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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Repurposed Door into Bookshelf

    Repurposed Door into Bookshelf

    Published by Gail | Published July 31, 2018 | Updated February 17, 2021
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    How to use a repurposed door to make a bookshelf. A chippy old vintage door and small cupboard doors make great repurposed furniture options. Full tutorial. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #door #bookshelf #halltree via @repurposedlife

    Repurposed door projects are a fun and functional option to make new furniture pieces.

    How to repurpose a vintage wooden door

    vintage door repurposed into bookshelfI have made several things from doors, did you see my toddler bed and my bookshelf?

     

    The inspiration from this repurposed door project comes from Brittany @ Pretty Handy Girl. 

    Add sides to reclaimed door bookshelf

    repurposed door bookshelf

    Since I didn't have picket fence pieces, I opted for these small screened pieces.

    This post contains affiliate links read more here.

    Clamps are helpful when working alone

    repurposed door bookshelf project designHolding the small cupboard doors with clamps to see if they were actually going to work is a good way to do a dry fit on a repurposed furniture project when you're working alone.

    Pocket holes make connecting small doors easy

    kreg jig pocket holesI used my Kreg Jig  to make pocket holes for joining the cupboard doors to the old door. Being very portable, this jig is really handy for all sorts of projects.

    Need more details on using a Kreg Jig? See my article How to use a Kreg Jig Pocket Hole System

    How to add shelves to repurposed door project

     

    add shelves to repurposed doorThe 1x6's were connected using pocket holes just like I did for the kitchen island top. They were secured to the side of the small cabinet doors using pocket hole screws.

    notch shelf with jigsaw

    I notched out the shelves with a jigsaw  to compensate for the mesh screen. You can see the pocket holes are located where the shelf connects to the small cupboard door.

    add shelves to repurposed door bookshelfThe door had some fabulous chippy paint on it. However, trying to get the new wood and the white cupboard doors to match the chippy door was a little difficult.

    Prepare repurposed furniture project for painting

    mint green paint matches original vintage door paint jobLuckily I had some paint that was very near the same color as the door.

    tape up windows before painting with paint sprayer Although taping the window panes is really time consuming, I won't have to scrape off the paint on the numerous window panes.
    repurposed door bookshelf in paint booth ready for paint sprayerThis is the back side of the door. Pretty wild paint job huh? I'm sure you know by now, the easiest way to paint a project like this is using a paint sprayer. My favorite is the Super Finish Max Extra.
    repurposed door bookshelf after painting

    I really love the new color. In fact I love everything about the repurposed door bookshelf.

    paint sprayer makes painting mesh door easierYou can see that the paint sprayer is the only way to paint a project like this. Using a paint brush would leave you with lots of runs and drips.
    cover hardware with painter's tapeYou can see that I covered up the door plate with painter's tape.

    Dry  brush furniture projects

    dry brush painting furnitureI used a light cream colored paint to do a dry brush effect. This  was done to give the project some definition.

    upcycled door bookshelfIn addition, the holes from the pocket screws were filled with spackling.
    dry brush painting bookshelf made from a doorA light sanding helped everything blend well together.
    add doorknob or not on upcycled door bookshelfI wasn't sure if I should put the glass knob on or not.

     

    how to finish off an upcycled door bookshelfI felt like it needed a little something where the small doors meet the large door. What do you think?

    Add finishing touches to repurposed door nightstand

    add embellishments to repurposed door bookshelf

     

    Pin IT for later!

    I added the finishing touches . . . door latch, door knob, and brackets in the corner.

    gail

    Check out other door projects here or this fun Cupboard Door Bookshelf

    See More Hall Tree Project Ideas Here

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Kippi

      August 08, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      Beautiful results. I love everything about the door up-cycle project. The color is my favorite!

      Reply
    2. Brittany Bailey

      August 01, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      Looks super cute! Thanks for the link to my nightstand 😉

      Reply
    3. Matty

      August 04, 2012 at 3:27 am

      Hello,

      the link for the harbor freight sprayer you use is now just a redirect to the main site. Which did/do you use for painting the furniture pieces?

      Reply
    4. lauren @ West Furniture Revival

      June 09, 2011 at 9:31 pm

      wow this turned out great!!! Great idea how to repurpose the door.
      love it

      Reply
    5. Felicia

      April 25, 2011 at 12:36 pm

      That is so beautiful! I think it would be a great outdoor piece too! Maybe for a garden? Love!

      Would love for you to share at Calling All Crafters, today!
      http://allthingsfee.blogspot.com/2011/04/calling-all-crafters-4th-edition.html

      Reply
    6. Good Time Charlie

      April 22, 2011 at 11:05 pm

      This looks fantastic! I love door transformations, and this is one the coolest I have seen. I am new to the linky party, but I do one every Friday as well. I showcase the winners on Monday. I would love it if you would stop by and link up! Have a lovely weekend. -Karen

      http://www.redoux.blogspot.com

      Reply
    7. Amanda

      April 20, 2011 at 4:18 pm

      Hmmmm, two comments on your blog in like 5 minutes! I feel like I'm stalking you! This looks wonderful, it's amazing what you can do with other peoples 'tat' very inventive!

