Good Questions: Japanese Shoji Doors in Boston?

I am finishing by basement and will end up with a closet which is approximately 145" and needs to be easily accessible. I would like to use doors, not fabric, to cover up the space. After much searching I found some inspiration in the Japanese shoji sliding doors. I love the look of those doors, however, I am looking for advice on where (in the Boston area) I can purchase them cheaply and/or how difficult would it be to make them myself. All advice, directions etc. are greatly appreciated! Thanks AT, Yelena

(Include a pic of your query and your question gets posted first! Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: boston(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Its not quite the same thing but the IKEA sliding panel curtains can have a very similar effect on an entire wall. We have the paper/fiber panels hiding a wall of closets and its very Shoji-esque — might be a cost-effective alternative to real Shoji doors. Anyone else?

(Include a pic of your query and your question gets posted first! Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: boston(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)

Comments (1)

The Japanese have to re-paper theirs so I know it can be done at home. But they frequently complain about how difficult it can be to get it right, and how often it needs to be replaced (this is more so if you have children). The paper rips VERY easily. Doesn't help that it's very tempting to poke your finger into it.

I'd suggest a similar replacement (such as the IKEA ones above) or to find the frames and staple on linen. You'll get the look for a lot less effort. And it won't rip as easy.