Beyond the Threshold: Creative Makeover Ideas for Old Doors

Redecorating your existing space has to be one of the best ways to bring a fresh look and feel to your home. You’re making good use of the items you have and creating something new and completely unique. And while many of us focus on the basic paint and furnishings as part of our efforts to step up the look and feel of our homes, there’s one key item that often gets overlooked – the door as the gateway to our homes.

Old doors are often neglected, mainly because of the hassle and cost associated with replacing them. Sure, yanking them out and installing a new one certainly gives you instant gratification, but it’s not always the most cost-effective solution. Instead of waiting for the current door to reach its expiration date, why not put your creative skills to the test and give it a little makeover?

How Do You Refresh an Old Door?

Depending on the state of your current set-up, there are several things you can do to spruce up your old entryways. Sometimes, this involves greater DIY efforts, while at other times, all you need are a few decorative elements. Here are some creative makeover ideas to give your old doors an instant lift:

Add Door Stoppers

We’ve all been guilty of swinging the door too hard at least once in our lives. Not only can this damage the door itself, but it can also bump into other furniture or items in the home. While you may not notice visible damage, the continuous slams can eventually cause your door to weaken. To avoid this from happening, you need to place a secure and sturdy door stop holder.

These nifty accessories come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. You can find them in basic colours like brass, chrome, and bronze or you can opt for something more eye-catching such as patterned door stops. They’re normally made of rubber, which is great for protecting your floors from dings and scratches.

Installing a door stop holder is an easy and quick task – with two ways to go about it. The first one involves drilling a hole in the floor and securing it with screws. The second way is to position it on the wall using screws or adhesive. Both options are quite effective, depending on the placement of your door.

If you don’t like drilling, you can also opt for a magnetic door stopper. These are just as secure and equally effective, with the added bonus of being able to stick them on with no mess or fuss. However, you do need to be conscious of the type of flooring you have and the length of your door to ensure a proper fit.

Once you’ve installed your door stopper, you’ll no longer need to worry about slamming doors or causing unnecessary damage. It’s a handy and inexpensive solution to the problem – giving your old door the makeover it deserves.

Change the Doorknobs

Another way to instantly elevate your entryway is to swap out your old doorknobs for something fresh and new. There’s a fantastic range of unique and stylish designs to choose from, so whether you’re looking for something sleek or a bit more antique-looking, it won’t be hard to find the perfect fit.

When choosing your new doorknobs, don’t forget to consider the finish as well. For instance, if you have a modern home, stainless steel or chrome doorknobs would be the perfect match. For something more vintage-style, why not give your door an ornate touch with bronze or brass knobs? There are even decorative glass doorknobs available if you’re feeling bold and adventurous – adding a truly unique touch to your entrance.

Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint

Painting your door is one of the best ways to give it a fresh and new look. Whether you choose to keep the same colour or switch up to something more daring, it’s an easy task that will do wonders for your doorway.

When it comes to selecting your paint, there are two main types that you can use. The first is an oil-based enamel variety, which provides a hard and durable finish. However, it’s also quite difficult to apply so if you’re feeling a bit daunted by the task, you could opt for acrylic latex paint instead. This is easier to use and can be wiped down with a damp cloth later on if needed.

Install Decorative Molding or Trim

Adding decorative molding or trim to your door is a great way to give it an instant lift. There are countless designs and patterns available, from classic Victorian-style trims to contemporary options like sleek strips of chrome. This type of finishing not only looks good but can also protect the edges of your door from damage.

When selecting your molding or trim, always consider the overall look and feel of your home. For example, if you have a more traditional-style abode, select something more ornate with intricate designs. However, if you prefer something understated yet modern, opt for sleek and minimalistic pieces such as slim strips of chrome.

Update the Hinges

Another area of your door that deserves some attention are the hinges. These are, after all, responsible for keeping your door in place and functioning properly. Over time, hinges can become rusty and less effective. To avoid any issues down the line, you should replace old ones with new stainless steel or non-stainless varieties – depending on what type you prefer.

Just like doorknobs, there are also a wide variety of designs available for hinges. You can choose from rustic-style options with exposed screws or go for more modern-looking pieces with concealed screws. Whichever one you choose, make sure to select the proper size so that it fits your door securely and safely.

Add a Peephole or Door Viewer

When it comes to your front door, security is always a priority. To ensure that your home stays safe and sound, you can add a peephole or door viewer. This type of device allows you to see who’s at the door without having to open it – providing an extra layer of protection for you and your family.

You can opt for more traditional units with a circular lens or something more stylish with an oval-shaped lens. Just make sure to choose one that’s compatible with your door, as some models are designed specifically for metal doors while others work better on wooden ones.

Attach a Decorative Door Knocker

Finally, if you want to give your entranceway that classic touch, you can attach a decorative door knocker. It’s the perfect finishing touch to any doorway and will provide an inviting look for visitors. They’re available in many shapes and sizes, so you can pick one that matches the overall style of your home.

For a more modern look, consider an angular knocker or a sleek chrome option. If you prefer something more decorative, choose a traditional style with intricate patterns such as swirls and flowers. Both ways, you’re sure to add a charming touch – adding that extra bit of personality to your entranceway.