      Reply
    8. Amanda

      April 17, 2011 at 1:24 pm

      Hey Gail! Featuring this on Craft Gossip this afternoon 🙂

      Reply
    9. Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating

      April 17, 2011 at 7:06 am

      Visiting from FJI! This is simply brilliant. I never in my life would have though to use a door like that. And I love the color(s) that you used on it as well. And dang it...I HAVE to get me one of those jigs!! I keep seeing people use it on their projects, and it makes everything so nice and neat.

      I started a weekly link party (on Sundays) over at Addicted 2 Decorating. I hope you'll come link up!

      Reply
    10. Sommer

      April 16, 2011 at 3:39 pm

      Wow oh Wow this is FABULOUS! You always do such amazing repurpose jobs. I love the chicken wire and the color. I hope you will share this at my VIP party today =) http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/04/vip-party-11.html

      Reply
    11. Michelle@Somedaycrafts

      April 16, 2011 at 3:16 pm

      YOu are too creative. Love this! I wish you were in my neighborhood!

      Reply
    12. Barbara Jean

      April 16, 2011 at 2:26 pm

      turned out great!!!!

      blessings
      barbara jean

      Reply
    13. Toqua's Crafts

      April 16, 2011 at 3:59 am

      I really like the corner brackets!! I think that finishes it off so well!

      Kudos for a great job!

      Blessings

      Reply
    14. Amy {The Idea Room}

      April 16, 2011 at 3:56 am

      I absolutely love this! You are so creative. Love the paint color too!

      Reply
    15. Heather

      April 16, 2011 at 2:29 am

      That turned out awesome, love it!

      http://craftiestthings.blogspot.com

      Reply
    16. Who "NEW" Creations

      April 14, 2011 at 10:25 am

      Beautiful work, AGAIN!

      Reply
    17. Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack

      April 13, 2011 at 5:08 am

      This looks awesome, Gail! I don't think it needs anything. The green paint really works! I could see hanging a wreath from the top to hang in front of the windows. What a fun piece!

      🙂 Michelle

      Reply
    18. BB Goad

      April 12, 2011 at 1:14 pm

      great idea! thanks for sharing. i just love old doors 🙂

      Reply
    19. Brenda

      April 12, 2011 at 12:57 pm

      Could even modify slightly and use as a hall tree in the entry way. Love it.

      Reply
    20. Shelly

      April 12, 2011 at 6:08 am

      So cool! (I know, someone already said that!) I like the idea to add hooks. It is hard to tell if the top will need "balancing" because it is still taped up. I think it is just gorgeous!

      Reply
    21. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

      April 12, 2011 at 3:29 am

      Oh I forgot to mention, you could add some hooks to the front edges of the big door. I have that on my shutter halltree. Quite handy.

      Reply
    22. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal

      April 12, 2011 at 3:27 am

      Gail, you did such a great job on this. I love this piece. It has so much character. I don't think the cupboard doors need anything. I like it as is. I'd ad the knob back even with books. It could be the bookend.

      Reply
    23. Windmill Memories

      April 12, 2011 at 2:50 am

      Love the door project. I love anything made with old doors or windows. I have two benches in my house made from old doors, one still has the door knob and the other one doesn't. So they look good either way. Thanks for sharing, so glad I found your blog.

      Reply
    24. Jan

      April 12, 2011 at 1:55 am

      It's so neat to hear about my door/nightstand! LOL!
      The cat's name is MewMew! Kinda a dumb name, but it's what he comes to.
      I love to read all of these comments.
      Hasn't Gail done a great job. You should see what else she has done with my junk!

      Jan

      Reply
    25. The Rusty Bucket

      April 12, 2011 at 1:28 am

      I can see the need to add something to make it crazy-unique but it really isn't necessary. It's functional with a simple design. I love the chicken wire on the cupboard doors! MAybe that's statement enough. Very cool project!
      -Bethanie

      Reply
    26. Rose @ Confessions of a Curbshopaholic

      April 12, 2011 at 12:10 am

      That is such a great door and I love it with the shutters on the sides and shelves.
      You did a great job on this one! I do agree with Suzanne that simple corbels would be a nice transition from the door to shutters if you wanted to add a little something. But it definitely isn't necessary! Looks great as is!

      Reply
    27. Sue

      April 12, 2011 at 12:07 am

      As always: Love it! Right now I'm only doing tiny project, can't wait for it to be warmer (and dry) to get going with the big stuff outside.
      Hugs,
      Sue

      Reply
    28. SuttonsDays

      April 11, 2011 at 9:26 pm

      I simply cannot go a day without reading your blog. You are an inspiration!

