5 Types of Closet Doors for Contemporary Homes

The best types of closet doors for contemporary homes improve your closet’s functionality and contribute to your home’s overall visual appeal. Minimalist, streamlined shapes and clean designs are attributes of contemporary closet door styles.

Hinged closet doors are great for larger modern homes with generously sized or walk-in closets, as they take up more floor space. Sliding closet doors are ideal for maximizing closet space in smaller homes.

The right door to separate your closet interior from a living or sleeping space will depend on your design tastes and the layout of the room.

1. Sliding Closet Doors

Sliding closet doors are a popular style for contemporary homes because of their space-saving design. Sliding doors work by sliding horizontally on a track system.

Pocket doors are a kind of sliding door that slides into a wall cavity. This saves both wall and floor space, which is one of the reasons pocket doors are one of the best bedroom door ideas for both bedroom entryways and closets.

Bypass doors are another popular sliding door option for a closet. These doors don’t take up wall or floor space but you can only open one side of the closet at a time.

The following are some of the primary benefits of using sliding doors for your closet space:

Space-efficient: Sliding doors take up very little floor space because they slide across rather than open outward. This makes them ideal for closets in small rooms and hallways. Single sliding doors are great for smaller closets, whereas double sliding doors can be used for larger closet entrances.

Modern Look: Modern sliding doors feature simple, sleek, and clean lines, making them ideal for contemporary living spaces.

Material Variety: Sliding closet doors are typically made from glass, wood, vinyl, or mirrors. Glass and wood doors complement diverse contemporary design styles, from industrial to modern farmhouse.

2. Magic Doors

Magic doors offer a mix of minimalism and intrigue. Also known as concealed-rail barn doors, magic doors feature a hidden track system on the back of the door that creates the illusion of a floating panel.

The following are some of the benefits of “magic” or concealed-rail barn closet doors:

Clean Design: Magic doors slide horizontally back and forth without visible tracks. This creates an optical illusion that the panel is gliding through the air. The results are clean lines, symmetry, and a sophisticated contemporary design.

Easy Accessibility: Magic doors are great for closet spaces with especially wide entrances because they slide open instead of swinging. These doors are also convenient for large closet spaces in hallways where floor space is at a premium. Keep in mind that you will need enough wall space on one side of the door opening to open the door fully.

A Style Statement: Magic doors create a style statement, which can spark conversation between people who appreciate architectural design. Unlike a traditional closet barn door, where the tracks are visible, concealed-rail barn doors appear to float. This adds an element of surprise to the room.

Suited to Hidden Door Strategies: Magic doors can be given a second use for further space savings and a “hidden door” effect. Install shelving on the door to support trinkets or turn it into a mirror closet door by attaching a mirror to the door panel.

3. Bi-fold Closet Doors

Bi-fold doors are an ideal solution for modern spaces with space restrictions. These types of doors fold in on themselves when you slide the panels open. Bi-fold doors only take up about half the amount of floor space compared to traditional-style swing doors.

The following are two of the main benefits of bi-fold closet doors:

Space Savings: Bi-fold closet doors are convenient for small rooms with limited space. Since bi-fold doors require about half as much space as swinging doors, floor area both inside and outside of the closet is maximized.

Variety of Finishes: Bi-fold doors are available in wood, glass, and metal finishes. They can also be made from engineered wood. Wooden bi-fold doors are available with veneer or lacquer finishes for moisture resistance and protection against discoloration.

4. French Closet Doors

French closet doors—featuring glass panels—are both elegant and timeless. The following are some of the key advantages of French closet doors:

Stylish and Classic: French closet doors exude elegance and sophistication. When they are paired with the right material, they can blend in with contemporary designs. Vinyl, fiberglass, and a variety of engineered woods can be used to make the frame for French doors.

Increased Visibility: A closet French door allows you to see the contents of your closet, which provides a good incentive to keep your clothes tidy. Clear panels also make the room feel more spacious. You can opt for frosted glass if you don’t want people peering in.

Wide Opening: French double doors make it especially easy to access a large closet. Large master bedrooms with walk-in wardrobes can also benefit from double French doors.

Potential Restorative Effects: A 2023 study found that glass is the most restorative material in home environments. A glass closet door could improve your well-being when spending time in the room.

5. Classic Hinged Closet Doors

Hinged doors or swing doors are a good choice for closets in larger contemporary homes. Make sure that there is an appropriate amount of clearance space in front of the closet for the door or doors to open fully.

Some advantages of hinged closet doors include the following:

Easy Access: A hinged door is one of the best closet door ideas for large wardrobes. This is because hinged doors swing open completely, giving a full view of the closet.

Little Wall Space Required: Hinged doors take up floor space rather than wall space. This could make them the ideal solution if wall space around the closet is limited.

Durable Materials: Hinged doors can be made from wood, fiberglass, metal, or composite materials. These materials are durable and blend in with almost any contemporary style—whether it's for a closet in the bedroom or in other living spaces.

Longevity: Traditional-style hinged doors have a straightforward design. Since they do not operate on a track system, they are often easier to install and maintain.

Choosing the Perfect Closet Door

Choosing the right closet door for your contemporary home depends on your architectural aesthetic and tastes. You may also want to consider how a closet door will affect the space around it. For example:

• A traditional swinging closet door is a functional solution for wardrobe entryways with limited wall space.
• Sliding and bi-fold doors are great space-saving alternatives if you don’t have enough floor space for a hinged door.
• French doors maximize visibility and light, and may promote well-being thanks to the use of glass.

The right closet door will match the aesthetic of your home and optimize your wall and floor space. A door expert can help you choose the best modern closet doors for the feel and layout of your home.