It Looks Strange At First, But Hanging A Door Like This Is Secretly Genius
Laundry rooms tend to become catch-all spaces. You need a surface to fold clothes, sort socks, or set things down, but there is rarely room to set up a permanent table. Counters are expensive and carts always seem to be in the way. This is where this sideways door idea comes in. It looks odd at first, almost wrong. But it’s a great way to save space, get the surface area you need, and use old materials you might already have (or be able to find easily).
What This Project Actually Is
This project uses a standard interior door mounted horizontally on a wall inside a wall opening or framed section. Instead of swinging open like a normal door, it folds down like a table and folds back up flat against the wall when you are done. When closed, it barely takes up space. When open, it gives you a sturdy, full-size surface for sorting or folding. It works especially well in laundry rooms because you only need a table sometimes.
Why A Door Works Better Than A Table
Doors are strong, flat, and designed to hold weight evenly. That makes them work well as a surface for folding laundry or light projects. Unlike a narrow wall shelf, a door gives you depth and width without needing legs on the floor. When mounted properly, it feels solid, not wobbly. And because doors are easy to find secondhand, this solution often costs far less than buying custom cabinetry or a built-in counter.
Materials You Will Need
You will need a hollow or solid interior door, two heavy-duty hinges, a sturdy wall frame or studs to mount into, and a pair of folding shelf brackets or chains to support the door when it is down. Screws rated for weight are important here. You may also want a handle or pull for lifting the door and a magnetic catch or latch to hold it flat against the wall when it’s folded up.
Step One: Preparing The Wall And Door
Start by choosing the height where the door will sit when folded down. Most people aim for standard counter height, but it’s totally up to you. Locate wall studs or install a solid frame between studs so the hinges have something strong to anchor into. Lay the door flat and mark where the hinges will attach along one long edge. Pre-drilling holes helps prevent splitting and makes installation easier, especially if you are working alone.
Step Two: Hanging And Supporting The Door
Attach the hinges to the door first, then secure the other side of the hinges to the wall framing. Once the door can swing down smoothly, add your support system. Folding brackets give the cleanest look, while chains are simpler and easier to adjust. Install the supports so the door sits level when it’s open. Test it gently at first, adding weight slowly to make sure everything feels secure and the door will hold.
Step Three: Making It Easy To Use Every Day
Add a small handle or recessed pull to help lift and lower the door without pinching your fingers. A magnetic catch or simple latch keeps it flush against the wall when folded up so it won’t fall down unexpectedly. Some people even paint the door to match the wall so it blends in. Others leave it visible as a conversation piece. Either way, put on the finishing touches you want, but don’t make it more complicated than it needs to be. If it is simple to use, you will actually use it.
Where This Hack Works Best
Laundry rooms are the most common place for this setup, but it also works in craft rooms, mudrooms, or garages. Anywhere you need a surface sometimes but not all the time. It is especially helpful in narrow spaces where a permanent table would block your ability to get in and out of the space. The beauty of this idea is flexibility. You get the workspace when you need it and your floor back when you do not.
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At first glance, a sideways door looks weird. Then you live with it for a week and wonder why more homes don’t use one, because it’s the perfect folding table. It is practical, affordable, and surprisingly easy to use and install. Sometimes the smartest home projects are not about buying something new. They are about looking at ordinary things, like a door, and realizing they can do more than you think.
Bliss Donahue-Power
