Bedroom Sitting Area

Upper Left corner of entrance

Under view

View from inside sitting area

73 answers

Pat S on Apr 15, 2012
I don't know anything about contractors but I think re-furbished barn doors on a slider would be great for that space... a little web searching might find them and someone to install. Here's just one: http://rusticahardware.com/barn-door-hardware/?gclid=CMW81tKBuK8CFQqc7QodewFAiw

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Rose S on Apr 15, 2012
I am having the same problem and would like to replace 3 slider doors with bi-fold. And it has been almost impossible to find anything that would fit. So I am anxiously looking forward to reading the suggestions from other Home-talkers.

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LandlightS on Apr 15, 2012
Try Randall Brothers, downtown Atlanta , Coffer Brothers in Tucker or Lummus Supply in Roswell . I'm sure you will be able to order your custom door panels or bi-folds with no problems

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HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC on Apr 16, 2012
HandyANDY can usually either make the doors (my brother is a master cabinet maker/carpenter) or we can rework existing bi-folds to fit. If you're custom ordering, Randall Brothers is probably your best bet. There are also some local guys still in business who can make the doors for you.

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Jamison J on Apr 16, 2012
Thanks for the feedback. I love the idea of barn doors but I would need 2 4 ft doors and you cant really see in the picture but I have two closets on both sides of the opening which would probably get in the way of the barn doors and only allow me to open them about a foot in each direction. I am going to go by Coffer Brothers today since I work in Tucker and speak to them about it. And I didnt think about framing the opening. I will look into that too. Thanks again!

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KMS Woodworks on Apr 16, 2012
You could use a set of three sliding doors with the two outboard ones notched for those corners. Three smaller doors would give you more "open" space.

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Lisa P on May 02, 2012
Curtains would be nice!

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Cynthia S on May 03, 2012
I would hire a contractor or handyman and let them make doors for you.

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Rivka I on May 05, 2012
How about a barn door. Installation kits are at home stores. That will avoid the situation with the odd shaped ceiling.

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Pat S on May 05, 2012
the barn doors when open could slide over the closet doors and when closed you could could open closet doors.

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Carol J on May 08, 2012
What about a curtain??

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Trish V on May 09, 2012
make sue to cover the window. The sun will change the colors of your clothes.

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Therese C on May 14, 2012
Shoji doors on sliding tracks like in Japanese home work perfectly for unusual sized door areas. These are very to build and install yourself.

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Jamison J on May 15, 2012
A curtain could work, its just not a long term solution.. I would eventually want to do more .. Thanks for the tip on covering the window.. I didnt think about that.. I thought about Shoji doors but just didnt think they would fit well with the rest of the room. Im thinking long term.. I want it to look natural.. as though it were always a closet.

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Victoria D on May 16, 2012
I have use bi-folds, you may be able to cut off from the outer border of the door only a small amount from one or both sides depending on measurements or if you need to add use the same thickness of board. Maybe you can use a curtain or two for fullness with a garden print or other architectural print it may be hard to find but it can be possible, in my area I go to Ross. Or even better two small french doors and yes check Habitat for Humanity they have all you can not imagine in doors windows . good luck and post you solutin

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Mary D on May 17, 2012
naked cabinet doors.com have all kinds of doors.

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Jeanette S on May 20, 2012
By the time you spend the money to have custom doors made and hung, you can probably hire a contractor to come in and finish this space out with a proper door. That way it will not look "patched" and you need wall space on the sides so you can attach handing rods, etc. It will give you more versitility in what you can build in. No matter what you do, it will take expense and effort to restore this space back to its original intended use. Knocking down a non-load bearing wall is not problem later on. You might even want to contact one of those closet companies and let them supply you with a finished product.

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Gwendolyn E on May 23, 2012
Hang and rod and put up tab curtains - easy and will look good as well.

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Lynn T on May 24, 2012
You can add a. Privacy folding decorative screen. Check online you can get one for $100 and it doesn't have to fit perfectly

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Dana on May 26, 2012
I would set a wall and the door back one foot, have doors in the middle and on each side have bookcases/cd rack, etc. Behind the that, then you would have a solid wall to build your closet poles and shelves on. Plus you wouldn't lose the shape of the ceiling feature. Or, offset the door and make one bookcase or a bench to sit on while putting on your shoes!

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Melissa K on May 28, 2012
Consider the collapsing doors unless you want to spend more than yu intend. Think of something suitable for your style and keep checking Hometalk!

