Repurposing Old Doors: Creative DIY Ideas for the New Year

When we think about projects for the new year, we tend to think about self-improvement—picking up a new hobby, practicing better self-care, or learning a new skill. Home improvement, however, can also be a great goal for the new year. New windows and new doors can make a home feel fresh without the need for a full renovation. But what do you do with those old doors you’ve removed? Instead of letting them go, consider repurposing them. Here are some inspiring DIY ideas to transform your old doors into functional and stylish pieces for your home.

A Display Shelf

For old doors with plenty of character, consider using them to mount display shelves. The process is simple: find a shelf or shelves that complement the style of the door, then attach them to the door just as you would to a wall. To make this project safe and stable, ensure the door is securely anchored to the wall. Simply leaning it against a wall won’t suffice. Visit your local home improvement store to purchase furniture anchors and follow the directions for secure attachment.

Fun Kitchen Island

Why not create a new kitchen island using your old door as the countertop? This upcycling project allows you to get the most out of your materials. To build a functional kitchen island, design a stable base that can support the weight of the door and any kitchen gadgets or food you plan to place on top. Consider adding storage options like shelves or drawers to make the island even more useful and character-filled.

Unique Porch Swing

If you’re replacing your front door for a specific vision, consider transforming your old door into a porch swing. This project adds a cozy touch to your outdoor space and is both fun and functional. Remember that a porch swing needs to support the weight of at least two people, so ensure it’s installed safely, ideally with help from someone experienced in heavy-duty furniture making.

Quirky Coffee Table

If your old door is smaller, such as one from a pantry, or if you’re okay with cutting it down, consider making a coffee table. This project is similar to creating a kitchen island but on a smaller scale. For doors with intricate detailing, a glass or plexiglass tabletop can enhance functionality while showcasing the door's character. If using a heavy door, consider placing it on casters for easy movement during cleaning.

Useful Coat Rack

One of the simplest ways to reuse an old door is to turn it into a coat rack. This requires just three steps: purchase hooks, attach them to the door, and secure the door to the wall. You can enhance this project by adding a shelf for additional storage or by displaying family photos within the door’s frame.

Bar for Entertaining

Bars and drink stations are trending in home design. You can repurpose your old door into a home bar without breaking the bank. Similar to creating a kitchen island or coffee table, use the door as a countertop and build a base with cabinets or shelves underneath. Adding a bottle opener on the side will ensure your bar is both trendy and functional for entertaining guests.

Desk or Workspace

Lastly, consider making a DIY desk using your old door as the surface. Add four legs and, if necessary, stabilize the cross sections with a plexiglass or glass top for a smooth, attractive workspace. This transformation turns your old door into a stylish and functional desk.

When it comes to DIY home improvement, The Window Depot is your one-stop shop for new windows and new doors. To learn more about us and our available products, visit our website or stop by one of our seven locations. We look forward to helping you achieve your DIY goals this new year!