how to cover old wardrobe doors

Revamp Old Wardrobe Doors: Easy DIY Cover-Up Ideas

By Melissa White
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Tired of staring at outdated wardrobe doors that dampen the aesthetic of your otherwise beautiful room? Don't let those old, worn-out doors bring down your space's charm. Instead, consider giving them a fresh, new look with a DIY covering project. Not only is this a cost-effective solution, but it's also an exciting way to express your creativity and personal style. Let's dive into the world of wardrobe door makeovers and explore how you can transform those tired old doors into stunning features of your room.

Before we get started, let's address the elephant in the room - can you really cover old wardrobe doors? The short answer is a resounding yes! With the right materials and a bit of creativity, you can transform those old doors into something truly spectacular. Whether you're aiming for a rustic, modern, or bohemian vibe, there's a covering solution out there that's perfect for you. So, let's roll up our sleeves and get started on this exciting DIY adventure!

Materials and Preparation

Before you begin your project, it's crucial to gather the right materials and prepare your workspace. This will ensure a smooth process and help you achieve the best results possible. Here's a list of materials you might need, depending on the covering method you choose:

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Before & After: Bedroom wardrobe door hack using gathered fabric
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Mood-Boosting Mirror Closet Door Covers
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a woman in black shirt and jeans standing next to white door with hat on her head
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Screwdriver (to remove door handles, if necessary)
  • Sanding paper (fine grit)
  • Primer
  • Paint or wallpaper (depending on your chosen covering method)
  • Paintbrushes or rollers
  • Hammer (for attaching wooden slats)
  • Nails or screws (depending on your chosen covering method)
  • Wood glue (if using wooden slats)
  • Clamps (if using wooden slats)

Once you've gathered your materials, prepare your workspace by laying down a drop cloth to protect your floor from paint or glue spills. If you're working indoors, ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Now that your workspace is ready, let's move on to the fun part - choosing your covering method!

Painting Your Wardrobe Doors

One of the simplest and most effective ways to cover old wardrobe doors is by giving them a fresh coat of paint. This method allows you to completely transform the look of your doors and can be easily customized to match your room's aesthetic. To get started, remove any door handles using a screwdriver and lightly sand the surface of the doors to create a smooth base for the paint. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth, and apply a primer to help the paint adhere better and achieve more vibrant colors.

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5 Unique Closet Door Alternatives - Home Stratosphere

Once the primer is dry, it's time to paint! Use a paintbrush or roller to apply even coats of paint, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next. For a more dramatic effect, consider using a bold or contrasting color, or try out a distressed finish for a shabby-chic look. If you're feeling extra creative, you could even paint a design or pattern onto your doors using stencils or freehand. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to let your imagination run wild!

Applying Wallpaper to Your Wardrobe Doors

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cover old wardrobe doors, wallpaper might just be the solution you've been searching for. With a vast array of patterns and designs available, wallpaper offers a unique and eye-catching way to transform your doors. To get started, measure your doors and cut the wallpaper to size, ensuring that you have enough overlap to create a seamless look. Apply a thin layer of wallpaper adhesive to the back of the wallpaper and carefully smooth it onto the door, using a wallpaper brush to remove any air bubbles and ensure a smooth finish.

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Once the wallpaper is in place, use a sharp craft knife to trim any excess paper from the edges of the door. If your doors have any handles or hardware, you can either remove them before applying the wallpaper or carefully cut around them, using the hardware as a guide. To finish the look, apply a thin layer of wallpaper paste to the edges of the door and fold the excess wallpaper over, creating a clean, finished edge. Allow the wallpaper to dry completely before replacing any hardware or using the doors to ensure that the adhesive has set properly.

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Advanced Covering Techniques

If you're feeling adventurous and want to take your wardrobe door covering project to the next level, consider exploring some of these advanced techniques. These methods require a bit more time and skill but can result in truly stunning, one-of-a-kind doors that will be the envy of your friends and family.

Wooden Slat Doors

For a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look, consider covering your old wardrobe doors with wooden slats. This method involves attaching narrow strips of wood to the door's surface, creating a beautiful, textured pattern. To get started, measure and cut your wooden slats to the desired length, ensuring that they overlap slightly to create a seamless look. Use wood glue to attach the slats to the door, clamping them in place to ensure a strong bond. Allow the glue to dry completely before sanding any rough edges and applying a finish of your choice.

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To create a more intricate pattern, consider using different widths of wood or arranging the slats in a herringbone or chevron design. For a truly unique look, you could even use reclaimed or distressed wood to give your doors a weathered, vintage appearance. Once the finish has dried, replace any hardware and step back to admire your stunning, handcrafted wooden slat doors.

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closet doors with the words closet information above them
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Mosaic or Tiled Doors

If you're looking for a truly unique and eye-catching way to cover old wardrobe doors, consider creating a mosaic or tiled design. This method involves attaching small tiles, glass pieces, or other materials to the door's surface, creating a beautiful, intricate pattern. To get started, gather your chosen materials and arrange them on the door's surface to create your desired design. Once you're satisfied with the layout, use a strong adhesive to attach the tiles or pieces to the door, ensuring that they are spaced evenly and aligned properly.

Allow the adhesive to dry completely before grouting the tiles or pieces in place. Use a grout that matches the color of your chosen materials, and apply it carefully to the spaces between the tiles, using a rubber float to force the grout into the joints. Allow the grout to dry according to the package instructions, then use a damp sponge to wipe away any excess grout from the surface of the tiles. Once the grout has completely dried, seal the tiles to protect them from moisture and stains, and step back to admire your stunning, one-of-a-kind mosaic or tiled wardrobe doors.

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As you can see, there are countless ways to cover old wardrobe doors and transform them into stunning features of your room. Whether you choose to paint, wallpaper, or explore more advanced techniques, the key to a successful project is to let your creativity guide you and have fun with the process. So, grab your materials and get started on your own wardrobe door makeover today - your room will thank you!

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