0 In DIY/ Furniture

Midcentury Modern Closet Door Makeover

Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer, and I’m a renter, in need of a closet door makeover.

Everyone chants, “Hello Jennifer Nesbitt, welcome to renters anonymous.” Okay, I know, dramatic. But I have rented for as long as I can remember, and just can’t seem to get away from it as of now. And as many of you know, with every new abode, comes restrictions. But I’m here to tell you, us renters will not be looked down on any longer. We will take back our space, and make it fierce. We WILL have the most original rental on the block…or unit in the complex-whatever suits you.

Here’s my problem-ugly closet doors. The below was such an eyesore. 

closet door makeover before

I figured there had to be something I could do with this. I considered updating the door handles for an easy fix, but that just wasn’t enough. It wasn’t me. In true misfit fashion, I decided to go for a complete overhaul. A closet door makeover was in store.

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Upon considering the design, I found my mind drawn to a mid-century modern look, as with many of my design interests as of late. I love the look of smooth wood, in contrast with bold paint, and chic fixtures. I also love the simplicity of design. Less is definitely more when it comes to mid-century modern. Being chic on a budget, this comes in handy.

closet door makeover final closeup

Something else I must budget, is my time. I have little of it so I needed a design I could whip up during the free hours I get here and there throughout the week. Sand, stain, paint-nope, no time for that. But I’m chic, and must express my creativity before it bursts out of me! What to do? This closet door makeover was needed ASAP. Not to mention, I am on a quest to finish the various interior design projects I have laying around. Hence my Home Design Fulfillment Project Plan. Which I must say, is helping me complete my space faster than I ever have before.




Okay, back on track. CON-TACT PAPER. Yep, you heard right. I was able to give my closet doors a complete makeover just by using peel and stick contact paper, and few new knobs.This was honestly the best, cheapest, and most time efficient option that I am happy to pass along to you hardworking, crazy busy misfits out there.

So, let’s get to it!


Here’s what you need:

closet door makeover materials
  • 2-3 rolls of Con-Tact chalkboard or black matte contact paper
  • 1 roll of Con-Tact contact paper in tropical walnut
  • Artesia knobs in Sedona bronze from Home Depot
  • Ruler or yard stick
  • Scissors

Closet Door Makeover Preparation

First, remove your door knobs. Next,  measure your doors, and decide where you would like one sheet of contact paper to end, and the other to begin. Depending on your doors, your measurements may be different from mine. Each closet door is 78in x 11.75in. You want the knobs to rest just below the wood on top of the black therefore, measure the black contact paper and cut it down to 4 3ft x 11.75 pieces.

closet door makeover cut contact paper

Next, measure the walnut Con-Tact paper and cut it down to 4 42.5in x 11.75 in pieces. The walnut paper will be applied first, so needs to be a bit longer than the black paper, giving the black paper space to overlap.

Contact Paper Application

Begin applying the walnut paper by first peeling back a small amount of the backing. This will help keep the paper from getting stuck to itself in the process of applying. Line up the top of the paper with the top of the door and stick the small portion of exposed paper on the door. Next, peel the backing down off of the paper very slowly. This is where an easy hand comes in handy. See what I did there:-) If you have inverted wood detailing on your doors like I do, you don’t want to press the paper in this area. We want to give the illusion of a flat door.

closet door makeover contact paper

While you pull down on the backing, the paper will automatically stick to the flat areas, but give it a little press just in case. Once you pull this down the paper should reach just above your knob hole.

closet door makeover process closeup

Do this for the remaining 3 doors. Next, apply the black contact paper in the same way you applied the walnut paper, but start from the bottom so that all pieces line up evenly. Do this for the remaining 3 doors as well.

Finishing Touches

Finally, apply the door knobs. In many cases, the knob screws will be the same size, but check this when purchasing.

closet door makeover final
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And that’s it! I added the perfect hat to complement my revamped closet area. Feel free to do the same with a coat or hat of your own!

Have any closet door makeover ideas of your own? Do share!

Jennifer Signature
Art Printables African American Girl

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