An Alternative To New IKEA TONSTAD Cupboard Doors If You're Over White

There is nothing worse than spending money on what you thought would be a timeless home design investment and realizing you desperately need a change. A piece of furniture like the IKEA TONSTAD doors in a lovely neutral like white may feel a bit boring over time, or maybe it has just picked up a few too many scuffs, scratches, and dirt to look how you want anymore. No matter the reason, sometimes you just need to switch things up. If you still like the overall style and design of the item, then there is a perfect DIY solution to update your doors: contact paper.

Contact paper is a thin piece of material, usually vinyl, with an adhesive back, that is able to stick to most flat surfaces. It is a durable and stylish way to breathe new life into your cabinets while sticking to a budget, and it can be renter-friendly. Far more affordable than purchasing all new doors, contact paper is easy to apply for a crisp, clean result, especially if your goal is a wood-like finish. Whether you want a new solid color option or want to add the natural look of wood to your home, there are nearly endless contact paper decorating hacks that will liven up your space, including your IKEA TONSTAD doors. As an added bonus, it will also cover any stains, scuffs, scratches, or other imperfections. So, if you are ready for a big change without a big spending spree, then learn how to choose your contact paper, how to apply it, and if it is the right option for you.

When it comes to choosing the right contact paper, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you should determine what style you want. If you are interested in faux wood and want to make sure it complements other wood in the room, learn some clever tips for perfectly mixing wood tones. Darker tones will feel warm and luxurious, while lighter tones create a calm, fresh atmosphere. Contact paper comes in a variety of options, including some similar to the IKEA TONSTAD door options. For example, if you want a finish similar to the brown/stained oak veneer TONSTAD door color option, consider the Large Walnut Wood Grain Wallpaper Peel and Stick Wood Contact Paper recommended by @rachspeed in her TikTok video detailing the DIY. With high reviews and features like scratch resistance and waterproofing, it is a good choice for anyone looking for a darker wood tone.

Quality is also important when choosing contact paper. High quality contact paper, such as a thick waterproof vinyl option, will be more durable, and if you are trying to cover a darker base color with a lighter contact paper, it is important to choose a thick sheet so no color seeps through. Another helpful feature that makes application easier is to choose a contact paper that is at least as wide as the IKEA TONSTAD doors, which are 50 centimeters wide. This lets you avoid long vertical seams on the doors and the tedious process of trying to line up the wood grain.

To apply your contact paper, thoroughly clean and dry the doors, making sure they are free of any dirt, dust, and oil that will prevent the contact paper from sticking correctly. If your contact paper is excessively wide, trim a bit so that there is only a bit of extra material on the sides to ensure full coverage. Then, slowly remove the backing from the contact paper and start by applying it to the top of the door. Move downwards, gently pressing the contact paper onto the surface and smoothing out any air bubbles. A credit card is a great tool to remove wrinkles and bubbles, but you can also carefully lift the paper and reapply it or even use a pin to pop air bubbles and smooth them if needed. Once the paper is in place, use a utility knife and trim the excess to get a clean, precise edge. You can also use a hair dryer on a low setting to slightly warm the contact paper, making it shrink a bit to adhere even better and stay in place.

After applying your contact paper, consider some finishing touches. To truly take your faux wood door upgrade to the next level, pull everything together with additional details like handles or knobs and faux woodwork details. Installing nice hardware is a simple way to add more detail to your TONSTAD doors and bring out elements of the wood grain, and you can give your plain interior doors a trendy refresh with a chic DIY panel design for a realistic and intricate result.