Finding the right closet doors for your home can be a surprisingly difficult task. Not only do you want to find something that looks gorgeous and matches the aesthetic of your room, but you also need to think about functionality, particularly if your closet is on the smaller side. You certainly do not want an inconvenient door blocking your valuable closet space. So, if you are trying to figure out how to choose the perfect closet door for your space, then you should learn about two potential options: pivot doors and bifold doors. 

For an interesting and modern look, the pivot door is worth considering. Rather than opening using hinges on the side of the door frame like a regular door, pivot doors open on hinges placed at the top and bottom of the door frame. As the name suggests, the door pivots on the hinges to open. 

Bifold doors are a more classic option worth considering. These doors are split vertically and slide along a track on the top and bottom of the door frame. As they slide, the panels fold together, creating an opening in the doorway. Bifold doors also often come in pairs, with a bifold door that folds to either side of the door frame. Both pivot doors and bifold doors have some advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before purchasing and installing either, and the best style of door for you may depend on your closet’s size and shape, along with your design preferences.

If your main priority with a closet door is to find something bold and stylish that can be an accent feature in your room, then the pivot door is for you. While there are some exciting styles of bifold doors, the unique design of pivot doors makes them far more unique and eye-catching than the more traditional bifold door. Pivot doors look sleek and luxurious, and because of the pivoting mechanism, this style can support heavier doors. This gives you more freedom when choosing materials and designs. 

It also means that the doors can support more weight, which is helpful if you plan to add hooks or other storage on the door to better use your closet space. If you want to hang belts, jewelry, other accessories, or even a mirror on your closet door, pivot doors are a good choice. For example, you can instantly turn closet doors into extra storage with an inexpensive IKEA essential. This is especially true when compared to bifold doors with their folding feature that makes door storage options much more limited. 

For a truly beautiful door to your simple closet, especially a walk-in closet that can easily accommodate the movement, a pivot door is a great choice. They are functional while looking far more interesting than most other closet door styles. While it is hard to imagine stepping away from such a chic design, it is still worth considering a bifold door as well for some different potential benefits.

As cool as pivot doors look, they can be pretty expensive. Luckily, bifold doors are a viable alternative that is typically more affordable. While they may not look quite as special as a pivot door, bifold doors have a timeless and classic look. Because they are such a common closet door, there are many different colors and styles to choose from. You can find louver doors that look perfect in a coastal home, wood that looks traditional, or even glass options that can bring some modernity to your space. There are also many creative ideas to give new life to basic bifold closet doors, so you can adapt them to fit your aesthetic needs.

Importantly, bifold doors may also be a more convenient and practical choice for your home. The fold of the doors means that they occupy little space in your room or hallway, even when open, making them perfect for small rooms or hallways. They also work well for reach-in closets or closets where you do not have space for the smaller side of a pivoting door to move. So, if you are constricted by closet size or budget, then bifold doors might be a better option than pivot doors. 

Overall, both pivot doors and bifold doors are great options for closets, but you should be mindful of your particular home and the pros and cons of each type of door in order to make the best decision. Pivot doors are a bolder accent choice, while bifold doors are more classic and functional.