The Simplest Way To Refresh Closet Doors Without Replacing Them

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Closet doors are the quiet jack-of-all-trades in the home. They hide visual clutter of the closet behind them, double as hanging storage, and can even help elevate the decor. But, after a while, they start to look a little dingy, and no wonder as they go through an enormous amount of daily wear and tear. Just think about how often you open and close yours in a week. And if there are some members of your household — ahem, kids, ahem — that might operate them with more force than necessary, closet doors only get more dents and dings. For ages, the only solution felt like replacing them, right? But the truth is there's a simpler way to refresh your closet doors. All you need is some paint and new door hardware.

Now, if your closet doors are severely damaged or broken, replacing them may be necessary. But if they simply seem a little grubby, it's worth spending a weekend to update your closet door (and take your home's aesthetic to the next level) instead. Plus, your wallet will thank you. While replacing common bifold or standard hinge doors are fairly inexpensive (averaging at $150 and $200 respectively), replacing more intricate closet doors, like barn, sliding, pocket, or French doors can range from $600 to $5,000, depending on the door. On the other hand, a quart of paint (the amount you'll likely need to refresh your door) is around $27 and hardware starts around $3, depending on the finish and material. Making this a simple yet stunning way to upgrade plain closet doors without removing them.

A coat of paint is a beloved method to spruce up pretty much everything. But to make sure the color lasts, it's important to find the right paint for your door's material. Closet doors typically come in three different types: wood, including MDF, particleboard, and plywood; metal; or glass/mirrors. Oil-based paint works for most wood closet doors. For metal ones, choose between oil- or water-based metal paint. Oil-based is considered more durable while water-based is easier to apply. If you want to make over glass or mirror closet doors, try enamel paint. What sheen do you need for all of them? Semi-gloss is ideal.

When picking a color, look for one that enhances the room. Selecting a different shade of the current wall color or matching the trim is a great way to freshen up the space. Make sure to pick something in the same cool, neutral, or warm tone as the rest of the room.

Ready to paint? Remove your closet doors (and their hardware) and lay them down on a drop cloth. Clean wood and glass doors with warm water and a little soap, and use a degreaser on metal doors, then dry thoroughly. Repair as needed and remove any flaking paint, then sand the door down. If you're sanding wood, make sure to move with the grain. Dust off any debris, then add a bonding primer that's made to work with your door's material. Let dry, then add two layers of paint, allowing to dry in between. Let dry for a full day before rehanging the door in your closet.

One glance down the door accessories aisle confirms it: There are a lot of unique door hardware. So when choosing the right hardware for you, the best place to start is defining the kind of vibe you're trying to create. Different hardware finishes create different looks and give different feels to the same room. If you're leaning towards a more modern atmosphere, chrome, matte white, or matte black door pulls are a good place to start. They both provide that clean, polished look that modern or minimal design is known for. For a touch of luxury, gold finishes can add a subtle edge of glamor. Love the vintage look? Try brass hardware to bring in an antique vibe.

Then there's the design of the hardware itself. Simple door pulls, like the Ravinte 5-Inch Cabinet Pulls, make the door (and therefore the space) feel more modern, while more ornate handles, such as Jiozermi Round Birdcage Cabinet Handles or LXZ Vintage Antique Brass Ring Pulls, create a more eclectic or vintage vibe. Before picking yours out, study the room itself — existing furnishings, colors, and decor — to find the hardware that compliments and elevates  your space.

Installing the new hardware is simple. If any old hardware is still attached, remove it. Then decide where you want the replacement to sit. It doesn't have to be in the same spot, but make sure to patch any holes if you do move it. Next, follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the new hardware. Finally, sit back and enjoy your new closet doors.