DIY Ideas: How to Cover Mirrored Closet Doors

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Mirrored closet doors can sometimes feel outdated or clash with your room's decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of DIY methods to give those doors a fresh look without breaking the bank. Whether you want to add a pop of color, a touch of texture, or a bit of privacy, there's a solution that fits your style. From simple stick-on decals to more involved woodworking projects, you can transform your mirrored closet doors into a design feature that enhances your space. Let's explore some creative, budget-friendly options to update those reflective surfaces.

Getting Ready for the Project

1. Measure the Doors: Use a tape measure to get the exact dimensions of the mirrored doors. Write down the height and width.

2. Choose Your Covering: Decide on the material you want to use. Options include wallpaper, fabric, contact paper, or even paint. Make sure it’s suitable for glass surfaces.

3. Gather Supplies: Collect all necessary tools and materials. You might need a utility knife, scissors, adhesive, a squeegee, painter's tape, and a drop cloth.

4. Clean the Mirrors: Use glass cleaner to remove any dirt or grease. A clean surface ensures better adhesion.

5. Set Up Your Workspace: Lay down a drop cloth to protect the floor. Make sure you have enough space to move around comfortably.

6. Safety First: Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. If using paint or adhesive, ensure the room is well-ventilated.

7. Cut the Material: Cut your chosen covering to match the dimensions of the doors. Leave a little extra on the edges to trim later.

8. Test Fit: Place the cut material against the mirror to check the fit. Make any necessary adjustments before applying adhesive.

9. Apply Adhesive: Follow the instructions for your chosen adhesive. Apply it evenly to avoid bubbles or wrinkles.

10. Smooth Out: Use a squeegee to smooth out the covering, starting from the center and moving outward. This helps remove air bubbles and ensures a tight fit.

11. Trim Excess: Use a utility knife to carefully trim any excess material from the edges.

12. Let It Set: Allow the adhesive to dry completely before using the closet doors. This ensures the covering stays in place.

What You Need to Get Started

1. Contact Paper: Sticky-backed paper that comes in various designs. Perfect for covering mirrors with a new look.
2. Fabric: Choose a fabric that matches your room's decor. Use it to cover the mirrors for a softer appearance.
3. Spray Adhesive: Helps attach fabric or other materials to the mirrored surface. Provides a smooth, even application.
4. Measuring Tape: Ensures precise measurements of the mirrored doors. Helps cut materials to the correct size.
5. Scissors: Used for cutting fabric, contact paper, or other materials. Sharp scissors make the job easier.
6. Utility Knife: Ideal for trimming excess contact paper or fabric. Provides clean, straight cuts.
7. Squeegee: Helps smooth out contact paper or fabric. Removes air bubbles for a flawless finish.
8. Painter’s Tape: Temporarily holds fabric or paper in place. Helps with alignment before final attachment.
9. Ruler: Assists in making straight lines and accurate cuts. Essential for precise work.
10. Staple Gun: Secures fabric to the back of the closet doors. Provides a strong hold.
11. Sandpaper: Lightly sands the mirror surface if needed. Helps materials adhere better.
12. Decorative Trim: Adds a finished look to the edges of the doors. Can be glued or nailed in place.
13. Glue Gun: Attaches decorative trim or other embellishments. Quick and easy to use.
14. Screwdriver: Removes door handles or hardware before covering. Makes the process smoother.
15. Level: Ensures materials are applied straight. Prevents crooked lines and uneven surfaces.

How Much Skill and Time You Need

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time Required: 3-5 hours

1. Preparation: Gather materials like fabric, wallpaper, or contact paper. Clean the mirrored surface. (30 minutes)
2. Measuring and Cutting: Measure the dimensions of the doors. Cut the covering material to fit. (1 hour)
3. Application: Apply adhesive to the back of the material. Carefully place it on the mirrored surface, smoothing out bubbles. (1-2 hours)
4. Finishing Touches: Trim any excess material. Ensure edges are secure. (30 minutes)

Follow These Steps

1. Gather Materials:

   • Fabric or wallpaper
   • Double-sided tape or adhesive spray
   • Scissors
   • Measuring tape
   • Utility knife

2. Measure the Doors:

   • Use a measuring tape to find the height and width of each mirrored door.
   • Write down the measurements.

