Last updated on
Covering an unused exterior door offers an excellent opportunity to highlight design prowess, because it provides a unique canvas for creativity and style.
Covering an unused exterior door can be a creative and exciting project. Whether you want to blend it into the rest of your home’s exterior, transform it into a unique focal point, or repurpose it for added functionality, there’s a myriad of ways to achieve your goal.
This article delves into a variety of ideas, from simple cosmetic fixes to more intricate design solutions. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to turn an unused door into an aesthetic or functional asset for your home.
Let’s dive into the details to help you choose the best option that aligns with your style, budget, and skill level.
Table of Contents
Install a Decorative Mural
Murals pose an attractive option that can immediately transform the appeal of your exterior door. Opt for weather-resistant paints or choose hard-wearing vinyl decals to ensure longevity.
Be it an abstract pattern, a favorite quote, an elaborate scenery, or a portrait of your beloved pet, murals bring a unique, personalized touch. Consider hiring a professional artist for perfected execution, or if you’re artistically inclined, DIY it.
Remember to finish with a clear sealant to protect your work from the elements. Murals don’t just cover up unwanted doors, they turn them into eye-catching artworks that enhance curb appeal.
With a well-chosen theme, it can seamlessly blend into your exterior decor or stand out as a compelling focal point. Explore the artist within you, the door is your canvas!
Cover With Outdoor Curtains
Outdoor curtains, apart from providing a touch of sophistication, are undeniably practical. Meant to weather the elements, they are typically crafted from durable materials like acrylic, polyester, or cotton canvas. Use them to conceal an unused exterior door effortlessly, while adding a distinctive character to your home exterior.
Here’s a brief guide:
1. Measure the Door: You’ll ideally want the curtains wider than the door for full coverage.
2. Choose Fabric: Opt for weather-resistant materials. The color and pattern should complement your home facade.
3. Get the Hardware: Go for a durable curtain rod that can withstand outdoor conditions. Also, consider the mounting brackets and curtain rings.
4. Post Installation: Mount the hardware above the door, following manufacturer’s instructions, and hang your curtains.
To refresh the look, simply swap out for different curtains based on the season or occasion. It’s a simple, exquisite option that adds a wonderful flow to any outdoor space.
Set Up a Vertical Garden
Transforming an idle exterior door into a vertical garden breathes life into the formerly dull area, providing both decorative and functional elements. This method utilizes the vertical space, making it perfect for those with smaller outdoor areas.
Start by measuring the door. These dimensions will dictate the size of the planters you’ll need to acquire. Choose plants that flourish in your region’s climate. Succulents, ferns, and small flowers generally adapt well to vertical gardens.
Opt for a modular wall garden system if you’re seeking efficient setup and flexibility. These systems include separate planters that attach to a wall structure, allowing you to rearrange or substitute plants easily.
Alternatively, a DIY approach accepts a variety of materials — reclaimed wood, pallets, or PVC pipes. Securely construct pockets or holders to house the plants. Always ensure there is adequate drainage to avoid root rot.
Lastly, consider irrigation. Some vertical garden systems come with built-in watering setups. If your choice doesn’t, arrange a simple drip irrigation system ensuring your plants are hydrated.
Use Adhesive Peel-and-stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an ingenious decorating tool, offering a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs. Not only are they easy to install, but they’re also durable enough for outdoor use, standing up to both the elements and time.
Primarily, ensure the door’s surface is clean before applying the wallpaper, to guarantee adherence. Then, you can apply it just like any sticker, gradually smoothing it down from top to bottom to avoid any bubbles. If there’s excess, it’s easy to cut down using a utility knife.
The fun part is choosing a design that complements the exterior of your home. From textured stone to floral designs or ever-popular geometric patterns, there’s something for every style. This aesthetic addition effectively masks your unused door as an art statement, with the added bonus of being an economical and reversible makeover solution.
Add a Glass Door Film
Adding a layer of glass film offers both aesthetic appeal and benefits like added privacy and UV protection. Here’s how to make the most of this option:
1. Variety: Glass door films come in a range of designs – from frosted glass effects, to colorful stained-glass styles, to more modern and sleek opaque designs. Select one that complements your home’s exterior.
