Repurposed Door into Bookshelf
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Old doors always catch my eye. They hold so much history and possibility. This one had just the right amount of wear to give it character, so I decided to turn it into something useful again. With a few simple cuts and some imagination, it became a charming bookshelf that adds personality to any space.
How to Repurpose a Vintage Wooden Door
I have made several things from doors. Did you see my toddler bed and my bookshelf?
The inspiration for this repurposed door project comes from Brittany @ Pretty Handy Girl.
Add Sides to Reclaimed Door Bookshelf
I opted for small screened pieces since I didn’t have picket fence pieces.
Clamps Are Helpful When Working Alone
Holding the small cupboard doors with clamps to see if they would work is an excellent way to do a dry fit on a repurposed furniture project when working alone.
Pocket Holes Make Connecting Small Doors Easy
I used my Kreg Jig to make pocket holes for joining the cupboard doors to the old door. Being very portable, this jig is 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
The 1x6s were connected using pocket holes, as I did for the kitchen island top. They were secured to the side of the small cabinet doors using pocket hole screws.
I notched out the shelves with a jigsaw to compensate for the mesh screen. The pocket holes are located where the shelf connects to the small cupboard door.
The door had some fabulous chippy paint on it. However, getting the new wood and the white cupboard doors to match the chippy door was a little tricky.
Prepare Repurposed Furniture Project for Painting
Luckily, I had some paint near the same color as the door.
Although taping the window panes is time-consuming, I won’t have to scrape off the paint on the numerous window panes.
This is the back side of the door. That’s a pretty wild paint job, huh? I’m sure you know by now the easiest way to paint a project like this is by using a paint sprayer. My favorite is the Super Finish Max Extra.
I love the new color. In fact, I love everything about the repurposed door bookshelf.
You can see that the paint sprayer is the only way to paint a project like this. Using a paintbrush would leave you with lots of runs and drips.
You can see that the paint sprayer is the only way to paint a project like this. Using a paintbrush would leave you with lots of runs and drips.
Dry-brush Furniture Projects
I used a light cream-colored paint to do a dry brush effect. This was done to give the project some definition.
In addition, the holes from the pocket screws were filled with spackling.
A light sanding helped everything blend well together.
I wasn’t sure if I should put the glass knob on.
I 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
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
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!
What a great piece. I can see it being used in many areas of one’s home. You do great work!
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?
Wow, love it! You did a great job Gail. And such patience to tape all those windows off :).
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…
Fantastic! You’re so bloody talented 🙂
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
I love this Gail it looks great good job. I think she is going to love it.
I love it, especially with the chicken wire on the cupboard doors. As Coleen said, it doesn’t need anything else.
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!
Great job!
I need one of these in my new bathroom. Trish