How to Replace Bi-fold Doors With Curtains

Prepping the Doorway

• 1

  Remove the bi-fold doors by lifting up each door slightly, one at a time, and tilting. This will cause the door to slide off of its track.

• 2

  Remove the bi-fold door track from the top of the closet door frame with a screwdriver. Keep the track, screws and door together if you think you might use them elsewhere in your home. Otherwise, donate, discard or recycle these items.

• 3

  Fill holes left in your wall or door trim with a bit of spackle. Use your finger or a small trowel to push a small bit of spackle into the hole, wipe it smooth and even with the frame and let it dry per manufacturer's instructions.

• 4

  Sand the spackle lightly with fine-grit sandpaper so that the surface is smooth and no bumps or texture are apparent. The screw holes should disappear when painted.

• 5

  Apply touch-up paint with a small brush. Cover screw holes, spackle and any areas where sanding has removed paint. This is a good time to go ahead and paint over any scratches or scuffs on the trim as well. Even if you're simply touching up just the screw holes, use a drop cloth the keep the flooring underneath clean and drip-free. Let paint dry per manufacturer's instructions.

Hanging the Curtain

• 6

  Shop for and purchase a sturdy curtain rod that is several inches longer than the width of your closet door opening. Tension rods are an option, but the type of rods that install in the wall with screws will better withstand daily tugging and pulling on the curtain when you're opening and closing it.

• 7

  Hold the rod up to the wall above the closet door opening to determine its correct placement. Use a level to ensure you hang the rod straight. Mark drill holes by placing a pencil through the bracket's screw holes. Another option is to hang the rod above your closet door opening on the inside of your closet. Working inside the closet is slightly more difficult, but hiding the rod from view gives your closet a clean, finished look.

• 8

  Drill holes for bracket screws based on your markings. If you have drilled into drywall, use a hammer to lightly tap a drywall anchor into each hole. If you have drilled into a stud or some other solid wood surface, this step is unnecessary. Install brackets on the wall using the hardware provided, which is typically screws.

• 9

  Thread the rod into the curtain's rod pocket. Another option, if desired, is to clip curtain rings along the top of the curtain panel, then thread the rod through the curtain rings. Curtain rings are not necessary but will allow you to open and close the curtain more completely and easily.

• 10

  Place the rod in the brackets and secure per the manufacturer's instructions. This typically is tightening a few screws that hold the rod in place.