A Clever Disappearing Door Solution For Your Small Space

When it comes to dealing with a small room, every square inch counts. But, since you can't create more space out of thin air, you'll have to fake it. Multi-purpose furniture and painting a ceiling can be the secret to a bigger-looking space, but have you ever focused your attention on your doors? Turns out, installing a "disappearing" door that blends in with your wall might help you make the most of a tiny room. 

From providing a seamless transition between rooms to offering a smidge of privacy, your home's doors typically serve a practical purpose. That said, they're not exactly space-efficient. Since a door's clearance takes up at least 32 inches, simply having some kind of threshold can take up precious square footage. Fortunately, a Utah-based architecture, real-estate, and design firm called Alpine Manor found the perfect solution with a fold-away panel door. 

Even when fully opened, most doors sit a few inches away from the wall — leaving some unused, empty space behind. Alpine Manor's solution is different: This door folds all the way into the wall, so it virtually disappears. Not only does it make the most of every square inch of the room, but it also creates the illusion of a larger area when you need it most.

The magic behind this disappearing door trick lies in a Harmon-style Hinge. While decorative toppers might be the new door hinge trend that brings big style in a tiny package, this option hides in plain sight. The Harmon-style Hinge essentially allows your door to swing all the way back until it touches the wall — making the door "disappear" in the process. For a seamless setup, carve out a recessed pocket for your door to fit snugly into.

Since the goal is for your door to disappear when opened, it should match the rest of your walls. For starters, paint the connecting rooms and door the same colors so the separate spaces can look like one big room on demand. You can also go the extra mile by adding some molding or fancy millwork to your door and walls. (To help, here's 10 types of wall moldings to consider before remodeling your home.) You don't want to tip off anyone into realizing your wall panel is actually a door, so swap out a typical knob for a stealth ball catch, which is a latch-free way to open your entry.

But remember: A disappearing door is still door. There are plenty of common mistakes to avoid when installing a new door, but it's crucial to make sure this door is leveled with its frame. After all, a lopsided look will be a dead giveaway that the "wall panel" isn't what it seems.