Interior doors play a bigger role than most people realize. They divide rooms, add privacy, and bring character to a home. Replacing or upgrading them can refresh the entire atmosphere.
Many homeowners assume new doors are expensive, but plenty of affordable options exist. From simple hollow core designs to creative reclaimed finds, you can achieve style and function without draining your wallet.
Below are 13 budget friendly interior doors that can work for different spaces and styles. Each option comes with details, styling tips, and ways to save money.
1. Hollow Core Doors
Hollow core doors are some of the cheapest doors available. They are made with a light wooden frame, a honeycomb interior, and a thin outer layer that looks like wood. This makes them easy to install and simple to move around.
These doors are perfect for bedrooms, hallways, or closets. Even though they don’t block much sound, they still provide privacy. Painting them with a semi-gloss finish gives them a clean, modern look. Adding a stylish knob or lever can also improve their appearance.
A smart budget tip is to buy them in packs. Many home stores offer discounts if you purchase multiple hollow core doors at once, which is useful if you plan to update several rooms.
2. Flush Doors
Flush doors have a smooth, flat surface. They look modern and minimal, which makes them perfect for small rooms where you want a clean look. Many flush doors are made from MDF or plywood with a hollow core inside, making them affordable.
The flat design means they take paint well. You can go for classic white, bold black, or even a bright color that adds personality. Some homeowners even apply wallpaper or decorative vinyl stickers to make flush doors stand out.
3. Panel Doors
Panel doors are traditional and stylish. Their design includes raised or recessed panels that add depth and character. Many panel doors today are made with hollow cores, making them affordable while still looking elegant.
They fit well in almost any room—bedrooms, kitchens, or living areas. A simple coat of white paint keeps them classic, while darker tones like navy or charcoal bring a modern edge. Updating the hardware with brushed nickel or matte black handles makes them look much more expensive than they are.
A money-saving idea is to buy pre-primed panel doors. Since they already have a base coat, you only need to add one layer of paint.
4. Bi-Fold Doors
Bi-fold doors fold in half and are commonly used for closets, laundry rooms, or pantries. They save space because they do not swing wide into the room. Most budget models are made from lightweight MDF or hollow core materials.
To make bi-fold doors more attractive, you can paint them in the same color as your walls for a seamless look. Another idea is to add slim trim pieces on the surface to give them the appearance of custom panels. Replacing old knobs with modern pulls or handles also makes them feel new.
Instead of replacing old bi-fold doors, refresh them with sanding and a fresh coat of paint. This simple update can save money while giving the space a cleaner appearance.
5. Sliding Doors
Sliding doors move along a track and are ideal for areas where space is limited. They are popular in small bedrooms, storage rooms, or shared spaces. Many affordable sliding doors use lightweight wood or laminated panels.
Adding glass inserts makes sliding doors feel more stylish without costing much. For privacy, you can use frosted or textured glass. Another trick is to paint the sliding panel in a bold color so it doubles as a design feature in the room.
For the best savings, buy a basic flush or hollow core door and pair it with a sliding track kit. This DIY method often costs less than pre-made sliding door systems.
6. Barn Doors (DIY Versions)
Barn doors add rustic charm and have become very popular in recent years. While solid barn doors can be expensive, there are plenty of budget friendly ways to achieve the look.
One option is to build a barn-style door using plywood or reclaimed wood. Even a hollow core flush door can be upgraded to look like a barn door by adding wood planks or trim in a cross pattern. A coat of stain or distressed paint completes the farmhouse look.
Barn door hardware can be costly, but affordable track kits are now widely available. Pairing a DIY barn-style door with budget hardware gives you the trendy look without the high price.
7. French Doors with Glass Panels
French doors bring elegance by combining glass panels with a wood or MDF frame. They let natural light flow between rooms, which makes spaces feel larger. While many think French doors are expensive, there are budget versions with hollow frames and simple glass inserts.
For style, paint the frame in white for a classic design or black for a more modern feel. Frosted or textured glass adds privacy while still letting in light.
A smart way to save money is to look for used French doors at salvage stores or online marketplaces. With a little sanding and paint, they can look brand new at a fraction of the cost.
8. Louvered Doors
Louvered doors have horizontal slats that allow air to move between rooms. They are often used for closets, pantries, or laundry rooms where ventilation is important. Affordable versions are usually made from lightweight pine or MDF.
Fresh paint can make louvered doors look more stylish. White is a safe choice, but bold colors like teal or mustard can make them a feature in the room.
For the best savings, buy unfinished louvered doors. Painting them yourself is cheaper than buying factory-finished ones.
9. Accordion Doors
Accordion doors fold back and forth like an accordion. They are usually made from vinyl or lightweight plastic, making them one of the cheapest door solutions.
These doors are great for small closets, pantries, or as temporary room dividers. They are not the most decorative, but they are practical and save a lot of space.
Neutral colors like beige, white, or gray help accordion doors blend in better with walls and keep the design simple. Since they are very affordable, they are also a good choice for rental properties.
10. MDF Doors
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) doors are stronger than hollow core but still cost much less than solid wood. They have a smooth surface that takes paint very well, which means you can finish them in any color you like.
MDF doors are often designed to mimic panel doors, giving you a stylish look at a lower cost. They work well in bedrooms, living rooms, or offices.
A budget tip is to buy plain MDF doors and add your own trim for a paneled effect. This simple upgrade gives them a custom look without the custom price.
11. Pocket Doors
Pocket doors slide into a compartment inside the wall instead of swinging out. They are great for saving space in small bathrooms, kitchens, or hallways.
Hollow core pocket doors are lightweight and affordable. While the track system can cost a little extra, the door itself is budget friendly.
For style, you can choose plain painted finishes, or add frosted glass panels for a more decorative look. This adds privacy while still letting in light.
12. Frosted Glass Doors
Frosted glass doors combine style and function. They blur the view through the door while still letting light pass, which makes them great for bathrooms, offices, or laundry areas.
Budget-friendly versions usually have MDF or pine frames with a single frosted glass panel. They bring a modern touch to interiors without a high price.
If full frosted glass doors are outside your budget, you can take a hollow core door with a glass insert and apply frosted film yourself. This DIY trick is very affordable and creates the same effect.
13. Reclaimed or Second-Hand Doors
Reclaimed doors are one of the most budget friendly options. Many old doors are made from solid wood and have unique designs that you can’t find in modern models.
You can find reclaimed doors at thrift stores, salvage yards, or online. Some may need sanding, trimming, or a fresh coat of paint, but the results are worth the effort.
Keeping the natural wood grain shows off the vintage character, while painting bold colors gives the old door a fresh, modern twist.
Buying second-hand doors not only saves money but also reduces waste, making this choice eco-friendly as well as affordable.
Conclusion
Updating interior doors does not need to be expensive. From simple hollow core and flush styles to creative barn doors and reclaimed treasures, there are plenty of affordable ways to refresh your home. Each type has its own charm some save space, some brighten rooms, and others bring classic character.
A little effort with paint, hardware, or trim can make even the cheapest door look stylish. Matching the right type of door to the right space ensures both function and beauty. Bedrooms may need privacy, kitchens may need space-saving solutions, and closets may need ventilation.
By exploring these 13 budget friendly interior door ideas, you can bring new life to your home without spending a fortune. Small upgrades often make the biggest impact, and doors are a perfect place to start.