Door Styles
One of the most versatile types of doors for closet systems are slab doors that are made of one continuous piece. You can have a decorative inlay, add a border on top, router in a pattern, or leave it plain. A cope and stick door is made from a panel framed by four narrow pieces called stiles and rails. The panel remains loose while the outside pieces are joined together, generally by tongue and groove. With this style of door, you can select a panel style as well as a profile for both side of the stiles and rails.
Frames generally have an insert, such as glass, with an outside frame of wood or other material. They can have mullion bars across the glass to add extra interest to the doors. Lastly, closets can have mitre doors, which are similar to a cope and stick door with the exception of the joints, which have a 45-degree angle.
Materials
The materials the doors are constructed from can be the same or different from the closets themselves. Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is frequently used for closet systems because it is economical, resilient, and doesn't warp. Because it consists of a mixture of fine wood fibers and glue, it will swell and weaken if it gets moist. Therefore, a plastic-like solid laminate or imitation wood grain often goes over the top.
Hardwood is a popular choice for organizational systems. It does expand and contract with the weather, but it shouldn't change the appearance or harm the quality of the door in any way. The wood can be shaped in different styles and the number of species available gives you unlimited choices. Materials like stainless steel and glass are generally used with another material for stability, safety, and design purposes. In the case of stainless steel, it can have a decorative touch with custom brushing or it can have a more industrial feel.
Hardware
Although the hardware is small in comparison to the doors and the closets, it has a big impact on the finished look of the piece. Knobs, handles, or pulls are the most common. If you would rather not have any handles, you can have groves routed into the backs of the doors or have the outsides of the doors beveled inwards depending on the final design. You can complement your design by choosing hidden hinges, such as a Blum hinge or pivot system. If you like the look of hinges, decorative hinges really add to the look of the piece.
Finishes
The finish you select depends on not only the material you select, but also the purpose and look you desire for your closet systems. MDF, for example, can be coated with paint, colored lacquer and glaze, or laminate to get the look you want. These materials are easy to clean, which is why they are popular in kitchens and bathrooms. Hardwoods on the other hand, can be oiled, lacquered, stained, or painted. Materials like glass and stainless steel only really need to be kept clean, although you can add 'antiquing' medium or etching for added interest.
There is a material, style, finish, and hardware for your closet system to match your space whether you have closets in Las Vegas office buildings with modern decor and straight lines or a country style living room. Go ahead and mix the different options together to create your own organizational work of art.
About the Author: Christine O'Kelly writes for Crowne Closets who are a top designer of custom closets in Las Vegas. They have a team of 130 designers, installers and builders to create the perfect Las Vegas closet systems.