The closet doors in your home take up a significant portion of visual space in bedrooms and hallways, which means they greatly influence your interior design. If you’re bored with their plain, outdated look, it might be time for an upgrade. Bifold closet doors are a popular choice due to their space-saving design and easy functionality. There are numerous creative ways to transform basic bifold closet doors to suit your style. For those looking to infuse a rustic vibe into their living spaces, you can easily give these folding doors a trendy barn door appearance with a simple DIY project.
TikTok user @taybrice offers a clever method to assemble bifold barn doors without starting from scratch. In a quick tutorial, the user applies strips of plywood to a new flat panel bifold door in a ladder-like pattern. The doors are then primed and painted for a cohesive look, followed by the installation of a sliding hardware track kit at the top. This results in a stylish fixture that enhances the room’s elegance. This project is a fantastic way to update your closet doors decoratively, without requiring specialized tools or woodworking skills.
How to assemble bifold barn doors
@taybrice
Replying to @Sara DIY BiFold Closet Barn Doors
♬ original sound – TayBrice
Start by purchasing flat panel bifold doors that fit your closet’s entryway. Unfold, measure, and clean the doors for adhesive application. Cut thin plywood planks for the door’s pattern, forming a rectangular frame on each panel’s edge. Additional wood lengths should fit horizontally within these frames to create a ladder pattern. Dry fit the pieces to ensure alignment, then secure them with wood glue and a nail gun. Use clamps, like the affordable Romeda Heavy Duty Spring Clamps, to hold everything in place as it dries.
Apply acrylic-latex caulk between wood joints to seal them, avoiding silicone caulk as it cannot be painted. After sealing, prime and paint the doors in a color that complements your interior. Finally, install a SMARTSTANDARD Bi-Folding Sliding Barn Door Hardware Kit or a similar product along the top of your closet door. Use a laser level to ensure the overhead track is straight before fitting the door.
Additional tips for installing bifold barn doors
While @taybrice uses white paint for the bifold barn doors, you can choose a different color to better match your home’s style. For a richer look, consider using KILZ Tribute Spice Brown Cabinet Paint. If your home features farmhouse décor, sand the door surface with various grits before starting and apply wood stain instead of paint. A product like Varathane Fast-Dry Dark Walnut Wood Stain can give your door a timeless elegance.
To make using your bifold doors easier, consider adding traditional knobs and handles alongside your barn door hardware kit. If you have space along the sides of your closet, consider a single-panel sliding barn door instead. While it takes up more space, it might be easier to use and appear more luxurious. For a rustic décor look throughout the room, use furniture and accents in neutral or natural tones.