      We just picked up a great old door at St. Vincent this past weekend. My husband had no idea what I was thinking when I said I had to have it. Now I'm even more excited to create something with it.

      I'm debating on a shelf like this or a table like Rose potting table.

      Thank you so much for blogging!

      Reply
    29. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      April 11, 2011 at 8:41 pm

      that looks awesome!!! it would be so cool to replace the windows with with mirrors, too!

      Reply
    30. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      April 11, 2011 at 8:41 pm

      that looks awesome!!! it would be so cool to replace the windows with with mirrors, too!

      Reply
    31. Rebekah★All Thingz Related★

      April 11, 2011 at 7:13 pm

      It's looking terrific! I'm really liking it!
      I have so much I'm wanting to get done but it has been so windy and today it is POURING DOWN! Ugh.

      Reply
    32. Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama

      April 11, 2011 at 7:13 pm

      looks good Gail..love the color.

      Reply
    33. Midwest Cottage and Finds!

      April 11, 2011 at 6:40 pm

      It is so ironic that you mentioned getting my moneys worth on the U Haul..after I saw my couch-I knew I would have to get a U Haul-so in my mind I am calulating the cost, plus extra gas for hauling a trailer, plus the stress of driving home ALONE for 16 hours and not being able to back it up!! The cost of the couch was such a good deal i could not pass it up--plus I found my PERFECT wash stand that I could put in the U Haul also.so after some mental gymnastics I decided to go for it..and so glad I did...wait till you see how the wash stand is turning out...I am loving it!
      hugs,
      chris

      Reply
    34. Mimi@blueroofcabin

      April 11, 2011 at 5:26 pm

      Very Cool! This turned out great! I need one of those Kreg Jig Jr thingys. You should do a give away for that that only I can enter. 😉 You are so talented!

      Reply
    35. Jester

      April 11, 2011 at 3:56 pm

      I love your blog, you are always making the coolest stuff! What a creative mind ou have!

      Reply
    36. Terri

      April 11, 2011 at 3:34 pm

      Oh my...this is one of the cutest things I have ever seen (along with your door nighstand and bed). If Jan doesn't love it, I'll take it, lol! You are such an inspiration...I love the things you create!

      Reply
    37. Shirlee

      April 11, 2011 at 2:54 pm

      What a great piece. I can see it being used in many areas of one's home. You do great work!

      Reply
    38. Suzanne@Meridian Road

      April 11, 2011 at 2:53 pm

      That is such a great project! I love how it's turned out, and that green! Gorgeous!

      I think it looks fantastic how it is, but if you wanted something for the top of the cupboard doors, how about some small corbels in the corners where the cupboard doors meet the back?

      Reply
    39. Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence

      April 11, 2011 at 1:01 pm

      Wow, love it! You did a great job Gail. And such patience to tape all those windows off :).

      Reply
    40. PicturePerfectPixies

      April 11, 2011 at 1:01 pm

      I think, if you are going to add another shelf, it should be see through. Just in case she puts a cool knob on there. Some type of window pane?

      It looks fantastic. How creative you are...

      Reply
    41. Meg and Mum's

      April 11, 2011 at 12:14 pm

      Fantastic! You're so bloody talented 🙂

      Reply
    42. Lesley Litrento

      April 11, 2011 at 11:34 am

      Okay. You asked for ideas for the top and I one came to mind. I was looking at a mirror project yesterday. I think you should use the same technique on the window panes. Might look kinda cool.

      I found it on the DIY sight, but here is the link:
      http://thediyclub.com/2011/04/damask-stenciling-on-a-mirror-by-gail/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DiyClubInc+%28DIY+Club+inc%29

      If the link doesn't work, go the the DIY Club blog and look at the "damask stenciling on a mirror by gail posting. Anyway, the project looks great! Just thought I would share!

      Lesley

      Reply
    43. Cindy @ LeChaiseParfait

      April 11, 2011 at 11:29 am

      I love this Gail it looks great good job. I think she is going to love it.

      Reply
    44. Granny

      April 11, 2011 at 11:25 am

      I love it, especially with the chicken wire on the cupboard doors. As Coleen said, it doesn't need anything else.

      Reply
    45. Coleen's Corner

      April 11, 2011 at 11:13 am

      Great job! Love the color - would be perfect in my dining room : ) I don't think you need anything on top of the cupboard doors. Once it gets put to use, I'll bet it will look just fine!

      Reply
    46. Diane in the Valley

      April 11, 2011 at 10:10 am

      Great job!

      Reply
    47. Home Made Quilts By Granny

      April 11, 2011 at 7:16 am

      I need one of these in my new bathroom. Trish

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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