Transforming open shelves into closed storage with doors is a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution for homeowners seeking both organization and a polished look in their living spaces.
Whether you’re looking to conceal clutter, protect items from dust, or simply enhance the visual appeal of your shelves, adding doors can be a game-changer. In this insightful guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of how to add doors to open shelves, covering various door styles, materials, and installation techniques.
From sleek, contemporary designs to rustic or vintage-inspired options, you’ll discover the flexibility to tailor this project to your unique style preferences. Join us as we navigate the world of shelving upgrades, providing you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to seamlessly integrate doors into your open shelving units, elevating both form and function in your home.
The Benefits of Adding Doors to Open Shelves
Open shelves have been a popular choice for many homeowners, providing both function and style to their living spaces. These types of shelves are designed with an open front, allowing easy access to the items displayed on them. However, there is another option that can further enhance the functionality and aesthetics of open shelves – adding doors.
The addition of doors to open shelves not only adds a touch of elegance to the shelves, but also provides a host of other benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding doors to your open shelves:
Increased Protection for Your Belongings
One of the main advantages of adding doors to open shelves is the added protection it provides for your belongings. By having doors on your shelves, you can prevent dust and other debris from collecting on your items, ensuring that they remain clean and well-maintained. Additionally, doors can also protect your belongings from accidental spills or damage caused by pets or children.
A More Streamlined Look
While open shelves have a certain charm to them, the addition of doors can create a more streamlined look in your living space. By hiding away cluttered and disorganized items behind closed doors, you can achieve a cleaner and more cohesive aesthetic. This is especially beneficial for those who have a minimalist or modern interior design theme.
Improved Organizational Options
Adding doors to open shelves also allows for improved organizational options. You can easily categorize your items and store them in different compartments behind the doors. This makes it easier to find and access specific items when needed. You can also opt for different types of doors, such as glass doors or ones with built-in organizers, to further enhance the organization of your shelves.
Customization
Another benefit of adding doors to open shelves is the ability to customize them according to your preferences and needs. You can choose from a variety of materials, colors, and designs to match your existing decor, or go for a different look altogether. This allows you to create a unique and personalized space that reflects your style.
10 Methods How to Add Doors to Open Shelves
1. Install a Sliding Barn Door
One trendy and practical way to add doors to open shelves is by installing a sliding barn door. This type of door can easily be customized to fit the dimensions of your shelves and adds a rustic touch to any space. It also allows for easy access to your shelves while still keeping them covered when needed.
2. Use Curtain Panels
For a budget-friendly option, consider using curtain panels as doors for your open shelves. This method allows you to easily change up the look of your shelves by swapping out different curtain styles or colors. Plus, it’s a great way to hide clutter or items that may not match the aesthetic of your space.
3. Install Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors are another popular choice for adding doors to open shelves. They are hinged in the middle and fold in on themselves, making it easy to access items on either side of the shelf. These doors come in a variety of materials and styles, so you can choose one that best fits your design aesthetic.
4. Utilize Cabinet Doors
If you have extra cabinet doors lying around or want a more cohesive look in your space, consider using them as doors for your open shelves. You can attach them with hinges or use magnetic closures for an easier installation process.
5. Create Custom Wood Doors
For those who are handy with woodworking tools, creating custom wood doors for open shelves is a great option. This allows you to fully customize the size, style, and finish of the doors to perfectly match your space. However, this method does require some advanced skills and tools.
To get started, you will need to measure the dimensions of your open shelves and determine the type of wood you want to use for your doors. Popular choices include oak, pine, maple, or cherry wood.
6. Hang Fabric Curtains
Similar to using curtain panels, hanging fabric curtains is another budget-friendly option for covering open shelves. You can easily switch out different fabrics depending on the season or decor theme in your room. You can also use a tension rod or curtain rod to hang the fabric curtains, making it easy to remove and wash when needed.
7. Add Glass Inserts
If you want to add some visual interest while still keeping items on display, consider adding glass inserts to your open shelf doors. This allows light to pass through and adds a touch of elegance to your shelves.
8. Use Tension Rods and Fabric
For a quick and easy solution, use tension rods and fabric to create makeshift doors for your open shelves. This method is perfect for renters or those who don’t want to commit to permanent door installations. While it may not be as sturdy or secure as traditional doors, it still provides a functional and stylish solution.
To start, measure the width and height of your shelves. Purchase tension rods that are slightly longer than the width of your shelves. Next, choose a fabric that complements your decor and is wide enough to cover the entire length of your shelves.
9. Install Pocket Doors
Pocket doors are a great space-saving option for adding doors to open shelves. They slide into the wall when not in use, allowing for full access to your shelves without taking up any extra space in the room. Although they may be a bit more complicated to install than traditional doors, the end result is worth it.
10. Hang Decorative Screens
For a unique and stylish look, consider hanging decorative screens as doors for your open shelves. These can add texture and visual interest while still keeping items hidden behind them. Plus, they are easy to switch out if you want to change up the look of your shelves.
Things to Consider When Adding Doors to Open Shelves
Adding doors to open shelves is a great way to create a versatile storage solution for your home. It allows you to have the convenience of closed storage while still showcasing your decorative items on display. However, there are some important things to consider before adding doors to open shelves.
1. The Purpose of the Shelves
Before deciding whether or not to add doors, think about the purpose of your open shelves. Are they primarily for storage or display? If the shelves are used primarily for storage, then adding doors may be a good idea as it can help keep items hidden and organized. On the other hand, if the shelves are meant for display purposes, adding doors may not be necessary as it can obstruct the view of your items.
2. Aesthetics
Consider the overall look and feel of your space when deciding on whether or not to add doors to open shelves. If you have a more minimalist and modern aesthetic, then open shelves without doors may be the better choice as it can add to the clean and simple look. However, if your style is more traditional or eclectic, adding doors can add character and charm to your shelves.
3. Accessibility
Adding doors to open shelves means that you will need to open and close them whenever you want to access the items inside. This may not be a problem if the shelves are used for storage, but it can become inconvenient for frequently used items or decorative pieces that require constant rearranging. Consider how often you will need to access the items on your shelves before adding doors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding doors to your open shelves not only enhances the overall look and functionality of your space, but it also allows for maximum organization and storage potential. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this post on how to add doors to open shelves, you can easily transform your open shelves into stunning and practical pieces of furniture.
Whether you opt for glass doors to showcase your trinkets or solid wood doors for a more traditional feel, the possibilities are endless with this simple DIY project. So why wait? Get started on elevating your home decor today by adding doors to your open shelves!
