Chances are, if you’re living in an apartment, it may not have all the bells and whistles you’d like.

One of the biggest challenges that apartment dwellers face is the lack of flexibility in their living space. And well, if you live in a smaller home like I do, you’re definitely in the same boat.

There are plenty of temporary interior door ideas that can help you create separate areas inside your apartment without breaking any lease rules (or your budget).

Temporary doors offer a convenient and affordable solution for dividing a room—whether you want to carve out a little home office nook or just give your roommates some much-needed privacy.

For me, it started with one goal: keeping the kitchen smells in the kitchen. Plus, I wanted to make sure my cat didn’t hurt himself when I cooked. A simple temporary door totally transformed the space—it looked intentional, cozy, and honestly, more “finished.”

And the best part? These doors are lightweight, renter-friendly, and super easy to install. You won’t have to worry about damaging walls or spending a fortune on permanent installations.

So, grab a cup of coffee (and maybe a measuring tape) because we’re diving into some creative and affordable ways to use temporary doors in your living space!

What Is a Temporary Door?

A temporary door is basically a door that’s meant to be used for a short period of time—like when you’re doing some home renovations, rearranging your layout, or creating a quick privacy solution.

It’s perfect if you don’t want to deal with drilling, nails, or anything that could cost you your security deposit.

They’re trending like crazy among renters right now, and it’s not hard to see why. You can find them in all styles—from accordion doors and sliding tracks to tension rods and even magnetic closures.

Most are made from lightweight materials like vinyl, fabric, or thin wood, and they come in all kinds of sizes to fit different doorways.

And yes, you can totally DIY your own temporary door if you’re feeling creative (Pinterest has some seriously clever ideas).

Temporary Door Ideas for Arched Doorways

If you’ve got an arched doorway, you already know how tricky it can be to find something that actually fits.

But don’t worry—there are some surprisingly chic ways to make it work without losing the charm of that curve.

One simple idea is using a floor-length curtain hung on a tension rod. It adds privacy and a touch of softness to the space. Or, if you’re crafty, you could build a lightweight custom screen to match the arch shape.

Feeling fancy? Create a faux brick wall or removable panel setup that looks architectural but can be taken down in seconds.

The goal is to work with the curve, not against it.

Tension Rod & Curtain

A tension rod can work wonders for arched openings. Just place it near the top of the doorway and hang a curtain that matches your decor.

It’s cheap, cute, and so easy to swap out when you want a new vibe.

Folding Screen

If DIY isn’t your thing (I get it), grab a lightweight folding screen instead. They come in so many styles—wood, rattan, even linen panels—and can easily be folded up or moved whenever.

Bonus: you can paint or decorate the panels to match your space.

Modern Barn Door

For a mix of rustic and modern, try a sliding barn door with a track system. These look gorgeous even in rentals if you use removable mounting brackets.

It adds a statement moment to your space and keeps things practical.

Temporary Closet Door Ideas

Maybe your apartment came with no closet door (been there), or maybe the one you have is ugly or broken. Either way, there’s a fix.

You can go classic with a fabric curtain, or take it up a notch with something boho, sleek, or modern.

Beaded Curtain

IMAGE BY PINTEREST

A beaded curtain instantly adds texture and a bit of that carefree, retro vibe. It’s perfect if you want something fun and lightweight that still covers up your closet mess (no judgment).

Accordion Door

Accordion doors are a renter’s dream. They’re lightweight, easy to install, and don’t take up extra space. When you’re ready to move out, you just pop them off—no holes, no drama.

Macrame Curtain

If you love a bit of boho charm, a macrame door curtain might be your new obsession. It adds personality and softness to any space, especially if your room has neutral or natural tones.

Ideas for a Temporary Guest Room Door

Need to give your guest room a little privacy without installing a real door? Totally doable.

Try a curtain track system—it’s sleek, renter-friendly, and lets you open and close it like a real door.

You can also use a decorative screen or even a fabric panel if you prefer something lighter.

One of my favorite ideas is a branch screen door—basically, you tie together twigs or branches with twine for a rustic, nature-inspired look. It’s cozy and makes your guests feel like they’re staying in a little cottage retreat.

Temporary Doors for Basement or Storage Areas

If your basement or storage area feels unfinished, a temporary tarp door is a surprisingly good solution. It keeps dust and smells contained without needing tools.

Or, for something cuter, hang a tapestry to add warmth and color to an otherwise dull space.

It’s the perfect trick if you’re renting a basement suite or trying to make a utility area look a little more inviting.

Temporary Bedroom Door Ideas

Sometimes, you just need a little privacy—especially if you’re sharing space.

A room divider or folding screen works perfectly here, and it doubles as decor.

You can also try a magnetic insulated curtain, which closes tightly but can easily be removed without leaving residue.

And one of my absolute favorite hacks? Using a bookshelf as a faux wall. It’s genius if you need both privacy and extra storage.

If you want something extra pretty, a shoji screen (those Japanese-style rice paper panels) gives your room a calm, minimalist look while letting in soft light.

Why Temporary Doors Totally Changed My Space

Honestly, what I love most about temporary doors is how forgiving they are. You don’t need to be some DIY expert or have a full toolkit—half the time, it’s just a tension rod and a dream.

I’ve changed mine three times already because I get bored fast (and because my cat thinks everything new in the apartment is his). But that’s the beauty of it—you can switch things up whenever inspiration strikes.

Maybe you start with a curtain and later upgrade to a folding screen or a macrame panel. There’s something fun about being able to play with your space without committing to a full renovation.

It’s like your apartment gets a mini glow-up every few months without the stress or price tag.

Temporary doors aren’t just functional—they’re a chance to get creative, add a bit of your personality, and make your home feel more like you.

So go ahead, try one of these ideas out. I promise, once you hang your first temporary door, you’ll start seeing your space in a whole new way.