Upgrade Dated Closet Doors With 12 Modern Wood Pattern Designs

From beige color palettes to tile countertops, there are a variety of telltale signs of an outdated home. Even small details can reveal your home's age, including the pattern of your closet doors. It's no secret, though, that if you stick it out with an outdated design trend, it may eventually come back in style (such as a richer look with wood drenching). But for those who want closet doors with a more modern approach, one way to do so is to play with contemporary patterns.

Whether you have plain closet doors or wooden doors with standard panel designs that came with the home, upgrading your traditional wood closet doors can be a great way to modernize the space and better reflect your home's interior aesthetic. If you're not totally sold on scrapping the door entirely for a different style, like bifold or a French-style alternative, switching up the pattern can be an affordable way to give it a refresh. Using thin wooden slats to design a fluted door or getting detailed with a lattice pattern, for example, are just a couple of trendy ideas to upgrade your wooden doors.

Vertical wood slats

Adding thin, flat, vertical slats to a plain wooden door gives it a subtle texture that adds dimension to the space. The clean lines of this stunning yet simple design align with signature modern details, giving it a sophisticated touch that expands the perceived spaciousness. Modern paint colors, like earthy or neutral shades, along with chrome or gold hardware complete this modern upgrade.

Diagonal pattern

Standard wooden closet doors can feel inconspicuous to the point that they tend to look dull. Creating a pattern with diagonal wooden slats breaks free from the norms of traditional patterns with its unique movement for a modern touch. It also draws attention, becoming a point of visual interest. Contrast the complexity of this design with simple, sleek hardware like a lever handle to fully transform this into a contemporary addition.

Fluted pattern

Fluted timber is far from a new concept, but using the gorgeous design pattern has proven to be a timeless detail in many modern spaces. You're likely to find the elegant pattern in mid-century modern decor and interiors, from credenzas to accent walls, for added visual intrigue and depth. The movement of these intricate grooves can instantly add modern sophistication to a closet door.

Reeded pattern

Similar to fluted wood patterns, reeded patterns can lend dimension to a closet door and give your closet space a modern look. Unlike fluted patterns, which cave inward, reeded wood patterns have outward, rounded edges. The sleek, vertical lines align with the clean lines popular in modern aesthetics, and the texture is a stark difference from the flat, traditional closet door.

Double panel pattern

This modern take on classic double pattern door is a stunning way to add texture, dimension, and visual interest to your wardrobe space. This design is reminiscent of the simplicity of clean lines popular in mid-century modern and other contemporary decor styles. Neutral paint and simple, practical hardware, like sleek chrome or wooden dummy doorknobs, can emphasize the modern transformation.

Arch pattern

Arches are one of those timeless details that can be upgraded to look like a contemporary piece with modern bar pulls paired with a neutral color palette. Breaking up the traditional panel look with soft arches is a charming twist. The arches contrast with the sharpness of the closet door edges, adding understated elegance to the overall look of the closet doors.

Horizontal lines

Sleek, clean, and with minimal movement, horizontal wood can give way to an uncluttered, sophisticated style. Plus, horizontal lines are commonly used in Japanese zen interiors, so this design can attract a sense of calm and grounding. This is a great choice for a minimalistic aesthetic and especially for smaller rooms that can use an illusion of expanded space in the closet.

Caning pattern

Often found at the intersection of modern and traditional design, the versatility of caning can adapt to different interior styles, such as modern bohemian, mid-century modern, and contemporary. The organic design can prompt a connection with nature, a timeless feeling that falls in line with modern design concepts. Using a vibrant paint color to contrast the soft, earthy tones of the caning pattern can be a bold way to add dimension and visual intrigue.

Square panel door

A square panel door can be a subtle yet elegant upgrade to your bifold closet doors. The sleek pattern is a modern twist on the traditional flat panel door, which can look outdated. Each door has 12 square panels, creating instant movement throughout. Moody paint and bar pulls can help the door stand out and add a sophisticated, contemporary look to your wardrobe.

Louvered pattern

While they're technically a traditional style of door, louvered doors are having a major resurgence right now. Rather than keeping the traditional white paint, you can give these old-fashioned doors a contemporary twist by keeping their natural wood finish and updating them with modern hardware, such as polished chrome bar pulls and edge pulls for a more elegant and upgraded look.

Single panel

Simple and elegant, a single panel closet door is a great choice for those who want a subtle yet refined upgrade for their wardrobe. Opt for a neutral paint color for a contemporary look that veers into a minimalistic or mid-century modern look. On the other hand, you can allow the wood to shine by keeping its natural finish and pattern for a charming touch that complements a modern rustic design.

Herringbone pattern

A herringbone pattern is charming and gives your closet doors a subtle, engaging visual interest. The unique arrangement gives a sense of complexity without being too overwhelming. Opting for a light wood, such as white oak or maple, can brighten up and bring an airiness to the space. Adding color adds a modern twist to a classic design, fitting for a modern bohemian aesthetic.

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