Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Decorate With Old Country Doors

Use an old country door as part of your decor.


Repurposing an old country door is an easy way to update your decor without breaking the bank. Find an economically priced door at a garage sale or flea market, or score one free on the curb on garbage day. Old country doors often have interesting architectural details like raised panels and vintage hardware, which add character that only comes with age. With some elbow grease and a little imagination you can transform an old door into a unique treasure Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


Wall Art


1. Remove the hardware or leave it attached for a more primitive look. Paint or stain the door or leave it as is for a shabby chic look.


2. Drive small nails into the door. Hang various types of shells, framed family photos, baskets or antique kitchen implements on the door. Hang bunches of herbs and flowers on the door and let them dry.


3. Paint a mural. The raised panels will add interest and depth.


4. Cut squares of wallpaper in different patterns the size of each panel and glue or decoupage them to the door.


5. Paint the front of the door with blackboard paint and us it as a message board.


6. Mount the door on the wall in a place where it can serve as a focal point.


Bed Canopy


7. Screw four J-shaped hooks to the door, one at each corner. Screw four J-shaped ceiling hooks into the ceiling joists to correspond with the hooks on the door. Position the screws so that the door will be centered above the bed.


8. Suspend the door from the ceiling from four equal lengths of chain by slipping the last link of each end over the J-hooks.


9. Decorate the door. Attach twinkle lights. Drape a lace tablecloth, a bed sheet, quilt or sheer fabric over the door.


Headboard


10. Measure the width of the bed and the length of the door. If the door is too long, trim it to size with a power saw.


11. Glue a piece of crown molding the same length as the door to the edge that will be the top of your headboard. Use wood glue. Secure with finishing nails.


12. Go over the door with a hand sander and medium-grade sandpaper. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove sawdust.


13. Paint the door any color or colors that complement your bedding and the rest of your decor. Highlight the raised panels with a contrasting color, or choose a different color for each. Paint or decoupage scenes on the panels. Be creative. Allow the door to dry.


14. Mount the door on the wall. Screw two D rings into the door 2 inches under the crown molding and 2 inches in from each side. Thread heavy-duty picture wire through each D ring. Pull it taut, and secure the wire by twisting. Hammer two heavy-duty picture-hanging hooks into the wall studs above your bed. Slip the picture wire on the back of the door over the hooks to hang the door on the wall.







Tags: door wall, raised panels, your decor, country door, crown molding, door Hang