You don't know How to hide a door without removing it Do you have a door that spoils the harmony of your interior or that no longer serves any purpose? You are not alone! In our travelsinspiration around the world, we've discovered that this small architectural detail can sometimes become a real decorative headache. Whether it leads to an unused closet, an old, condemned room, or simply disrupts the balance of your space, an unwanted door deserves creative solutions.
Our research and experiments have allowed us to identify five original approaches to transform or hide a door without undertaking major renovations. Whether you're a tenant with constraints or a homeowner looking for fresh ideas, these tips will fit your budget and your DIY skills.
Our article in brief:
Discover five creative approaches to transform or hide an unwanted door without major work.
- Decorative transformation : contrasting paint, moldings or functional surface like a magnetic board.
- Camouflage by furniture : high bookcases, comfortable bench or mini dressing in front of the door.
- Visual illusion : uniform paint with the wall, continuous wallpaper or dressing with textured materials.
- Textile solutions : curtains in natural fabrics, imposing mirror or plant panel to hide the passage.
- Permanent Conviction : plasterboard, tiles or wooden boards for permanent solutions.
In this article
Transform your door into a decorative element
Rather than seeking to hide a door, why not make it a real star of your interior decoration? Doors transformed into design elements add character and originality to any room. A simple lick of paint in a contrasting shade can transform an ordinary passageway into a captivating architectural accent. Bold colors like duck egg blue, terracotta, or sage green instantly transform the atmosphere.
To add depth and texture, attach horizontal wooden strips or geometric moldings. This technique, inspired by Scandinavian interiors, adds warmth and character. Transformation into a functional surface also offers interesting possibilities: magnetic paint or slate will convert your door into a creative board for notes, drawings or photos.
The replacement of classic handles and hardware with more elaborate models (in brushed brass, painted ceramic or carved wood) is sometimes enough to radically change the appearance of a door. These small details, which we particularly admired in the Mediterranean residences, can make all the difference.
Hide a door with strategically placed furniture
Careful placement of furniture is an elegant solution for hide a door without removing it however and without permanent modification. Tall bookcases and wall shelves Not only do they create an effective visual screen, but they also provide valuable storage space. For a harmonious result, choose a piece of furniture whose height slightly exceeds that of the door.
Custom fittings for unused doors
For seamless integration, consider a custom design that incorporates the door into a cohesive whole. We saw this approach work particularly well in a Parisian apartment where an old service door completely disappeared behind a composition of asymmetrical light wood shelves.
If the door is permanently closed, installing a comfortable bench or a small reading corner In front of it, it creates a new functional space while also hiding the passageway. Add cushions with various textures, a small side table, and a few plants to transform this constraint into a real decorative asset.
For tight spaces, transform the area in front of the door into a mini walk-in closet with built-in hooks, a mirror, and shoe storage. This practical solution is ideal for doors in entryways or hallways.
Hide a door by creating the illusion of a continuous wall
The simplest and most effective tip for hide a door consists of creating continuity with the surrounding wall. The technique of uniform painting between the door and the adjacent wall trompe l'oeil in a remarkable way. For optimal results, remove or replace the handle with a discreet push-pull system, and also paint the frame in the same shade.
Wallpaper is an even more creative solution. By applying the same pattern to both the door and the wall, you create a visually continuous surface. Panoramic or large-patterned designs work particularly well for this trompe-l'oeil effect. During our visit to a guesthouse in Portugal, we admired a door entirely covered in floral wallpaper that blended seamlessly into the wall.
For lovers of natural textures, cladding with materials such as facing tiles, wooden strips or even cork radically transforms the look of a door while bringing warmth and character to the room.
Hide your door with textile and decorative elements
- Installing a curtain rod above the door to hang lightweight sheers or heavier curtains
- Use natural fabrics like linen or cotton for a soft and warm atmosphere
- Choosing patterned curtains to create an interesting focal point
- Selection of textiles with acoustic properties to reduce footfall noise
Large decorative objects are also great ways to distract attention. An imposing mirror placed on the floor in front of the door Not only does it conceal it, but it also visually enlarges the space. Antique mirrors with gilded frames add a touch of timeless elegance that we particularly love.
Large paintings or artwork hung on the door itself create a striking effect. To enhance this impression, add directional lighting that highlights the artwork rather than the door. This artistic approach transforms an architectural constraint into a true decorative asset.
Greenery lovers will appreciate the installation of a plant panel or a wall of climbing plants which brings freshness and naturalness while effectively camouflaging the passage. This solution is inspired by Japanese interiors where the line between nature and habitat blends harmoniously.
Technical solutions for permanently locking a door
For situations requiring permanent sealing, several options are available. The most common method is to use plasterboard attached to a metal frame. This technique creates a flat, uniform surface that blends seamlessly with the rest of the wall.
| Solution | Difficulty level | Approximate cost | Reversibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plasterboard | AVERAGE | 50-100€ | Difficult |
| Plaster tiles | Pupil | 100-150€ | Very difficult |
| Wooden boards | Easy | 30-80€ | Average |
Plasterboard tiles offer a stronger and more durable solution, ideal for exterior doors. This method, on the other hand, requires masonry skills and is not recommended for beginners. For a warm, natural finish, screwed wooden planks are a more accessible alternative that blends particularly well with rustic or colonial-style interiors.
Whichever technique you choose, don't forget to provide adequate sound and thermal insulation, especially for doors leading to the exterior or common areas. The final surface treatment (paint, wallpaper, decorative coating) will allow the old door location to blend harmoniously into your interior design.
Legal aspects and precautions to take before locking a door
Before undertaking any modifications, a few checks are necessary. For interior doors, you generally have a great deal of creative freedom. On the other hand, work on exterior doors is subject to strict regulations which vary depending on the municipality. A modified building permit may be necessary, particularly in protected areas or for listed buildings.
- Check that the door is not on a load-bearing wall
- Make sure it is not a mandatory emergency exit
- Check the condominium regulations if you live in an apartment
- Ask your landlord for written permission if you are a tenant
For tenants, we recommend easily reversible solutions like curtains, room dividers, or movable furniture. These options allow you to transform your space without risking losing your deposit. If you're considering a more substantial change, a written request accompanied by a detailed description of the project will increase your chances of getting the landlord's agreement.
Adapt your solutions according to the room and your budget
Each space in the home requires specific solutions to conceal an unwanted door. In a living room, a bookcase or entertainment center creates a warm ambiance while effectively concealing the doorway. For kitchens, transform the door into a storage space with spice racks or a family organization board.
In the rooms, the integration of the door into a wall composition around the bed offers a stylish solution. Use textiles, decorative panels, or custom headboards that wrap around the door to create the perfect cozy atmosphere.
Bathrooms particularly benefit from mirror-based solutions, which, in addition to concealing a door, visually enlarge the space. A large mirror placed against the door adds depth and brightness to this often cramped room.
Budget-wise, textile solutions (curtains, drapes) and paint are the most economical options. Conversely, custom-made furnishings and upholstery made from high-quality materials require a more substantial investment but offer spectacular results. The important thing is to choose an approach that matches your lifestyle and the characteristics of your interior.