2. Privacy: A darker or dense pattern glass film can prevent prying eyes from looking into your home, maintaining your privacy.
3. Easy to Install: Glass films are self-adhesive, making it an easy do-it-yourself project. Make sure the door glass is clean, simply cut the film to size, peel off the backing, apply, and remove air bubbles.
4. UV Protection: Glass films can block harmful UV rays, protecting indoor furnishings from sun damage.
Remember, while your unused door may no longer serve its original purpose, it can still contribute to your home’s overall exterior design.
Attach a Chalkboard for Fun Messages
Attaching a chalkboard offers not just functional but also aesthetic benefits. It provides a venue for family notes, neighborhood updates, seasonal greetings, or inspiring messages. Its usage varies from practical reminders to displays of creativity, making the door an interactive part of your exterior’s set up.
And, the best part? It’s a simple and affordable DIY project. Just ensure the chosen chalkboard is weather-resistant or apply a weather-proof sealant, and secure it firmly to the door. Don’t forget to keep a stash of chalk nearby, renewed as the seasons switch, for impromptu doodles and messages.
Install a Bookshelf On the Inner Side
Make this unconventional idea work for you by simply attaching a slim, wall-mounted bookshelf to the inner side of the unused exterior door. Ensure it fits the door’s dimensions and blends with the overall room decor. Not only does this solution mask the door, but it also turns an unneeded entryway into valuable storage space.
Stick to light or medium-weight items on the shelves to minimize strain on the door. Consider adding soft LED lights under each shelf to illuminate the room and give the shelves a floating effect.
Remember, this choice is not suitable for emergency exits, as the bookshelf can obstruct the door’s potential function. Hence, using this technique with caution ensures safety while effectively utilizing unused space for decorative and practical purposes.
Place a Large Potted Plant in Front
When dealing with larger and wider pots, there are multiple plant options to go for. Dwarf trees, such as citrus or crab apple, bring a dash of uniqueness. Fiddle leaf fig or rubber plant, known as sturdy indoor plants, can thrive well outside too, in the right conditions.
Alternatively, a colorful variety of annual flowers, like marigolds or pansies paired with ferns, can create an attractive visual distraction. Note that the choice of plants depends greatly on the outdoor environment specifics, including light exposure and climate.
If you want to resonate with a particular season, opt for plants that bloom during that time. Experiment with textures, colors, leaf shapes, and imprint your style onto the arrangement. With the right maintenance, your green cover-up not only solves a decorative issue but essentially enlivens the whole outdoor setting. Be creative and experimental with plant potting, it’s an effective solution at hand.
Install a Trellis With Climbing Plants
To get started, you’ll need a trellis that fits comfortably over the door without impeding function, in case you need to use it in an emergency. Next, select climbing plants that suit your climate and the amount of sunlight this spot receives. Some popular choices include roses, ivy, jasmine, and clematis.
Once your trellis is secure and your plants are in the ground, you’ll need to help them adapt to climbing. Gently position new growth onto the trellis, using garden wire or ties to secure them as needed. Remember, climbing plants need regular pruning to thrive and to maintain an aesthetic appeal. This low-maintenance transformation not only breathes life into your space with greenery but also provides an enchanting focal point that completely disguises the unused door.
Use Faux Brick or Stone Panels
Faux brick or stone panels offer a quick way to hide that unused exterior door with elegance. Easy to install, these panels come in various styles mimicking an ample range of brick and stone patterns. They can effortlessly blend with your house exterior, creating an illusion of a seamless wall.
Moreover, they are durable, weather-resistant, and require minimal maintenance – a periodic rinse with water is enough to keep them looking new. You can find them readily online or at local home improvement stores. Always remember to measure your door before purchasing to ensure a perfect fit. This option provides not just concealment, but also adds an aesthetic appeal.
Convert Into a Window
Taking a step further from traditional methods, a unique and thoughtful approach involves turning the unused door into an appealing window. This not only provides a functional purpose but is also a great aesthetic addition to your home exterior.
