How to Repurpose Mirrored Closet Doors

Step-by-step instructions for creating an updated look

dod2405-closet-doors-final

From: Design on a Dime

Related To:

Don’t like that dated look staring you in the face? Replace those mirrors with a more modern touch in this closet-door project.

Materials and Tools:

3-inch medium-density fiberboard (MDF) strips or scrap wood
heavy-duty panel adhesive
brackets for dowels
drill
screws
Skil saw
1/8-inch-thick plywood
paintbrush
oil-based stain
water-based polyurethane
weenie roller (a paint roller with a small tubular pad attachment the size and shape of a hot dog) (a standard paint roller can be substituted)
sheer fabric for curtain panels
sewing machine or needle and thread
5/8-inch wooden dowels
5/8-inch nail-gun nails in a color tone that will match your wood
nail gun

Steps:

1. Remove mirrored doors from the track and flip over so that the back sides becomes the front sides.

dod2405-closet-doors-figA

From: Design on a Dime

2. Adhere the MDF strips or scrap wood pieces to those new front sides with heavy-duty panel adhesive. Be sure to leave a gap between the bottom piece of MDF or wood and the sides of the frame large enough to fit a 5/8-inch dowel covered in fabric.

3. Use a drill to attach brackets to the inside top portion of your newly mounted inner frame. Note: To avoid the expense of brackets, you can use the end caps of copper tubing and cut out a side section large enough for the dowels to slide through.

4. Use a Skil saw to cut out the midportion of the plywood an inch wider than the MDF frame behind it. Use a paintbrush to apply oil-based stain to the newly created door skin. Finish by applying two coats of water-based polyurethane with a weenie roller.

5. Use a needle and thread or a sewing machine to construct the curtain panels with a finished edge on each side, and finish off by adding rod pockets at the top and the bottom. Be sure to make the panels two to three times wider than the inside of the doors you wish to cover. That ensures that the material can be bunched together for a softly pleated look and that the panels aren’t see-through.

6. Insert a 5/8-inch wooden dowel into the top and bottom of the rod pockets, and fan the panels out evenly.

7. Slip one dowel into the inner bracket of the top of the frame and the other dowel into the gap that’s been left at the bottom of the frame. Nail both dowels into the top and bottom pieces of the frame with a nail gun to further secure the panels.

8. Secure the plywood door skins to the MDF frame with the same heavy-duty panel adhesive, followed by the 5/8-inch nail-gun nails. Shoot the nails at an angle so they don’t puncture the door skins. Place doors back on the sliding track.

Next Up

What You Should Know About Closets

Creating a user-friendly closet requires some thought and planning, but we'll help you create the right design for each space in your home

How to Install a Tile "Rug" Within a Hardwood Floor

Add high style to your high-traffic entry with this transitional floor tile inset.

How to Organize a Closet: Tips for Clearing Closet Clutter

Get the organized closet of your dreams with our strategies for storing clothes, photos and art supplies. Plus, learn how to turn your closet into a home office.

Should You Add Garage Insulation? How to Choose.

From standard fiberglass insulation to high-end spray foam, there are several ways to properly insulate your garage from extreme heat and cold.

How to Replace a Garage Door Spring

Learn how to identify a damaged or broken garage door spring and determine what it may take to get your door back in working shape.

How to Build Finished Walls in a Basement

Looking to finish your basement and turn it into extra living space? Learn the steps and costs needed to turn cinderblock walls into finished walls.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Get all the info you'll need on kitchen cabinet refacing, and ensure your kitchen cabinet makeover will be a stylish success.

How to Pick a Kitchen Backsplash

Get tips on how to find a backsplash that meets your needs and expresses your personality.

How to Prevent a Flooded Basement and How Much It Will Cost to Fix

Waterproofing a basement can prevent structural damage, improve air quality, lower utility bills and make a finished basement a possibility. Learn how common water problems occur, how to fix them and how much you might expect to pay for remedies such as sealing, foundation repair and regrading your landscape.

How to Soundproof a Room Including the Doors and Windows

Find tips, techniques and cool products that make it possible to soundproof a home theater or recording studio, or to simply block out noise from a busy street.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.