35 shockingly simple ways to hack an ugly interior door

by Cora L. Diekman

Electrical Tape

Yes, believe it or not, this modern pattern was created with a little ingenuity, scissors, and electrical tape.  Since the tape can be easily removed without causing damage to the door, this clever trick is perfect for those who crave bold design without  long-term commitment.

Medallions

This simple hack can be tackled by any DIY novice, and the end result is pure vintage glam.  Adhere a pair of ceiling medallions around centered door handles for a lovely door upgrade on a minimal budget.  We’re also LOVING that deep shade of mint!

Simple Trim Detail

Add character to flat doors with some low profile panel moulding and a few basic tools.  Frequent DIY-ers may not need a tutorial to tackle this simple reno, but novices can reference step-by-step instructions here. Instead of replacing doors, up the wow factor by adding some chic architectural detail while keeping your reno budget in check.

Chalkboard Paint

Another trick for upgrading basic flat doors – add a coat of chalkboard paint and DONE.

Triangular Wall Decals

Shop wall decals for ideas on adding color and graphic interest to a boring door.  This triangular pattern suggests a modern take on a stained glass window.  Love!

Brass Nail Heads

No tutorial necessary – press and done.  Just be sure to pencil in your pattern first to ensure straight lines and a clean, modern look.

Washi Tape Border

Our love of washi tape is still in full bloom, and this sweet border idea is proof.  Rather than decorating the door – in this case, used for storage – create a modern border instead.

Geometric Washi Tape Detail

We’re also loving the idea of a simple geometric washi tape pattern ON the door.  Think dorm rooms, rentals, or any place where damage-free removal is key.

Go Dutch

Yes, you can DIY your own dutch door, and as you would imagine it’s way less pricey than buying new.  Bust out those power tools and impress yourself by slaying this totally-doable hgtv-approved tutorial.

Wallpaper

Luckily, wallpaper is now readily available in easy-to-adhere removeable varieties – perfect for easy door upgrades that promise serious WOW factor.

Monochromatic Color Schemes

Disguise imperfections with a simple monochromatic color scheme that blends doors (almost) seamlessly into walls.

Curtain Panels

Consider replacing doors with chic floor-to-ceiling curtain panels, adding texture, softness, and visual interest to your space.

Interior Curtains

Curtains need not always be on the door’s exterior.  With the use of a few carefully placed tension rods, fabric panels create a space saving door alternative with endless color and pattern possibilities.

Metallic Chevrons

Put that leftover painter’s tape to use with this clever trick for adding metallic flair to interior doors.

Upholstery With Nailhead Trim

If you’ve never thought to upholster a door, it’s surprisingly easy.  There are plenty of tutorials available online (like this one) that make the process super easy, even for beginners.  This door is padded and trimmed with nailheads for even more glam and plushness.

Creative Contact Paper

To transfer this idea to an interior door, use stencils and contact paper to create this sweet peek-through effect – ideal for a nursery, guest room, or home office.

Half Painted Wall

When a door disguise is in order, take a modern approach with a half-wall that includes the trim and door.

Polka Dots

Create these clever dots with paint, contact paper, or source ready-made wall decals online.

Upgraded Hardware

Sometimes a hardware upgrade is all you need.  For serious glam, opt for something with vintage, old world feel.

Photo Frame

This idea is perfect for dorm rooms and rentals, when you need a paint-free upgrade minus any long-term commitment.

Mirror Inserts

A little paint plus mirror inserts can work wonders for a basic interior door.  DIY newbies will be glad to know that the mirrors are surprisingly easy to adhere – double-sided adhesive strips and silicone will do the trick.

Half-Painted Diagonal Door

Never hide an ugly door again. A half-painted door in bold colors like chartreuse and teal give any door a modern update with plenty of look-at-me style.

Paper Backing On Glass Doors

Dress up glass doors with any backing you like.  Get inspired online and in craft stores, where a wide variety of materials will work – from paper to fabric.  This map backing is genius!

DIY Bi-Fold Panels

Use this tutorial to transform basic bi-folds into these stylish doors.  Complete the look with a pair of glam door knobs and customize the look to the rest of your space.

Wallpaper (Everything!)

Instead of papering only the door, wallpaper the entire wall. A chinoiserie print this bold is sure to mask anything you don’t like about your door and impart some serious glamour, too.

Leather With Nailheads

It’s not only about fabric – you can also upholster a door with leather scraps, as in this fabulous piece.  Varying shades of blue create dimension and the nailheads provide security as well as texture and visual interest.

Go Bohemian

A simple lace drape pulled to one side creates a lovely bohemian feel that’s full of feminine charm.  When you just can’t be bothered to upgrade an old door, replace it.

Wall Murals

Wall murals are having a serious moment right now, and come in unlimited colors and patterns.  A geometric design like this one is ideal for resizing as door decor.

Major Architectural Detail (For Any Door)

No matter what shape or size, you can add serious architectural glam with only a few dollars using canvas stretcher bars and 3M adhesive strips…really!

Find the DIY via Curbly.com.

$25 Frosted Door Makeover

Mirrored doors are expensive to replace and tricky to remove, so consider this simple (and affordable!) frosted redesign instead.

DIY Macrame Curtain

For even more bohemian feels, you can’t go wrong with replacing your door with this DIY macrame curtain.  And if you think you can’t tackle macrame, this simple step-by-step tutorial makes it possible for anyone to master.

Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is readily available at craft stores and simple to adhere.  Combine with the dramatic paint color of your choice for serious romantic feels – perfect for old doors already showing some wear and tear.

Vinyl Letters

Ideal for flat doors, vinyl letters allow you to customize a basic door with modern edge.  We love this idea in a nursery or home office.

Simple Fabric

Fabric doors don’t need to be ‘upholstered’. Skip the padding, and adhere a simple layer of fabric to disguise any unsightly wear or damage – nailhead trim optional.

DIY Woven Bypass Doors

This tutorial is a bit more complicated than your average DIY, but the end result is well worth the effort.  So unique and lovely!