To make open shelves appear or function as closed storage, you can employ various covering methods, including adding doors or using decorative panels.
Several techniques allow you to transform open shelving units into closed storage solutions, improving aesthetics, hiding clutter, and protecting contents. These methods range from simple coverings to installing permanent door systems.
Here are some effective ways to make open shelves closed:
Adding Doors to Your Shelves
The most direct way to close open shelves is by adding doors. This can be achieved through various door types:
- Hinged Doors: Traditional doors that swing open. You'll need to measure the openings precisely and attach hinges to the shelf unit frame and the doors. This method requires basic carpentry skills and hardware.
- Sliding Doors: These doors slide horizontally along a track, requiring less space in front of the shelves. As mentioned in the reference from nobroker.in, sliding doors are "very cool and superior looking and serve as a partition wherever wanted." They are ideal for narrow spaces.
- Folding Doors (Bifold or Accordion): These doors fold up as they open, saving space. They work well for wider shelf openings.
Utilizing Covering Panels and Screens
Beyond traditional doors, panels and screens offer flexible ways to cover open shelves:
- Fabric Panels or Curtains: Hanging fabric panels or curtains from a rod installed above the shelves is a simple and cost-effective solution. This method allows easy access and adds a touch of softness or color.
- Screens or Room Dividers: While primarily used to separate spaces, a decorative screen or room divider can be placed directly in front of the shelves. According to the reference, room dividers "help to divide big spaces into smaller ones." Applying this concept, a divider can partition the shelving area, effectively concealing the contents.
- Mirrored Panels: Mirrors can also be used to cover openings, as noted in the reference for covering a closet. Attaching mirrored panels or mirrored door fronts to the shelves not only conceals the contents but also adds light and the illusion of space to the room.
- Decorative Boards or Panels: Custom-cut wooden or decorative panels can be attached with hinges or simply leaned against the openings for a semi-permanent cover.
Choosing the Right Method
The best approach depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, required level of access, and DIY skills.
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hinged Doors | Traditional swinging doors | Full closure, classic look | Requires space to swing open, moderate DIY |
| Sliding Doors | Doors on a track that slide side-to-side | Space-saving, modern look | Requires tracking hardware |
| Folding Doors | Doors that fold open | Space-saving for wide openings | Can look less seamless when closed |
| Curtains/Fabric | Fabric hung from a rod | Affordable, easy install, variety of styles | Less secure, less formal look |
| Room Divider/Screen | Placed in front of shelves | No modification to shelves needed | Takes up floor space in front, less secure |
| Mirrored Panels | Mirrored panels or doors attached to openings | Hides contents, adds light/space, stylish | Can be heavy, prone to fingerprints |
| Decorative Panels | Custom boards/panels covering openings | Customizable look | May not be fully secure, can look DIY |
By implementing one of these strategies, you can easily transform open shelves into functional, aesthetically pleasing closed storage.
