How To Transform Outdated Louvered Doors With A Chic Fabric DIY

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Louvered doors are made with horizontal slats, much like a window blind. They come in many designs, including slatted from top to bottom in small sections framed by trim. The purpose of the style is to create ventilation between the two areas they separate, such as with airflow from the bedroom to your closet. While they serve a function, the aesthetic isn't for everyone. Fortunately, there is a stylish way to give new life to basic bifold closet doors and improve this outdated louvered feature with a chic fabric cover-up.

In an effort to break away from standard white bifolds, content creator mimzy & company strove to reinvent their closet using adorable mushroom-printed fabric. They painted the trim and outer edges of the blinds forest green to match the dark, moody feel of the room. Next, they cut the fabric to fit the frames, gathered it into even pleats, and stapled it into each panel. If you're looking for a way to upgrade boring closet doors with a showstopping design idea you, this might be it. Here's how to get the look for yourself.

To begin this outdated closet DIY, you need to choose a fabric that fits the style of your home. Cotton is a good choice for this project because it's made from natural materials, and unlike man made polyester, is breathable. This is nice if you still want some airflow through the louvers you're covering. You'll also want bias tape, like Wright's Double Fold, and a heavy-weight upholstery thread spool like Coats & Clark in the color of your material. Now you're ready to give your closet doors a decorative update.

When you measure the door to cut your fabric, divide the width by half and add that to your original measurement. Now, it's time to pleat. The creative YouTuber uses a straight stitch on their sewing machine to create the gathers on the top and bottom of each panel. Upholstery thread is strong enough to tug through on either side to form the puckers. Leave the tails long and don't worry about hemming. Staple each piece to the door, adjust as needed, and voilà — a whole new closet! If you want to skip the sewing, try folding each pleat by hand and using one-inch iron-on fuse tape to hold them in place. It takes longer, but doesn't require a needle and thread. Alternatively, you could avoid folds altogether and staple a textured fabric directly to the wood. However you customize this concept, your outdated louvers will be no more.