Recycled Old Doors Open Up a World of Charm
Repurposed old doors bring a punch of personality into any home, no matter what its age
A friend of mine has just built a simple but lovely house that manages to combine new and old materials with ease. As well as recycled bricks and a recycled kitchen, courtesy of eBay, this brand new home has plenty of character inside because of one simple addition – old doors. She and her partner were on a tight budget, and could have saved a few dollars by opting for standard, off-the-shelf doors. Not only did she not like the look of these hollow, mass-produced doors, she decided she couldn’t live with the sound these cheap doors made when they closed. Instead, she sourced a series of old timber doors and handles from antique shops and online, and had the builders design the door frames to fit. Not quite as cheap, but they bring plenty of joy and loads of character to a new build … and a satisfyingly solid thud when they shut.
Old doors can be used in endless ways both inside and outside a home; all it takes is a little imagination…
Old doors can be used in endless ways both inside and outside a home; all it takes is a little imagination…
Recycling old barn doors is a fun trend that has made its way here from our friends in the US. An alternative option is to use a door like this one and turn it into a sliding door rather than one that’s hinged to the door frame. In small bathrooms and laundries, this can be a real space saver, as well as add character galore.
More: Let It Slide: 4 Beautiful Ways to Bring Barn Doors Inside
More: Let It Slide: 4 Beautiful Ways to Bring Barn Doors Inside
The owner of this Sydney apartment made use of an old barn door from the south of France in the bathroom to save on space and add character. The handle is from Italy and the hardware on the top of the door is from the US.
See the before and after photos
See the before and after photos
Industrial style is popular for good reason – who can resist such a functional but fabulous aesthetic? – but all that concrete risks leaning towards being a bit cold. This bedroom has been softened with the help of a sumptuous rug and those giant timber doors, which are in keeping with the industrial style of the space but add warmth and character in spades.
… and can solve the dilemma of what to do with that blank space above the bed.
When just about everything is white in the room, an old white door leaning against the wall fits in with ease … especially if shabby chic is the look you’re going for.
More: It’s a Whiteout! Add Star Power to Your Interiors With White-on-White
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A lick of chalkboard paint and this old door is now the star attraction in the bathroom.
More: 14 Brilliant Ways to Use Chalkboard Paint
More: 14 Brilliant Ways to Use Chalkboard Paint
Propped in the corner, a door can become the focal point of the room, and a useful place to hang your favourite things. Just add hooks.
Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, and the style you choose makes a serious impact on a space. Replace the glass in an old door with mirrors and you have a character piece that’s as useful as it is lovely.
TIP: Place a mirrored door in a hallway, and guests will wonder where it leads.
TIP: Place a mirrored door in a hallway, and guests will wonder where it leads.
Turned into a coffee table or dining table, old doors add rustic appeal. Leave the dings and dents in place, along with the door hardware, for maximum appeal.
TIP: A dining table made with an old door is often best topped with glass (just make sure the glass has rounded edges) to protect the door, and to make the table easier to clean and use.
TIP: A dining table made with an old door is often best topped with glass (just make sure the glass has rounded edges) to protect the door, and to make the table easier to clean and use.
In the garden, an old door (coated in marine-grade paint) is a quirky touch sure to delight anyone who reaches for the door handle and steps inside.
ABOUT YOU
What have you repurposed at your house? Share your ideas in the Comments.
MORE
Get Crafty: Add Class With Old Glass
Houzz Tour: Salvaged Finds Add Soul to a Western Australian New Build
How to Build Recycled and Discarded Material Into Your Home
ABOUT YOU
What have you repurposed at your house? Share your ideas in the Comments.
MORE
Get Crafty: Add Class With Old Glass
Houzz Tour: Salvaged Finds Add Soul to a Western Australian New Build
How to Build Recycled and Discarded Material Into Your Home
More: So Your Style Is: Eclectic