The DIY Design That Hides A Closet In Plain Sight With A Stunning Accent Wall

You might think a stylish accent wall needs a blank canvas, but there's an unexpected option you might not have considered — your closet doors. Turning a basic closet door into a stylish and practical accent wall can completely transform your space. This approach is not only easy but also allows you to blend functionality with personal style, so you can put your own spin on the design to match the rest of your space. To try out this DIY upgrade, you'll need to install wood panels to cover your current pantry or closet door and the surrounding wall, giving it a sleek, hidden-door style that is the perfect foundation to build your accent design.

If you want to turn an unused door in your home into a stunning finished feature, this DIY can offer the perfect solution. By adding wooden panels to conceal your closet door, you can customize the design with different stains, paint, and accents to get the exact look you want.

To turn your closet or pantry door into an accent wall, the main thing you'll need is wood panels. When finding your materials, consider the best type of wood to use for wood paneling — rustic options like hand-hewn lumber or more modern choices like shiplap. Before you start installing your panels, you'll need to strip off any trim around the door frame and smooth out the surfaces with filler and sandpaper. In terms of hardware, you will need to remove your current closet door handle and consider replacing the hinges. For a truly hidden appeal, install concealed door joints or paint your hinges at the end of the project to better blend in with the paneling.

Start mounting your panels, making sure the wood is trimmed to fit from floor to ceiling, and use a drill to secure the boards onto the wall and door. You'll want to also cover the space where the door handle was with wooden planks to keep the illusion of a hidden door. Use a magnetic push-to-open latch to replace the need for a handle or knob. After installing the wood, be sure to fill any nail holes with wood putty before moving on to customizing your design.

There are endless possibilities for customizing this DIY accent wall, starting with choosing the right finish for your panels. Perhaps prime and paint the boards in a neutral color to match your home's existing palette. For those who prefer the natural beauty of wood, applying a clear finish or wood stain can wonderfully enhance the grain. For a unique touch, consider tips and tricks to give wood paneling a natural rustic look, like using vinegar or tea to create an aged style and texture. If you're feeling more adventurous and want some bold pops of color, paint each panel in a different hue to create a vibrant rainbow stripe effect. For a subtle sense of luxury, you can simply apply a high-gloss lacquer over your paint or wood stain.

Beyond the woodwork, think about how your decor can emphasize the design of your accent wall. For a coastal look, pair light, white paneling with nautical elements like rope or porthole mirrors. Or, for an artsy gallery feel, arrange multiple framed artworks or spotlight a single bold piece with wireless sconces. If you need a more functional approach, add a rack with hooks to provide extra storage to hang kitchen essentials like aprons or decorative tea towels. As long as you make sure to not block the opening of the door, you can create many different decor arrangements that will stand out and help you personalize your space.