- Window Planning: Determine the size and type of window that best suits the exterior’s overall design. Opt for a style in line with the home’s architecture, possibly a picture window for a modern fix or sliding windows for a more classic vibe.
- Hiring Professionals: For smooth execution of the conversion process, consult professionals. Their expertise ensures the structural integrity of the house remains intact while providing a seamless transformation.
- Permits and Regulations: Check local regulations or housing authority rules if necessary. A quick chat with your local building department should suffice. Remember, falling foul of codes can bring hefty fines.
- Finishing Details: Once installed, make sure the window blends seamlessly into the rest of your house. Paint or stain it to match the exterior, and for a polished touch, include matching trim or shutters.
Transitioning an unused door into a window can be a charming home update. It embraces practical living while infusing a bespoke touch in the architecture of the house.
Hang a Vintage Barn Door
Reimagining the space with a touch of antiquity, a vintage barn door can indeed be a captivating choice. With its rustic appeal and robust character, it not only conceals the unused door but also turns it into a charming focal point.
Here’s how to go about it:
- Find a door: Flea markets, antique stores or online marketplaces are excellent sources to find a vintage barn door matching your exterior aesthetics.
- Work on the door: Depending on its condition, you might need to sand, paint or polish the barn door. Embrace any signs of wear and tear as these add to its vintage charm.
- Affix securely: Unlike regular doors, barn doors hang from a rail installed above the door frame. Make sure it is secure, ensuring that the chosen barn door can withstand outdoor conditions.
And there you have it! A vintage barn door can provide a fresh, unexpected spin, transforming your unused exterior door into an enchanting accent point.
Camouflage With Siding
For a seamless and unnoticeable door cover, matching siding is a brilliant option. This solution can make your unused door look like it was never there to begin with.
The process involves carefully measuring the door space and cutting an appropriate amount of identical siding to fit it. Remember to seal the edges for enhanced weather resistance.
If executed properly, this method will blend your door perfectly with the rest of the wall, achieving a sleek and unified facade.
However, you might want to consult with a professional before proceeding, as this method requires a certain level of skill and precision.
Insert Matching Wall Paneling
Matching the paneling to the surrounding wall offers a seamless transition, effectively concealing the unused exterior door. This can be achieved through the use of identical textures, materials, and paint colors. Although it requires some carpentry skills, it is a long-lasting solution.
To implement this idea, here’s a brief guide:
- Measure the door dimensions carefully: This guarantees a precise fit with your panel.
- Choose weather-resistant material: Options could range from vinyl, composite wood, or metal panels.
- Ensure it matches the exterior wall: This involves considering texture, color, and style.
- Seal the door edges: Additional insulation and weather-stripping prevents moisture buildup behind the panel.
- Install the panel: Use quality screws or nails for a secure fit.
Remember, seeking professional help is recommended if you’re unsure about DIY solution. Lastly, check local building codes to ensure your modifications are approved and safe.
Install a Rustic Wood Panel
For a natural and homey aesthetic, the installation of a rustic wood panel is an excellent choice.
Start off by measuring the exact dimensions of your door to ensure your panel fits perfectly.
Choose weather-resistant wood for longevity, such as cedar or pressure-treated pine.
Preferences for wood type can vary based on desired color and grain.
Remember, adding a sealant is key to preserving the panel’s rich tones.
This not only strengthens the wood but also enhances its charm over time.
For a more distinct finish, consider paint washes or varnish.
At installation, ensure the panel aligns correctly.
For secure attachment, use durable, corrosion-resistant screws.
Not only does a well-fitted, rustic wood panel provide you with a beautiful door coverage, it exudes a classic, timeless appeal, effortlessly mirroring the appeal of a relaxed countryside dwelling.
Create a Mini Outdoor Gallery
A mini outdoor gallery instantly adds a splash of creativity and individuality to a blank door. By placing weather-resistant pieces of artwork, photographs, or sculptures on and around the door, you not only conceal the unused area but bring a new dimension of style to it.
1. Select Pieces: Begin by choosing outdoor-friendly and weather-resistant art pieces that reflect your aesthetic.
2. Position Carefully: Arrange them on and around the door in a pleasing manner. Consider positioning, size, color, and how they may interact with light throughout the day.
