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Large closet w/2 doors that hinge out: what use for latch?

16 years ago

I have a number of closets in my home that are 60-72" wide that have horrible accordion doors. I plan on replacing all of them whereby each closet would have two doors, one hinges on right of jamb, one hinges on left of jamb, they swing out into the room and give maximum access to the closet.

The problem I'm having is figuring out what to use to latch the doors. I was planning on ordering slab doors and put decorative handles on them but am wondering a good solution to latch the doors and am curious any ideas (and/or specific product recommendations). My door hardware will be oil rubbed bronze.

Thanks!

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Comments (6)

sombreuil_mongrel
16 years ago
You can order the doors with bullet catches already installed in the top edge. Then you just add dummy knobs.
Casey
Wayne Reibold
Original Author
16 years ago
Can you explain a bit more what you mean by "bullet catch"? I have a feeling I'll get a deer in the headlights look when I mention this at the order desk at Home Depot where I plan on ordering the doors. I'm guessing there's one part of it that mounts on the jamb and the other part comes already on the door? If you know of anyone who sells them aftermarket perhaps I could print that info off and bring it to Home Depot. Thanks for your help.
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Thanks Lyfia! All three ideas could work well. The closet wall currently would be between the two transom windows, so it wouldn't block either. Still, I especially like your idea of putting in a nice PAX closet, at least initially. A 59" (or 49") PAX closet, with a bench or plant in front of the left sidelite. I think that could work very well (if DH will be willing to be unconventional. I'm from Europe, so I'm quite used to wardrobes and no closets). I've been wanting to do a closet organizer anyway, so PAX could accomplish that. And, as you'd said, it means we could see what the space really feels like after we move in. This makes me wonder whether the entry door should be 2'8" rather than 3'0" wide. A smaller door might make the space feel larger ... and would leave more of the closet accessible. I'd assumed that 3' was more practical for bringing in fridges, couches, etc. But if 2'8" is a standard, then there must be other ways movers cope with massive furniture. Thanks! Very interesting ideas for me to sleep on. :-) (Yawn).
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I just built option 3, not completely finished. I think wardrobes are typical in Europe but not in US so from the perspective of resale the traditional closet is best. So far we are happy with our choice as we had been considering sliding doors which at the length and height of our closet were priced at about what I paid for the unit. The room is small so it is difficult to get a good picture. We have triple and double height hanging and pullouts for ties/belts/shoes. A not finished piece is a vanity desk and shelves above. This post was edited by 5yearslater on Sun, Jun 2, 13 at 18:28
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sjhockeyfan, the discount varies with the total purchase size. From the website: "Save 10% when you spend up to $1000. Save 15% when you spend over $1000. Save 20% when you spend over $2000. Discount applies to products offered by The Sliding Door Company and may not be applied to installation or sales tax. Discount can not be combined with other offers or can not be applied to past purchases. Appointment must be made through this form. No discount honored for no-shows. Discount valid now through 11/30/13." I am giving the link for the San Diego store so you can see the green "button" to click on to make an appointment and get the discount. To find the offer for your local store, try to Google "sliding door company 20%" plus your city's name. Here is a link that might be useful: SDC link
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I think it would be a bad idea to turn an entry door into a Murphy door. You'd hate it every time you had to walk through it and deal with the bulkier door. And I assume it would be in-swing, with the closet part on the back? So you'd have to close the door to access the clothes. I think the point of a Murphy door is to hide contents within the walls. This wouldn't do that. If it is something that would provide value to you, then consider doing it. Don't do it in anticipation of selling the house for a higher price. That's my general advice for upgrading a house. Don't do things you won't use/enjoy just for future buyers. And don't not do things that will help you enjoy the house just because a future buyer won't likely pay for it. The main things to ask the "resale value" question on are things that might devalue the house. Try to avoid those.
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sombreuil_mongrel
16 years ago
Link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bullet Catch
Wayne Reibold
Original Author
16 years ago
dumb question... considering each closet has TWO doors that swing out towards you as you open them (one hinged on left jamb, one hinged on right jamb), would this bullet catch be placed at the top of each door and at the top door jamb?
homebound
16 years ago
Yes. BTW, they adjust by screwing in/out, so over time you may have to readjust them a bit (or put some teflon tape on the threads to keep them from unscrewing to begin with.
geoff
16 years ago
Or you could use magnetic catches at the top of each door.

Here is a link that might be useful: magnetic catches

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