Temporary Door Ideas for Apartment

Privacy is extremely important in regards to apartments. It is crucial to ensure that you have the opportunity for some peace and quiet without your neighbors being privy to every aspect of your life.

One way to do this is by using a temporary door. This can be as simple as a curtain or sheet that hangs in front of your doorway.

Not only will this give you some privacy, but it’ll also add a touch of style to your apartment. 

It also works if you are looking for a way to spice up your apartment without making any permanent changes. 

This blog post will explore some of the best options for adding some flair to your apartment door.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy fix or something more elaborate, here are some temporary door ideas that’ll make you swoon!

Temporary Door Ideas for Apartments

How to make temporary doors

A temporary door is a great option if you want to add a little personality to your space without committing to a full-blown renovation.

From beaded curtains and privacy screens to vinyl accordion doors, these are some of the best ideas for adding an extra dash of style (and functionality) to any room.

You may also consider Sliding barn doors, bookcases, and saloon-style swinging doors with rope.

1. Beaded Curtains

Beaded curtains are a popular choice for apartment doors because they are decorative and functional.

They provide privacy while still allowing light to pass through, making them perfect for use in small spaces.

Plus, they come in various colors and styles, so you can find the perfect set to match your decor.

The best thing about beaded curtains for apartments is that they can easily be removed when you move out.

You won’t have any holes left in your walls or doors from nails or screws, making this type of temporary door an ideal choice for renters who don’t know how long they’ll stay at a given location.

Installation

Installing beaded curtains is a breeze. They come with a built-in rod that you can use to hang them up.

Simply attach the hooks to your doorframe or wall, and you’re good to go. You can also make your own beaded curtains for DIY enthusiasts by using a tension rod and fishing lines.

2. Privacy Screens

Door alternatives for renters

If you’re looking for something a little more permanent than beaded curtains, privacy screens are a great option.

These panels can be attached to your doorframe or wall with screws or nails, making them a good choice for renters or homeowners who want a more permanent solution.

Privacy screens come in a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and vinyl. They also come in a variety of styles, so you can find one that matches the look of your apartment.

Privacy screens provide privacy without blocking light or airflow, making them perfect for use in small spaces.

Installation

Privacy screens are easy to install. All you need is a drill and a level to make sure the panels are straight.

If you’re attaching them to a doorframe, make sure you leave enough space for the door to open and close freely.

Ensure the privacy screen is level with the floor and ceiling so it doesn’t stick out from either side of the frame.

3. Vinyl Accordion Doors

If you want something easy to install and can be removed when you move out, vinyl accordion doors are a great option.

These temporary door ideas for apartments come in two parts: one for the top and one for the bottom. They attach with magnets, so there’s no need for screws or nails.

Plus, they’re lightweight and easy to move around, making them a good choice for small spaces.

Vinyl accordion doors are a great choice for apartments where you need to divide up space but don’t want anything permanent or expensive.

They come in various styles and colors, so you can find the perfect one to fit your needs. 

Installation

First, use a level to ensure that your door is perfectly horizontal. If it’s not, you can adjust the hinges until it is. Next, measure the height of your door opening. 

Next, cut the bottom of your vinyl accordion door to fit the height of your door frame.

It’s okay if it’s a little longer or shorter than what you measured; just try to get as close as possible, so there aren’t any gaps when installing it. Also, make sure both sides are even with each other.

Now, use the drill to create pilot holes in the doorframe. If your vinyl accordion door is shorter than the height of your door opening, you will need to make additional cuts so that it fits correctly. 

Once the door is cut to size, align it with the top of the doorframe and attach it using the magnets that came with your kit.

If you’re using a laser level to ensure everything is straight, use the pencil marks on either side of the door as guides when making pilot holes in each corner for screws or nails (or both).

4. Sliding Barn Doors

DIY temporary door ideas

A sliding barn door is a great way to add privacy to your apartment without taking up too much space. It’s also a great way to add some rustic charm to your home.

Barn doors come in a variety of materials, including wood and metal. They can be attached to the wall or doorframe with screws or nails, making them a good choice for renters or homeowners.

Installation

To install a sliding barn door, first, measure the width of your door opening. Then, cut the barn door to size using a saw.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, most hardware stores will do it for you for a small fee. 

Once you cut the barn door to size, attach it to the wall or doorframe with screws or nails. Make sure it’s level before you do so.

You may also want to attach a stop (an L-shaped piece of wood or metal) to the floor, so the door doesn’t slide all the way open.

This will prevent it from hitting the wall or doorframe and damaging either one.

5. Bookcase

How to make a makeshift door

It’s not always that you find a bookcase in an apartment, but if you do have one, then it’s probably taking up more space than some of your other furniture pieces.

You can use it as an opportunity to create a private room or closet with the help of temporary door ideas for apartments.

Installation

Measure the width and height of your bookcase, then cut two pieces of wood that are about half an inch smaller on all sides.

These will be used for side panels, so make sure they’re long enough to cover any gaps between the bookcase and the wall. 

Next, cut a piece of wood that is the same width as your bookcase but about two inches taller. You will use this for the top panel. Sand all of the pieces of wood so they’re smooth to the touch.

Now, attach the side panels to the top and bottom of the bookcase using screws or nails.

If there are any gaps between the wall and the bookcase, you can use the extra wood you cut earlier to fill them in. 

Last, attach a handle to the front of the bookcase to be opened and closed easily.

6. Saloon-Style Swinging Doors

Some apartments have a door between the kitchen and living room. This can make it hard for you to talk with guests if they’re in one room while you’re cooking dinner.

A saloon-style swinging door will allow light from both rooms, so there’s no need to open it all the way when entertaining guests.

A saloon-style swinging door works best for people who want the option of having an open floor plan but also need a way to divide their space.

Installation

To install a saloon-style swinging door, first, measure the width and height of your door opening.

Then, cut two pieces of wood that are about half an inch smaller on all sides than what you measured earlier. These will be used for the door panels.

Next, cut a piece of wood that is the same width as your door opening but about two inches taller for the top panel. Sand all of the pieces of wood so they’re smooth to the touch. 

Now, attach the side panels to the top and bottom of the door using screws or nails. To create the swinging effect, you’ll need to attach a hinge on each side of the door.

Make sure they’re positioned correctly so when you open and close it, there’s no gap between the two panels or wall/doorframe.

Last, attach a handle to each side of the door to be opened and closed easily.

FAQs

Are temporary doors easy to install?

Yes, many of them come with instructions on how to install it. Most temporary door options also have a guide to help find out more information about each type and its installation process. 

Do I need an expert handyman for the job, or can I do it myself?

To get a good result, it is always advisable to have an expert handyman do the installation. However, if you’re confident in your abilities and are willing to take on the challenge, then you can install it yourself.

Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

Can temporary doors be used for other purposes?

Yes, many people use them as room dividers or block off an area that needs privacy. If you have pets, they can help keep them from running away when someone opens the door accidentally.

How much do temporary doors cost?

The price will depend on what kind of material is used for construction and installation costs, but it should be around $200-300 per square foot installed.

Final Thoughts

Getting temporary doors for apartments can be a fun and easy way to add some privacy or style to your home without making any permanent changes.

It is, however, advisable to measure the space you’re working with before making any purchases, as this will ensure that the door you choose is the right fit.

Go for an option that will offer enough privacy and make your apartment feel like home.

Similar Posts