How to Hang Fabric to Cover a Closet Opening

Measure your closet opening. Use a metal tape measure to extend from one side of the opening to the other side, both horizontally and vertically. Write dimensions on a piece of paper. For a more dramatic look, add 6 to 8 inches to the top measurement and each side. Add 2 inches to the bottom measurement to allow for a finished fabric hem.

Decide how full and gathered you would like the fabric closet door to appear. Typically, the horizontal fabric measurement is double the closet width measurement to create a fuller, gathered look. Heavier fabrics, such as damask or brocade, can achieve a full appearance with less fabric. Multiply the measurement for the width of the closet by 1 1/2 times to determine the amount of heavier fabric needed.

Look at the colors in your room, including walls, furnishings and floors. Choose a fabric for your closet door to coordinate with your room's current color palette. Also, select a fabric that is sufficiently opaque to hide your closet's contents and one that will hang or drape well. Avoid lightweight cotton blends.

Choose a curtain rod that will complement your room's style. A neutral black or brown metal rod enhances almost any decor style. White curtain rods are ideal for cottage or black-and-white contemporary design.

Make a pencil mark on the wall where curtain rod brackets are to be hung. Refer to your closet dimensions and measure down vertically from the ceiling and horizontally from the open sides of the closet opening according to your measurements. The brackets will hang where these lines intersect.

Attach the curtain rod brackets to the wall with a screwdriver.

Fold the bottom, top and sides of the fabric over 2 inches and iron down to create a crisp crease in the fabric. Place a fabric adhesive tape between the folded fabric and follow adhesive instructions to secure the fabric, creating a finished hem along the bottom, top and sides.

Hang the fabric onto the curtain rod using curtain clips or grommets. Select metal rings or grommets that will allow ample room to easily slide along the curtain rod.

Hang your curtain rod securely into curtain rod brackets and evenly adjust fabric gathers.