3. Use Strong Fixings: Ensure you use strong, durable fixings to securely attach your art pieces, keeping in mind the elements they will face.
4. Maintenance: Regularly check on your outdoor gallery for any necessary cleaning or maintenance to keep the artwork at its best.
5. Change as Needed: Feel free to rotate artwork to refresh the gallery from time to time. A climax of aesthetics can be achieved by harmonizing with the season, festivals, or your mood.
The end result? An unused door magically transforms into a personal art hub, enhancing the beauty of your exterior.
Display Decorative Metal Art
Incorporating metal art into your exterior decor brings a unique charm and personality to your unused door. To achieve a fetching look, consider the style of your home. Rustic homes would greatly benefit from iron work pieces, while more modern homes might suit sleek, geometric designs better. Scale is significant; opt for a piece that complements the size of the door without overwhelming it.
Don’t shy away from color. Vibrant hues can bring pop to your door and capture attention. Weather-resistant coatings ensure longevity of your metal art, allowing year-round display.
Installation is easy, with child-friendly, non-permanent options like magnetic designs available. Do-it-yourselfers might consider mounting hardware for more intricate pieces. Ensure you’re using outdoor-grade materials to avoid rust.
Lastly, consider the style of the art. Abstract pieces carry a modern flair, while animal or floral designs introduce a softer, more traditional atmosphere. In the end, the choice is all about what resonails with you.
Add Cottage-style Shutters
For a quaint and picturesque appeal, cottage-style shutters are a distinctly charming choice. These shutters excel in giving your unused exterior doors a functional outlook while enhancing your exterior aesthetics.
Here’s how to effectively use them:
- Choose shutters that complement your home’s architecture and color scheme for a seamless blend.
- Opt for louvered or solid panel designs based on your personal taste.
- Make sure they fit the dimensions of your door for a perfect look.
- Consider adding traditional shutter dogs for an authentic touch.
- Paint or stain them periodically to keep the shutters looking fresh and well-maintained.
Remember, the shutters don’t just cover your unused door; they enhance the overall facade of your home by adding depth and layer to the exterior design.
Set Up a Sun-catching Wind Chime
Firstly, identify a quality wind chime that correlates with your outdoor decor. Consider a sun-catcher wind chime with stained or colored glass to create a stunning visual display. Ensure the materials are weather-resistant for longevity.
Next, measure and mark the spot on your unused exterior door where you intend to hang the wind chime. The ideal position is often at the door’s center for maximum visual impact.
Then, install an adhesive hook or, for a more robust hold, screw a hook into the door. Remember to use a drill bit smaller than the screw’s thread to reduce chances of door damage.
Once installed, hang your wind chime and watch how the sunlight hits the chime throughout the day. You’ll see bursts of color reflected off the chime, and the gentle music will create a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Maintain the wind chime by cleaning it regularly to maintain its aesthetic appeal. Proper maintenance also extends its lifespan, ensuring it remains an attractive element in your space. Clean stained or colored glass with warm soapy water and a soft cloth to keep it sparkling.
Remember, choosing the right wind chime style and design contributes to a well-tuned exterior decor. Consider the theme and color scheme of your existing outdoor elements when making your selection. The coordination ensures a harmonious combination with function and flair.
Decorate With Outdoor-friendly Decals
Considering their versatility, durability, and ease of use, outdoor-friendly decals are an effective option to breathe life into an unused exterior door. They come in numerous designs, sizes, and colors, ensuring there’s something for every aesthetic preference.
To get started, choose decals that complement your outdoor theme or contrast it for a bold, striking look. Nature-inspired motifs, abstract shapes, or geometric patterns are all great options. Ensure they are weather-resistant and UV-protected to prevent peeling and fading.
Decals are easy to apply; simply ensure the door’s surface is clean and smooth, peel off the backing, apply the decal, and smooth out any bubbles. It’s an effortless DIY that instantly elevates your exterior door from dull to delightful. Remember, this is a great opportunity to get creative with the arrangement. You can either closely cluster them together for an impactful look or evenly distribute them for a more balanced aesthetic. Don’t hold back and have fun with this project.
You may also like to read:
