Need ideas on how to light proof closet door and not make opening/closing a hassle.

NewGrower2011

Well-Known Member
So I'm wrapping up an overhaul of my space and I've now got a closet door that gets pretty close to light tight (i.e. sitting in the room in the dark I don't see a LOT of light coming in) but when lights are on, outside of the room there's a huge glow around the door.

How do I get it over that last little hump and achieve light tight. I picked up the thinnest foam striping I could get from the hardware store and that made the door not close properly; so no go with the traditional/easy option.

I've also got the door threshold to contend with... a modest gap there but I do have a threshold to try and install and then work from there.

It's the sides and the top I think that'll be the challenge. The door swings into the room so I can't make a secondary 'inner' door like an air-lock chamber (i.e. use a tarp and one of those diy zipper kits).

I've done a quick search and the only ideas that seem plausible for me is where a curtain or something is hung wider/taller than the door and as snug to the wall as possible... I've thought about making a bracket or similar to attach to the door, where the curtain/rod would then travel with the door as it opens/closes - but from the otuside of the room I need that curtain to get snug up on the wall...

Any other ideas/suggestions?
 

MichiganMedGrower

Well-Known Member
So I'm wrapping up an overhaul of my space and I've now got a closet door that gets pretty close to light tight (i.e. sitting in the room in the dark I don't see a LOT of light coming in) but when lights are on, outside of the room there's a huge glow around the door.

How do I get it over that last little hump and achieve light tight. I picked up the thinnest foam striping I could get from the hardware store and that made the door not close properly; so no go with the traditional/easy option.

I've also got the door threshold to contend with... a modest gap there but I do have a threshold to try and install and then work from there.

It's the sides and the top I think that'll be the challenge. The door swings into the room so I can't make a secondary 'inner' door like an air-lock chamber (i.e. use a tarp and one of those diy zipper kits).

I've done a quick search and the only ideas that seem plausible for me is where a curtain or something is hung wider/taller than the door and as snug to the wall as possible... I've thought about making a bracket or similar to attach to the door, where the curtain/rod would then travel with the door as it opens/closes - but from the otuside of the room I need that curtain to get snug up on the wall...

Any other ideas/suggestions?
I make a gorilla tape over flap on the door all the way around the frame. The folded and attached tape blocks the light and with only a few times to smooth it back to stick to the door it has lasted all year already.

I made a flap that scrapes along the floor to cover the bottom.

I also hang a curtain over the doorway to block light when I open the door and also for extra pest protection when I do in and out.

It's lights out or I would take a pic for you.
 

TurboTokes

Well-Known Member
No need to go all crazy and fabricate second walls and such (although I applause the thought and willingness to do so)

You had the right idea with the foam rope, but instead of applying it between the cabinet surface and the back of the door when it closes on it, instead, place the weatherstrip on the cabinet inside walls, but right up to and over the edge 1/4" or so. That way when the door closes against the foam, it just compresses it slightly back into the cabinet. It doesnt affect the latch like Im sure you had a problem with when putting the foam on the exterior of the cabinet.

It may take a few stops at local hardware stores to find your best profile youre looking for in stock and in your hand. Some are screwed on like this picture but also lots available with adhesive backer, or you can even PL premium a nice moulding your find for cheap... sounds like youve got that kind of mind to figure it out



 
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