Skip Basic Cabinet Doors: Turn Curtains Into A Stylish Alternative

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If you thought you had no alternatives to cabinet doors, think again. Yes, a run of solid doors along your kitchen or bathroom cabinets might be the default choice, but that also makes them a basic option that doesn't always add much to the room's aesthetics or atmosphere. When rows of cabinet doors dominate a space, the lack of visual variation can make it feel heavy and imposing. If you want to instantly transform your kitchen cabinets with a more unique and inviting solution, why not skip the doors altogether and opt for a stylish curtain in their place?

A layer of beautiful fabric to break up the hard cabinetry faces will visually soften the look of a kitchen or bathroom, adding warmth, texture, and character. Plus, with endless options for materials, colors, and patterns, they're a great way to personalize your space. You can choose between different weights and more durable materials (such as indoor/outdoor fabrics or repurposed shower curtains) to suit your functional needs, and curtains are typically cheap and easy to swap out if you ever want to change the look.

The skirted kitchen cabinet trend, where curtains replace one or more lower cabinet doors, enjoyed a big moment in the spotlight a few years ago, and it's still going strong. There are so many ways to embrace this cozy, eye-catching update, from using multiple curtains to replace an entire run of cabinet doors to using a single curtain to cover the space under the sink. You don't have to limit the idea to kitchens or bathrooms, either. A stylish curtain can make a great alternative to cabinet doors in any space, be that a living room, laundry room, or mudroom.

Replacing basic cabinet doors with curtains is an easy DIY. Once you've removed your cabinet doors by unscrewing the hinges, decide how to hang your curtain. To get the most elevated look, hang the curtain from a rod or wire. This is ideal if you have a straight, mountable surface on the countertop or cabinet frame above or to the side of the section you need to cover. A style like the TVWOO Wrap Around Curtain Rod is a great choice, since the narrow rail is designed for lighter drapery and offers flexible mounting options. For a curtain that doesn't have a pocket panel, you could attach it to the edge profile of your countertop with heavy-duty Velcro or hang it from a rod with clips. If you're DIYing your curtain instead of buying off the shelf, consider the pleat you want and sew any raw edges to avoid fraying.

There are several things to consider when buying curtains and a few downsides to be aware of when using them for your cabinets. Unlike doors that can be wiped down, cabinet curtains will need washing regularly, as the fabric may quickly harbor bacteria. Light-colored curtains also tend to be more susceptible to visible staining (depending on the location and amount of use) that could incur even more frequent cleaning. The fabric provides no seal either, meaning dust and pet hair can find their way into your cabinets, so you might want to avoid them in places where you store food or sensitive items.