Doors come in all shapes and sizes, and when they reach the end of their lifespan, they often end up in landfills. However, with a little creativity, old doors can be given new life! Refashioning a door is a clever and crafty way to repurpose this household item, keeping it out of landfills while also giving it a fun new purpose. Here are 10 cleverly crafty ways to give an old door new life:
1. Turn it into a Headboard
One of the most popular ways to refashion a door is to turn it into a headboard for a bed. This is an easy DIY project that adds a unique, rustic touch to any bedroom.
Start by removing the door’s hardware, then give it a fresh coat of paint or stain to match your bedroom’s decor. Lean the door against the wall behind your bed, securing it in place with heavy duty brackets. You can also mount the door directly to the wall as a floating headboard. Leave it as is for a minimalist look or decorate it by attaching sconces, shelves or other accessories.
Using a door as a headboard is an affordable way to get a custom, handmade look for your bedroom without spending a lot. The texture and natural imperfections of the wood give the door character. It’s also a sustainable option since you are repurposing something that would otherwise be thrown out.
2. Upcycle it into a Desk
Doors also make fantastic desks! Lay the door across two filing cabinets or other sturdy base to create the desk surface. Secure it in place with brackets. Paint or stain the door to match your home office decor.
To give your new door desk some extra functionality, attach a shelf to the underside for storing office supplies, files or your computer tower. You can also mount a lamp or accessories like cup holders to the surface. Add wheels to the base so you can easily move your desk around.
Repurposing a door as a desk is great for small spaces since it doesn’t take up much room. The simple, flat surface also gives you plenty of space to work. Using a door for a desk gives you a one-of-a-kind piece.
3. Make a Chalkboard
Turn your old door into a chalkboard for the kitchen, playroom or home office! All you need is chalkboard paint, which creates a smooth, chalkboard-style surface.
Remove any protruding hardware from the door, then sand it down so the surface is smooth. Clean it thoroughly before applying 2-3 coats of chalkboard paint, following the manufacturer’s directions as it dries completely between coats. Once the paint has fully cured, condition the surface by rubbing chalk all over and erasing.
Mount your chalkboard door on the wall by attaching cleats to the back. This allows you to easily remove and hang it again whenever needed. Draw dividing lines in chalk to create different sections for menus, to-do lists, arts and crafts and so much more! The large surface gives you plenty of space for creativity.
4. Fashion it into a Coffee Table
Doors also double as trendy coffee tables! Choose one made from a sturdy wood like oak or maple. Remove any hardware and sand the surface smooth.
Prop the door on top of a base, like stacked crates, cinderblocks or even an existing coffee table. For extra support, attach sturdy brackets or legs to the underside at each corner. Stain, paint or decoupage the surface to match your living room.
Leave the door as is for a natural, rustic look or embellish it by attaching handles for decorative “drawers” along the front edge. A door coffee table adds natural character to any living space!
5. Upcycle into a Kitchen Island
Turn your door into a kitchen island or breakfast bar by placing it over a base, like kitchen carts or stacked crates. Remove the knob and paint the door to match your kitchen, then bolt it securely to the base.
You now have a handy surface for extra counter space! Add hooks along the sides or front to hold cooking utensils. Attach a hanging pot rack from the underside for extra storage. Add wheels to the base so you can easily move your island around your kitchen.
The rectangular shape of a door makes it perfect for an island. The smooth, flat surface also makes this a great project if you want extra counter space for rolling out dough or setting out buffet dishes.
6. Make a Bathroom Vanity
Doors can also be upcycled into chic bathroom vanities that provide storage and style. Paint the door a fun, vibrant hue or go for crisp white to match most bathrooms.
Set the door horizontally across the top of a console table or sturdy cabinet base. Drill holes for the plumbing near the back edge. Attach a vessel sink and faucet with the plumbing hidden inside the cabinet below.
Add knobs or handles to create “drawers” along the front. The space inside is perfect for storing toiletries and towels. Go even further by installing a mirror above and decorating with wall shelves, artwork or pendant lighting. The door adds charming, rustic texture.
7. Build a Play Kitchen
Little chefs will love playing with their very own kitchen made from a repurposed door! Paint the door a fun color and use wood glue and trim to attach cabinet fronts and decorative accents.
Attach cup hooks along the edges to hang cooking tools like pots, pans and utensils. Mount strong handles or knobs for cabinet doors. Use vinyl decals or handpaint details like burners, oven doors and a chalkboard menu.
Lean the play kitchen against a wall or set it on top of a small table to double as a stand-alone play area. The door provides a large, flat surface for imaginations to run wild! The sturdy wood construction means this play kitchen can handle even the most enthusiastic little chef.
8. Craft a Pet Gate
Pet owners know how useful gates can be for keeping dogs or cats corralled in certain areas. An old door is perfect for making a customized pet gate for your home.
Cut the door down to an appropriate size if needed using a jigsaw. Sand the cut edges smooth. Attach hinges so the door can swing open. Mount stoppers on the wall and door edge so it stays firmly in place when closed.
Paint or stain the pet gate to match your home’s decor. Get creative by adding details like your pet’s name! The slim profile of a door makes it easy to move the gate from room to room whenever you need it. You can even mount it in doorways as a chic way to block off areas.
9. Fashion into Shelving
Those with small homes know the struggles of limited storage. Turn your door into decorative shelving to stash clutter and disguise it as decor!
Remove the door’s knobs and hardware before giving it a fresh coat of paint in a fun, bright hue. Mount the door either horizontally or vertically onto the wall. Add brackets for industrial pipe shelving and layer on artful objects like plants, baskets and books.
You can also lay the door over crates, cinderblocks or sturdy shelves. The slim profile of the door keeps it from protruding too far off the wall. Add hooks along the bottom for hanging extra storage baskets too. Get creative styling your new storages shelves!
10. Make a Showpiece Sign
Put your artistic skills to work transforming the door into a stunning showpiece sign for displaying above a bed, sofa or entryway table.
Remove the hardware and sand the door smooth in preparation for painting. Stencil on designs, use a projector to trace over images, or get creative with tape and paint to make geometric patterns. Add text like inspirational quotes using vinyl lettering or freehand painting.
Distress and age the door using sandpaper and paint effects. Seal with a clear coat for protection. Display propped against the wall with an easel or mount it directly onto the wall. The door makes a much more interesting canvas for art than a traditional plaque or sign!
Conclusion
With just a little bit of imagination and DIY spirit, those old discarded doors in your garage or basement can be given fresh life. Refashioning doors keeps them out of landfills and gives you beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces.
From headboards to coffee tables, desks, play kitchens, shelving and more, doors make fantastic bases for craft projects. Their simplicity shows off your handiwork. And you can customize doors to match any room’s decor.
The sturdy construction of most doors makes them perfect for furniture projects that need to stand up to everyday use. Their flat, rectangular shape lends itself well to so many purposes around the home.
So the next time you’re replacing an old door, hold onto it! With a weekend craft project, you can give it new purpose and save money over buying new furniture. Those clever, crafty ideas for refashioning doors add rustic charm to every room.