3. Cut the Covering:

   • Lay out the fabric or wallpaper on a flat surface.
   • Measure and mark the dimensions on the covering material.
   • Cut the material to size using scissors or a utility knife.

4. Prepare the Doors:

   • Clean the mirrored surface with a glass cleaner.
   • Ensure the surface is dry before applying the covering.

5. Apply Adhesive:

   • If using double-sided tape, place strips along the edges and in the center of the door.
   • For adhesive spray, follow the instructions on the can to apply an even coat.

6. Attach the Covering:

   • Start at the top of the door, aligning the covering material with the edge.
   • Slowly press the material onto the door, smoothing out any bubbles or wrinkles as you go.
   • Work your way down, ensuring the material stays aligned.

7. Trim Excess Material:

   • Use a utility knife to carefully trim any excess material around the edges of the door.
   • Make sure the edges are clean and smooth.

8. Secure Edges:

   • Press down firmly along the edges to ensure the covering is securely attached.
   • Add extra tape or adhesive if needed.

9. Final Touches:

   • Smooth out any remaining bubbles or wrinkles.
   • Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any adhesive residue.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Use Contact Paper: Choose a pattern or color that matches your room. Measure the mirror, cut the paper to size, and apply it carefully to avoid bubbles.

Fabric Panels: Attach fabric with double-sided tape or Velcro. This allows for easy removal or changes. Choose a fabric that complements your decor.

Curtains: Install a curtain rod above the closet doors. Hang curtains that can be drawn open or closed. This adds a soft touch and hides the mirrors.

Wood Panels: Attach thin wood panels or plywood over the mirrors using adhesive or screws. Paint or stain the wood to match your room.

Wallpaper: Apply peel-and-stick wallpaper. It's easy to install and remove, offering a variety of patterns and textures.

Chalkboard Paint: Paint the mirrors with chalkboard paint. This creates a fun, writable surface for notes or drawings.

Decals: Use decorative decals or stickers. They come in various designs and can be easily removed or repositioned.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Skipping Surface Prep: Clean the mirrors thoroughly before applying any covering to ensure proper adhesion.

Incorrect Measurements: Measure twice, cut once. Incorrect sizing can lead to wasted materials and poor fit.

Ignoring Weight: Heavy materials like wood panels need secure attachment to avoid falling.

Alternatives for Materials or Methods:

Magnetic Panels: Use magnetic sheets that can hold photos or notes. Easy to change and remove.

Frosted Window Film: Apply frosted film for a translucent look that still hides the mirror.

Cork Board: Attach cork board panels for a functional, pin-able surface.

How Much Will It Cost?

Materials:

1. Contact Paper: $20-$30 per roll. You might need 2-3 rolls depending on door size.
2. Fabric: $10-$15 per yard. Estimate 3-4 yards.
3. Spray Adhesive: $5-$10 per can. One can should suffice.
4. Wood Panels: $20-$40 per panel. Two panels for a standard door.
5. Paint: $15-$25 per gallon. One gallon should be enough.
6. Wallpaper: $30-$50 per roll. One roll should cover one door.

Tools:

1. Utility Knife: $10-$15.
2. Measuring Tape: $5-$10.
3. Screwdriver: $5-$10.
4. Paintbrush/Roller: $5-$10.
5. Sandpaper: $3-$5.

Total Cost:

• Contact Paper Method: $55-$95.
• Fabric Method: $50-$75.
• Wood Panel Method: $75-$115.
• Paint Method: $43-$70.
• Wallpaper Method: $53-$85.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

1. Old Sheets or Curtains: Use instead of buying new fabric.
2. Leftover Paint: Use any leftover paint from previous projects.
3. Recycled Wood: Find free or cheap wood panels from local sources.
4. Gift Wrap Paper: Use instead of wallpaper for a temporary fix.

