When we planned the closet, we discovered the existing door placement meant a standard single door would always get in the way. That led to the idea for custom French doors. I wanted something with a three-dimensional detail and—of course—pink paint. After sketching several ideas and polling opinions, we settled on a diamond motif. It echoed the diamond pattern in our Moroccan bedroom rug and provided a geometric counterpoint to the room’s many curves, like the chandelier and scalloped tile.
I’m thrilled with the result. This build is an advanced DIY project and fairly technical, so we only recommend attempting it if you or someone you know has solid woodworking experience (our friend Wes built these for us). If you already have pre-existing French or bi-fold doors, the concept might still inspire you to add a simpler 3D element. Below we outline the process we followed, but keep in mind that final measurements and some steps must be adapted to your door sizes and hardware.
Because this is a technical project that depends heavily on your door dimensions and hardware, the steps below give the general approach. For accurate measurements, precise cuts, and safe installation, consult a professional woodworker or an experienced DIYer who can adapt these directions to your situation.
DIY Pink Closet French Doors
Total Time: Varies depending on skill level and door size
Supplies
Materials:
Door slab (sized to your frame)
Wood strips (2×4 or scrap wood, long enough to span the door slab)
Wood glue
Door hinges and screws
1/2″ plywood for triangular pieces (or pre-made diamond shapes cut in half)
Paint and primer
Door handles
Tools:
Table saw or circular saw
Cordless drill
Chisel and hammer
Straight edge or guide for ripping with a circular saw
Clamps and sandpaper
Measuring tape and pencil
Paintbrush or roller
Directions
1. Measure the frame opening (width and height) to choose a door slab that will fit comfortably with clearance for hardware and trim.
2. Cut the door slab to the correct length, then rip it in half vertically to create two door leaves if starting from a single slab.
3. For hollow-core slabs, add wood strips inside the hollow areas to create solid stiles and rails where hardware will attach. Glue and secure as needed.
4. Bevel the meeting edges of the doors by setting the saw to a slight angle (2–3 degrees) and trimming so the two doors close without binding. This is important for a smooth operating pair.
5. Mark hinge locations on both the doors and the frame. Mortise the hinge recesses with a chisel so hinges sit flush when installed.
6. Attach the hinge leaves to the doors and the frame (remove hinge pins while positioning if helpful). Reassemble the hinges and hang the doors, checking swing and alignment.
7. With the doors closed, measure and mark where you want the diamond outlines to sit so they are symmetrical across both leaves.
8. Remove the doors from the frame and cut the triangle pieces that will form the diamonds. If using pre-cut diamonds, cut them in half to form the triangles.
9. Dry-fit the triangle pieces to ensure the shapes meet cleanly and align with your marked outlines. Adjust cuts if needed.
10. Attach the triangle pieces to the door faces using wood glue and clamps. For extra strength, countersink screws from the back or through the edge where they won’t show.
11. Fill any gaps or screw holes, sand the entire door surfaces smooth, then prime and paint. Multiple thin coats produce the best finish.
12. Install your chosen door handles and any additional hardware.
13. Re-hang the doors and make final adjustments to hinges and catches so the doors operate smoothly and close evenly.
Photos by Jeff Mindell | Woodworking by Wesley Stiller
Design by Kelly Mindell
This project is rewarding but requires careful measuring, precise cutting, and experience with hinges and door fitting. If you’re confident in your woodworking skills, these steps will guide you through creating custom, three-dimensional French doors that make a bold statement—especially in pink.