If you’ve recently replaced your louvered closet doors, consider repurposing the old ones instead of discarding them. With a bit of creativity, these bifold closet doors with slats can be transformed into a stylish photo display. Simply paint the doors, place your favorite photos in charming tabletop frames, and position them between the louvers. Finally, lean the door against a wall to showcase your new display.
For those without spare doors, try asking friends and family, browsing thrift stores and yard sales, or posting a request in community Buy Nothing or free-cycle groups. This DIY project utilizes the spaces between the wooden slats, so you could also repurpose a louvered room divider or window shutters. However, purchasing new items can be pricey. A Kimberly Bay Traditional Louver Bi-Fold Closet Door costs around $104, and a SOFE Short Wooden Indoor Privacy Screen is about $90. Despite the cost, regularly refreshing the photos in the frames can make this investment worthwhile.
You’ll need interior paint or stain in your preferred color and finish, along with some photo frames for tabletop display. Use frames you already own, or measure the closet door before purchasing new ones to ensure they fit. A 2-pack of PECULA 5 x 7 Inch Black Picture Frames costs approximately $6.
How to transform the closet door into a cute photo display gallery
Begin by deciding what will adorn your newly transformed display board. Print your favorite family photos at home or via an online service like Mpix. Consider enlarging smaller photos for a more luxurious look or creating a collage. Alternatively, showcase your child’s artwork or create your own if you’re artistically inclined. Ensure your selections fit the frames you have.
Whether using a single panel or multiple, unscrew the hinges to separate them and paint each separately. Clean the doors with warm, soapy water, dry them, and lightly sand the surface. While interior paint works, covering louvers completely with a brush can be challenging. Self-priming spray paint like Rust-Oleum 2X Ultra Cover offers a quicker application and a superior finish, requiring two coats applied within an hour of each other.
Once the paint cures (up to 48 hours), reattach the hinges using an electric drill or screwdriver. Finally, lean the panel against a wall in your preferred room, position the photo frame stands between the louvers, and adjust the frames for a straight display.
Get creative with how you display your transformed closet doors
This simple upcycle of an old closet door offers a fantastic way to organize cherished photos or brighten a space with children’s artwork. The project is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your home decor or display needs. Consider mounting the panels to the wall for bespoke wall art in hallways or living rooms. For a rustic statement, arrange panels of varying sizes and colors across a wall.
If you prefer a maximalist style, mix different picture frames for an eclectic look, incorporating both thrift store finds and existing frames. Refresh your display by swapping out the frames or their contents. If frames feel cumbersome, consider using clothespins or displaying bare photos or art.
Combine frames with other decor elements, especially if using multiple door panels. Hang modern farmhouse-style signs with inspirational quotes, antique iron fixtures, wicker baskets, plants in lightweight hanging planters, or even gift cards from recent celebrations.