Different Ways to Customize

Wallpaper: Choose a pattern or color that matches your room. Peel-and-stick wallpaper is easy to apply and remove.

Frosted Film: Gives a sleek, modern look. It also adds privacy. Available in various designs and patterns.

Curtains: Install a curtain rod above the doors. Use fabric that complements your room’s decor. Easy to change for different seasons or styles.

Wood Panels: Attach thin wood panels or shiplap for a rustic or farmhouse look. Paint or stain them to match your room.

Chalkboard Paint: Turn the doors into a writable surface. Great for kids’ rooms or creative spaces. Use chalk markers for a clean look.

Fabric Panels: Stretch fabric over a wooden frame. Attach the frame to the doors. Choose fabrics with interesting textures or patterns.

Decals: Use vinyl decals to create custom designs. Easy to apply and remove. Available in many shapes and themes.

Mirrored Film: If you still want some reflection but less clarity, use a mirrored film. It reduces the mirror effect while adding a subtle shine.

Paint: Use glass paint for a solid color. Apply multiple coats for full coverage. Choose a color that complements your room.

Cork Board: Attach cork panels to the doors. Useful for pinning notes, photos, or reminders. Great for home offices or study areas.

Bamboo Blinds: Hang bamboo blinds in front of the doors. Adds a natural, earthy feel. Easy to roll up when you need access.

Stencils: Use stencils and spray paint to create patterns. Choose geometric shapes, floral designs, or custom art.

Magnets: Cover the doors with magnetic paint. Use magnets to attach photos, notes, or decorations.

Washi Tape: Create patterns or designs with colorful washi tape. Easy to apply and remove without damage.

Contact Paper: Available in many designs, including wood grain, marble, or solid colors. Easy to apply and remove.

Eco-Friendly Tips

Fabric Panels: Use old curtains or bed sheets. Attach them with double-sided tape or Velcro. This method is easy to change if you want a new look later.

Wallpaper: Find leftover wallpaper from other projects. Apply it using eco-friendly adhesive. This gives a fresh look without buying new materials.

Cork Boards: Reuse cork boards from old projects. Attach them to the mirrored doors with strong adhesive. Cork is sustainable and can be used to pin notes or photos.

Bamboo Shades: Repurpose bamboo shades from other windows. Cut them to size and attach with hooks or adhesive strips. Bamboo is a renewable resource.

Chalkboard Paint: Use leftover chalkboard paint to cover the mirrors. This creates a fun, writable surface. Chalkboard paint is often low in VOCs, making it eco-friendly.

Wood Panels: Salvage wood from old furniture or pallets. Cut to fit the doors and attach with nails or adhesive. Reclaimed wood adds a rustic touch.

Decals: Use vinyl decals from previous projects. These can be easily applied and removed. Vinyl decals can be reused multiple times.

Tapestry: Hang a tapestry using hooks or a curtain rod. This can be an old piece of fabric or a thrift store find. Tapestries add color and texture.

Recycled Paper: Create a collage using old magazines, newspapers, or wrapping paper. Attach with eco-friendly glue. This is a creative way to recycle paper.

Paint: Use leftover paint from other projects. Apply a few coats to cover the mirrors. Choose low-VOC or natural paints for a greener option.

Your DIY Project Awaits

Covering mirrored closet doors can be a fun, creative project. Whether you choose wallpaper, fabric, or paint, each option adds a unique touch to your space. Remember to measure carefully, prep your materials, and take your time. Don't rush the process. A little patience goes a long way in achieving a polished look. If you make a mistake, don't sweat it. DIY projects are all about learning and experimenting. Plus, fixing errors often leads to even better results. So, gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and get started. Your room will thank you for the fresh, new look.