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Juana A on Jun 07, 2012
Why not use a curtain as a door. You can make it with a thick upholstery fabric so it hangs nicely and weight the bottom. You can use a solid if it would be too much print for your bedroom, if you already have print on bed you can go with a stripe or small print in compatable colors. It will really add to your room. Something you may have already thought of put a blackout liner on the window or (a) light will fade your clothes and (b) it will be hot a blue blazes in that area. Maybe also put film on the window.

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Dayoris Doors on May 24, 2013
Have you thought about putting a barn door up? They look nice and would solve your problem.

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Katt on Jun 08, 2014
I would hang a double chanel off the ceiling and have the doors slide back and fort onthe chanel.

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Wanda sinnema on Jul 23, 2014
It needs a bit of a redo to keep it the same height as the other two with the door frame.If not the same it will look like an add-on.. Those look like builder grade (common) so they would not be hard to match, check your local home inprovement store, or if you have access to the builders call and ask them about the brand. A bit of reframing on the sides andtrim on the top...I'd put the door just behind the outlet a little bit. Still keeping the outlet in the bedroom, adding a bench or valet chair to hang things on, where the slide is now. Hardest part may be betting a perfect match on the wall texture.. this is a pretty easy redo for a pro. For them a week-end project.. looks like a great idea..

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Cynthia on Oct 30, 2014
Why not build a frame to fit the doors you have or want.

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Lori on Nov 23, 2014
If I understand Dana correctly that is what I would do. I don't know about the bookcases, or if it has to be back a whole foot, but the new wall, with nice french doors in it would be easy for a skilled carpenter. Afterwards maybe an accent light up behind the present wall, or maybe bookshevles after all or maybe nothing.

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Marcy, Professional Designer, Artist and Arts and Crafts Instructor on Nov 24, 2014
I agree with Cynthia

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Life on Morgan on Nov 24, 2014
I would put a stationary panel in each side of the door way which would allow you to put shelves etc on each side of the room and then have the third panel be a barn like sliding door that slides on the outside. If they are similar in size the door could slide over the stationary panels. Not sure I'm explaining it well...but now you would be looking a the ends of your racks and shelving and this would make it more build in.

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K. Cantrell on Dec 14, 2014
Sliding barn doors!

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K. Cantrell on Dec 14, 2014
Sliding barn doors!

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Susan De Witt on Dec 14, 2014
I'm into making things multi-functional. Dual purposing! There are "hidden" closets I've seen that look like book shelves. I'd do what Dana said… set the wall 12" into the space and install book shelves. on one side or the other put the shelf on hinges. A clever idea for storage as well as a good look. A third door on that side of the room would look like a storage facility. Make sure you don't waste space by putting the door in the middle. Either side frees your space up inside for plenty of usable storage.

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Dale Beardmore on Dec 26, 2014
I build doors of all shapes and if you look in your area you will find a carpenter who will do the same.

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Sheryll S on Dec 26, 2014
Can you not place studs and then some sheet rock and have several REAL doors? That way you can buy inexpensive, hollow doors and not mess with bifold. I grew up with expensive, supposed to be the very best, solid sliding doors and was okay with them, but my parents replaced with REAL doors. Now if you want less expense you can go with bifold, but I do not recommend them. I am wanting REAL doors again. Even if hollow. You can always do the space above with something that breathes, like a lattice type or leave it open.

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Terry Smith on Dec 26, 2014
IF I HAD THE ROOM I WOULD LEAVE IT AS IS AND USE THAT SPACE FOR MY CRAFTS, BUT THEN I DO NOT PUT MUCH STORE IN A LOT OF CLOTHES TO NEED MUCH CLOSET SPACE.

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Darlene Clonts on Dec 27, 2014
Hang a springer rod and curtain across the space

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Marcy, Professional Designer, Artist and Arts and Crafts Instructor on Dec 29, 2014
I thought about curtains too, but thought he was looking for a more permanent solution.

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Move Masters on Dec 29, 2014
Well you can get custom closet from many places, but always ensure to compare the prices before buying. As the following step would definitely help you to choose the best for your home.

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Nancy on Jan 14, 2015
I think French doors with crackled glass conceals but let's light in and adds a touch of elegance

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Lindacottrellkelley on Jan 14, 2015
BARN DOORS OR SLIDING DRS WOULD SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM !

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Laurie Cann on Jan 19, 2015
Definitely sliding barn doors!

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Anita on Jan 23, 2015
Maybe sliding barn doors would work.

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Sharonashley on Feb 11, 2015
Love the sliding barn doors ! I've seen them on EBay daily deals very affordable .

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Susan Moody-Bushey on Feb 21, 2015
Sliding mirrored doors

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Lindcurt on Feb 26, 2015
With sliding barn doors you would not be able to use the wall on either side of the opening due to them having to slide there. I'd love them but they do not fit everyone's décor. My parents have a 1950's ranch and all the closet doors are sliders that I guess you would call bypass doors. They run on a double track that is hung within the opening. When you want to get into the left side of the closet, the left door is moved to the right and slides behind the right door. Visa versa for getting into the right side. Theirs are made out of veneered sheets of plywood so they can be built to fit any size opening.

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Sharon La Tour on Mar 12, 2015
What about a wooden accordion door?

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Linda Franey on Apr 10, 2015
Maybe consider an upscale closet that is lovely enough that it wouldn't need doors, include a dressing table as a focal point and perhaps a vintage screen to obscure the doorway a bit.

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Donna Soares Burt on Apr 29, 2015
Put up a "barn" door. It hangs on a rail that goes across the top and they move from side to side. Looks like you have plenty of room.

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Gladys on May 01, 2015
This post is from 3 years ago. I'm sure Jamison has decided on something by now. A picture of what he came up with would be nice, and then we wouldn't keep giving him suggestions.

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Irene on May 02, 2015
Dry wall the area to fit a regular door. Easy fix! Be smart and have the door open out so inside the closet is fully functional.

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Denise Eaton on May 02, 2015
Any reputable contractor can build a wall with a door in that space. You can buy one to match the existing doors. They could even build a custom closet for you.

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Kim on May 05, 2015
2 sliding barn doors

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Yahwehs Harvest on May 12, 2015
Framed Glass up top with angles on the edges to match your angles in the opening. Add any plaster or wood material on the sides to hang a closet door or add French doors or any kind of doors. Bi fold, tri fold or whatever. It will make a wonderful walk in closet. :)

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Jane R. on May 19, 2015
So what did you do, or are you still trying to decide? Please show us with pictures.

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Ann on Oct 20, 2015
Search Pinterest. Somebody did this awhile ago. They even built into the walls, shelving units. You could hang curtains up and make it look like a big window. Lots of options start researching.

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Mary Ellen Waithe on Nov 04, 2015
I would follow up on Yahwehs Harvest's suggestion with some modification. First, treat the arched area. Tape a piece of poster board to the bedroom side of the arch, and from the closet side, trace carefully the exact shape of the arch. Then, measuring from the widest point on the right of the arch to the widest point on the left, get the exact width. Go to your local Ace hardware store and have them cut 2 pieces of rigid plexiglass that are 1/4" narrower than half of your widest measurement. So, if the wide measurement is 70", the plexi pieces should each be 34 3/4" wide. This leaves you a 1/2" gap in the center. Have them drill 3 or 4 evenly-spaced holes along the top (narrower) end, about 1/2" from the top edge. The diameter of the holes will depend upon your selection of L-shaped screw hooks. Insert the screw hooks in the middle of the arch's ceiling. (You can mark their position by holding the plexi up against the ceiling, using a pencil to mark through the holes). Screw in your hooks and hang your plexi. You now have a shorter, rectangular space for the doors, and the plexi will let light through, without the expense, weight and difficulty of using glass. Your next step will be to select doors. So many varieties are available, as others have mentioned, but I personally think that barn door hardware might be easiest because of the framing issues. Good luck

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Susan on Nov 08, 2015
A carpenter can downsize the opening to accomodate conventional size bifold doors or french doors.

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Judy on Dec 14, 2015
What about the sliding barn door?

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Carol on Feb 21, 2016
I think french doors would look lovely. Find a pair you like, then fill in each side using 'sidelights' ((non-movable sections that have panes of glass)... you would need to cut the two corners to accommodate the angled parts. Oh how nice it will be to have a walk-in closet!

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Pauliegirl1 on May 23, 2016
I think barn doors would be a great look. Although I see you have "other" doors on each side?? The "barn" doors do not have to have the barn door "look"!! But not sure if they make hardware that would extend over the other doors....if that makes sense?? The hardware and installation would have to 'move' so they would not hit your doors on each side.....Do some research on the hardware???

