The Aesthetically Pleasing Closet Door Upgrade That Makes Any Room Feel Clean & Crisp

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We love aesthetically pleasing storage and organization as much as the next neat freak, but the simple truth is that a beautiful and perfectly organized closet can be a challenge. Closet doors with window panes — and even no closet door at all — are popular trends that keep your wardrobe fully visible. There are tons of display-worthy organizing and storage products on the market for those situations, but you may prefer to hide the contents of your closet from view completely. Fortunately, there are plenty of options to make doors with glass panels work for the less-organized among us. One closet door upgrade that beautifully blends storage concealment with a sleek, airy feel is frosted glass. Frosted glass can be incorporated with any type of closet door for a simple transformation that yields crisp and clean results. 

Professionally frosted glass is made by sandblasting or acid etching glass to create a semi-opaque effect. If your current closet door is unique, or you just don't want to replace it, glassworks companies can install frosted glass in your existing door. If you want to replace the door, there are also plenty of options with frosted glass available to fit any style of closet, including bifold, sliding, bypass, or a standard swinging door. Frosted glass can vary in its opaqueness, finish, patterns, and textures to achieve the exact look you're after. If you already have glass panes on your closet door, there are also ways to DIY the look that are both simple and affordable. Plus, DIY options can be permanent or removable, making this a renter-friendly upgrade.

First, you have the removable options. Frosted glass cling film is a quick and (relatively) easy way to give your glass closet doors an instant frost. There are tons of styles and transparency levels to choose from, and you can peel off the film when needed. Another removable, yet unconventional option you can use to frost your closet door without damaging the glass is probably already in your craft stash – Elmer's glue. Just roll it on the glass with a paint roller and let it dry for a frosted look. If you change your mind, you can wash it off with a wet rag.

Other DIY glass frosting methods are designed to be more permanent. One option is to use frosted glass spray paint. The key for this method is to apply light, even layers on the glass, allowing it to dry fully between coats, and build up to your desired level of opacity. Finally, etching cream can give your closet doors a frosted touch that will stand the test of time. The cream is caustic, so wear gloves to prevent it from getting on your skin. It's not recommended for larger projects as it's designed for crafting, but it could be used to stencil a frosted design on a larger pane for a unique look. When using etching cream, dab on a thick coat (as in, ¼ inch thick) instead of brushing it on, which causes streaks. Let it set as per the instructions, then wash it off to reveal the frost.

Choosing the right frost depends on your style, needs, and budget. If you already have glass doors, trying a removable DIY method is low-risk and inexpensive. Frosted glass cling film is usually less than $1 per square foot, so a standard 6.5-foot roll will come in under $10. It's usually easy to apply, though you may have issues with stubborn air bubbles. When shopping for cling film, read reviews to assess the film's long-term adhesion capabilities, as some tend to lose grip over time. 

A frosted glass spray paint has a similar price point — the Rust-Oleum Frosted Glass Spray Paint is $6.88 on Amazon. Like the cling film, frosted glass spray is typically easy to apply. You can technically remove frosted spray paint, but it usually requires a razor blade and acetone, and it's a tedious process. There are also a few things to consider when using Rust-Oleum spray paint to frost glass to determine if it's a good idea.

If you are shopping for a new door or a professionally frosted glass makeover, you're definitely looking at a higher price point. Not surprisingly, the cost of the doors will depend on their size and style, so budget a few hundred dollars at least. Working with a professional can yield a more customized look that will turn your closet doors into statement pieces, whether they frost your existing doors or install new ones. If you're a skilled DIYer, you can also transform your basic white closet door by adding frosted glass panes yourself.