I like the idea of the door but hate the idea of going through a bathroom to a closet so re work that layout and then go for the door.

Will the antique door fit with your existing decor? I like the idea but that is a primary question to ask.

"Is this a bad idea?"

Most likely, especially if it is a trophy door that does not harmonize with the rest of the interior.

In my opinion, a clothes closet directly accessible from a bathroom is always a bad idea. The potential for mold growth and having to walk through a wet space to get to a dry space and back again is not something I want to put my clients through. Some people have no problem with it, but it may be because the mold has not been seen yet.

I hadn’t thought of the mold with the closet accessible from bathroom. Great point! Thank you!

Unless you are doing a LOT of period pieces and customization - this will ultimately just look out of place.

We like entering the closet from the bathroom. A good exhaust fan on a timer and closing the closet door, no mold in 20+ years.

Liking this set up or not liking it can depend on lifestyle and work schedules. DH and I sometimes get ready at vastly different times. Our dressers are in the closet, so all the showering and dressing can happen with the bathroom door closed, rather than 1 person coming in and out of the bedroom multiple times and opening and closing dressers. We like this set up, but most of the pros on here say not to do it.

Regarding the French door. It’s pretty. If it goes with other things you’re doing in your primary suite, I think it’ll look nice. I have a stained alder linen cabinet in our otherwise mostly white bathroom. It’s a focal point, and I repeated the wood in accessories.

That oft parroted mold warning for a closet accessible from a bathroom is almost in the category of an urban legend. I find it especially funny from those who advise putting a linen closet in the master bath. I love closets accessible from the bath and have had that setup in two very different climates without a mold issue. It‘s an Issue of personal preference, not good design. Any pro advises against this either doesn’t understand the use of exhaust fans or is using the old bromide to justify personal preference.

Any walk in closet should have its own HVAC duct anyhow or else they get musty no matter where they are located.

I also love closet access from the bathroom for the reasons others have shared, have never had problems with mold, plus we haven't accidently flashed anyone since we moved our dressers into the closet too. No more streaking across the bedroom when one of us has forgotten to close the bedroom door and other people are in the house.

The door could be a nice touch. I'd consider what will be visible through the glass and whether being able to see in is going to detract from or enhance the beauty of your bathroom.

"Any pro advises against this either doesn’t understand the use of exhaust fans or is using the old bromide to justify personal preference."

Many people do not understand that exhaust fans do not always function as they are suppose to.

In fact many exhaust fans do not understand that people do not always function as they are suppose to. Many problems can be eliminated by eliminating opportunity.

That's a substantial door that could look really good if you can blend or match the design to the other doors and cabinets in your home.

It'll look fine.

It's a good idea (if it goes, if it works, etc. etc.).

And, if it turns out badly? You can get a new door!

@Fori - my favorite comment so far! :)

It will be great! Adds personality to the room. If you're worried about the rustic look of it, paint it white.

I love the idea. And don't listen to all the nay-sayers on this board. I've had a walk in closet off the master for years and years (millions of people do) and there hasn't even been enough moisture getting into the closet to steam up the mirror in there so not sure where all the mold fears come from.

@sheepla - thank you!

If you do decide to use it, get the matching replacement door now.

It's a great door, but I think it would be wasted there. A closet door from the main bath would almost always be open, so it would be tucked into the closet where you wouldn't see it. Do you have a pantry or laundry room where it could be used instead?

@calidesign - very good point and something to consider! It would definitely get seen more in those two areas vs the main bath which would mostly be just my husband and I

I too love closet access from bathroom. It’s where all the action is in getting ready. Not going back and forth from bedroom to bathroom. I’ve never understood people not liking the idea. I don’t like multi doors in a bedroom. But we all have our habits. Love the door, agree with calidesign.

Love the idea, depending on other elements.

I’ve had four houses with walk-in closets in the bathroom. Have never had mold, nor any other issues.

@Mark Bischak, Architect ... have you personally experienced mold growth in this situation?

I have a through the master walk in closet. Lived here 28 years without mold or musty odor. A distinctive door could be great looking, although clear glass may not be the best.

I have had clients that have experience mold growth in a closet accessed from a bathroom and I have had clients that have not experienced mold growth in a closet accessed from a bathroom. Those that have, have been in their home or cottage for a ling time. I try to avoid designing potential problems into a home.

But you haven’t personally.

And I take it there is definitive proof the mold was caused by the closet being accessed through the bathroom? And not other possible factors of an older home or cottage?

I have never had a closet accessed directly from a bathroom so I have no personal experience, only professional.

One client claimed space aliens planted the mold on the clothes and were going to return to earth in 58.72 years to harvest the mold, but I have no way of verifying that. We have questioned a Cladosporium, but they have opted to rely on their fifth amendment rights so it lead to a dead end. Our research has been hindered by funding and time constraints so we rely partially on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Ahh. Thank you for sharing your expertise! If I ever build, I’ll think long and hard first about anecdotal evidence of alien mold. Maybe I’ll have my closet built separate from the house!

I like the look of French doors on pantries and and china closets, assuming one arranges things in a neat and orderly fashion and doesn't mind their belongings being seen.

I am not sure how I feel about them on clothing closets. It just doesn't seem appropriate.

Like having your clothes dresser made of lucite.

@loobab - I see what you’re saying. I’m starting to lean towards moving this idea to the laundry or pantry area. We will also have a built in China closet which could be a cool place to add these elements as well and tie all together. Giving me ideas!!

@loobab - we’ll have a cabinet* not closet (just searched the difference)

If the style of the home (or just room) allows it, you can put curtains inside the window to hide your space mold clothing experiment...

I would use lace. I am very trendy!