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Sherry Swayze on May 29, 2016
I would definitely go the barn door route. But, as I look at the available photos, it appears there is not enough clearance on either side of the opening to install a single barn door. First, I'd have to ask what is on either side of the dormer opening? Are those closets? Also, are those crawl space access panels on either side and midway into the dormer? If so, I would consider knocking down one of the closet walls to the crawl space access panel. That way, you've got one huge L shaped closet to work with. It would be great for installing built in drawer storage on the crawl space wall. Once that opening has been achieved and you've removed the framing to the floor, you can reframe the opening and install one large barn door for closet access. You can purchase the hardware online or even at a Costco Roadshow and if you can't find a barn door in the right size, you can make one or have one made for you. If you have to purchase the hardware separately, it's not cheap but it's stunningly beautiful. Another idea which leaves the two side closets intact is to make bypass opening faux barn doors. This will take care of the problem due to the limited space on either side of the dormer opening. Somewhere in one of these recent posts, someone submitted plans and a DIY on how to make your own faux barn door(s). A third idea that I believe Carol touched on was to install french doors- if that fits with your decor. If the opening is 5' or 6', you can get standard doors that size at any home improvement store. If the opening is larger than standard, you can always frame a new smaller opening..... However, in my opinion, if both those doors on either side of the dormer are closets, I think it might look silly to have 3 closets in a row on one wall. Perhaps a better idea, if you're using the french door suggestion, would be to turn those side closets into drawers and shelving on one side and perhaps a drawered desk and shelving on the other side. Any of these suggestions, would work better, be more aesthetically pleasing and increase your home resale value far more than old fashioned bi-fold doors. Hope some of these suggestions give you a better idea where to turn with this fun project. Good Luck!

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Rose Catoe on Jun 22, 2016
lots of flowing fabric and a valance maybe

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Diana Deiley on Oct 09, 2016
You can do this! Install a sliding 'barn' door(s). Sure would be awesome and custom made by YOU! Best of luck.

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Susan Elizabeth Pattishall on Mar 30, 2017

I love barn doors, but that would interfere with the other door knobs best. If you put shelving all around and above the window, it looks just like a closet would. Good luck on your project. Post it when you are finished. Would like to see it. A carpentered door works. Drywall in a nice door frame and buy a door.

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Susan Elizabeth Pattishall on Mar 30, 2017

How are you going to light it?

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Cathy Dillon on Dec 30, 2017

I would be concerned that the doors themselves would get in the way of using the space. I would be thinking bi-fold doors eg: 4 skinny panels that fold "out" to the sides - two skinnies hinged together go left, two go right. when completely open they don't intrude so much into the room , and they allow good access to the sides of the closet.
I woud measure out the actual opening that could be achieved this way and if sufficient, I would "frame" the odd corners and "cheat" the doorway dimensions smaller to fit. You don't have to put the door in the middle, either. For example, if you've got your heart set on one side of the closet being a clothes rod; then the 'cheat/ fixed portion of the current opening can be on that same side so you have something to attach the rod to.
I also sort of liked the idea of a three track independently sliding doors but think that would probably still take up too much of your entry space into this area. I am also envisioning three doors thick able to go to one side OR the other at whim, but that is really intruding into your main room. And, with that idea you might want a bottom track which you would have to step over? icky in my opinion.
By the way - when we installed wood bifolds for a closet we stained and polyurethaned them and have NEVER had to paint them or fuss again.

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Fiddledd224 on Dec 30, 2017

You should be able to get any door custom ordered from one of the big box home improvement stores like Lowes or Home Depot

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Ann|The Apple Street Cottage on Nov 26, 2022

Contact a local contractor for recommendations.

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Mogie on Dec 09, 2022

You could make them depending on how comfortable you are with attempting that or you could talk to a local crafts person and have them make them for you.

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Johnavallance82 on Apr 11, 2023

Call in a good /carpenter to do them for you, or a Fitted Wardrobe co.

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Mogie on Apr 13, 2023

Look for someone in your area you does that type of work but it won't be cheap. Why don't you look into making them yourself. Lots of videos online to walk you thru the process.

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Libbie B on Jan 27, 2024

We built a sliding door for our space. https://alifeunfolding.com/?s=sliding+door

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Kim |Exquisitely Unremarkable on Jan 28, 2024

You can either get a contractor to build a custom door or you can frame out the space for a traditional door.

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