I would keep the bifold door as it is way more functional than the barn door you are thinking about.

What is the issue with the bifold doors? I just remodeled and had them installed in two of my closets because they are functionally the best choice. Aesthetically they look fine as well.

There are different qualities of bifold doors. The original bifold doors were crappy thin metal that looked and felt cheap and seemed to jam and go off their track. I replaced them with solid wood doors and they operate seamlessly and look as good as the "regular" closet door I have in the hallway.

What do you keep stored in the closet? Does the closet have to have doors or could you have a mud bench type scenario built into that area so all doors could be removed? Then you could do a console table on left with a lamp and mirror or piece of art above it and keep a nice tray on table for keys , mail etc. You could even tuck a couple stools or ottomans under console to bring out as extra seating from time to time. Is the door on the right to a laundry closet or your electrical hvac?

Another thought I just had... put a stool on right wall and couple hooks above it for coats. And use left wall for a console table with trinkets and art/mirror over it..

Why would you want to complcate this foyer. No barn door

Hinge the doors to the closet so you have easy access

Why would you need a bench in a condo foyer?

Place a console or chest in the foyers with a mirror

Add a buffet lamp and accessories for the top of the chest

Maybe consider changing the color of the doors in the condo?

@pink_peony, the closet is very deep, so we were planning to use for more than just coats and shoes. We don't have too much storage in the condo overall, so i don't know if losing that space is the best option. Its a cool idea though, i had not thought of that..!

Why can’t your everyday coats & shoes be stored in the closet? since I live in a climate where coats are rarely worn maybe I’m missing something. I don’t like seeing coats & shoes cluttering up the entry, rarely seen where I live , but I’ve seen it while visiting in other parts of the country. Also, I would keep the bifold doors & forget about the alternative.

You definitely do NOT want to get rid of closed storage in a condo. I just went to considerable effort and expense in the remodel of my condo to add as much COVERED space as possible.

I also don't understand why you wouldn't put coats and shoes IN the closet. Generally having open storage of coats etc. is a last ditch effort when the entrance has no closet for the stuff - it's not generally a deliberate design choice.

@Helen, yes they do seem more functional for what we have. My fiance hates them for some reason, maybe for the reasons you said about the old ones..

If you have crappy cheap metal ones like I had, then go to a door store with him and explore the alternatives. I have no idea why someone would object to high quality bifold doors as they are completely functional and allow access to every part of the closet.

@BeverlyFLADeziner, i just always liked the idea of a bench i guess.. Seems cozy to me haha. We're not tied to it, it might have to go if it doesn't suit..

@Helen, the ones the condo came with are definitely not nice. So maybe we need to look at the better wood options as you say.

Then i would just change the doors to a simple swing out set and do the console with two pull out stools like i pictures above.

You probably have the same crappy metal ones that I had in my condo. I agree they are awful but my wood replacements are nothing like those at all.

Far better to just start immediately putting things in the closet - perhaps you can do something in the closet so that it's easier to hang the coats and put away the shoes.

In my experience, anything that is intended to hold clutter will be a clutter depository. Do you really want the first visual of your home to be shoes and coats when you have a viable alternative to put them IN the closet behind closed doors.

@pink_peony, i like the idea of the pull out stools under the console!!

@Helen, yes that's very true. I agree looks much nicer without..

That's a great compromise!

I’m going through the same dilemma with our new condo! I think you absolutely need some type of bench. You and guests need a place to sit to put shoes on. We’re looking at one with a back on it and I’ll put a few pillows on it. Good luck!

What's behind door # 3, the louvered door? Air handler?

@Oliviag, washer/dryer room, as well as water heater, furnace etc

Living in the Pacific NW our home’s front entry coat tree is used often for letting rain parkas dry before putting away in closet. Not a big deal and minimal ‘clutter’. Last thing you’d want is damp coats and jackets in an enclosed space...