Try A Quick And Easy Hack To Transform Boring Closet Doors Without Removing Them

Did you know you can transform your regular-looking, boring closet doors into a faux Japanese-style shoji door for around $10, using just a couple of basic materials? It's not too good to be true — this is one of those home decor DIYs so simple in execution yet stunning on completion that it could make an interior designer cry. After all, if your closet doors are more of an eyesore than an asset, you're not alone. The basic but functional bifold doors on most indoor closets in homes or apartments often lack personality, not to mention dull the aesthetic. But replacing them with something more stylish, like traditional Japanese shoji screens, can be costly. A basic shoji sliding door from a home improvement store can set you back over $600, not including installation. Fortunately, this budget-friendly alternative can give your existing closer doors a sophisticated, shoji-inspired look without the hefty price tag.

This DIY hack involves using cardstock and electrical tape to mimic the grid pattern characteristic of traditional shoji. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate your closet doors' appearance, and its material and labor costs are next to nothing. For those looking to further enhance their doors, consider combining this technique with other upgrades, such as the aesthetic doorknob hack for boring bifold doors, which can add an extra touch of elegance to your standard closet doors. With minimal materials and effort, you can transform your closet doors into a stylish focal point that complements your room's decor.

Achieving the shoji-inspired look for your closet doors is surprisingly straightforward on top of being budget-friendly, and all you need is card stock and electrical tape. Start by removing the existing handles from your bifold doors, as the influencer @yvettiiii shows us on TikTok. Next, take a light-colored cardstock and attach it horizontally across each door panel using black electrical tape. Typically, nine pieces of cardstock per door give a balanced appearance. Once the panels are covered, apply a strip of tape along the bottom edge, then a vertical strip from top to bottom on the front side. Repeat this process on the inside edge to ensure a clean finish when the doors are folded. In total, you'll need approximately 36 pieces of cardstock and two (maybe three) rolls of electrical tape, all costing around $10, as the TikToker says in her viral video that demonstrates the entire process.

While there are other chic alternatives to bifold closet doors, such as French doors, these options often require more time, effort, and money to install. Everything considered, this DIY shoji-inspired hack allows you to transform your existing doors quickly and affordably, without the need for extensive renovations — you don't even need to remove the doors themselves. It's an ideal solution for renters or homeowners seeking a temporary yet stylish home decor upgrade. And by embracing the DIY approach, you can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of shoji screens without the associated costs and complexities.

While this DIY shoji-inspired makeover for your closet doors is both cost-effective and visually appealing, it's important to consider the durability of the materials used. Cardstock and electrical tape, while sufficient for decorative purposes, may not withstand heavy use or high-traffic areas, depending on your home and your family's needs. And though cardstock is thicker and more durable than standard paper, panels made from it are still susceptible to wear and tear, especially if the doors are frequently opened and closed. To enhance longevity, consider painting the doors black beforehand, which can help conceal any potential imperfections (as well as blend with the black tape) and reduce the visibility of wear over time. You could also use darker-colored cardstock to reduce the appearance of dirt.

If you're into the paper decor vibe, there are numerous other ways to go with it. You could use adhesive vinyl rice paper and wood veneer edging to transform a sliding interior door into a beautiful shoji-indebted partition — just another example of the versatility of this aesthetic in various settings. And if you're seeking more robust solutions or additional ideas to revamp your basic bifold closet doors, there are several other creative ways to give new life to basic bifold closet doors. These range from adding mirrors or chalkboard paint to incorporating fabric panels or decorative molding. By considering these alternatives, you can find the perfect balance between style, functionality, and durability for your old closet doors.