Upcycling has become quite a trend in the past few years because it saves money and is environmentally friendly. One of our new favorite ways to upcycle over here at Plum Deluxe is by using French doors. French doors are doors that have glass panes set in them.
Why are they called “French”? While it is hard to find a definitive answer on the internet, it is commonly written that the French imported the idea from Italy in the 17th century. Putting glass panes in doors allowed more natural light into a room, saving candles and eventually electricity. Then, as the style spread across Europe, they became known as “French” Doors.
Here are 7 ways that French doors can create a natural sense of luxury and beauty that easily lends distinction to the inside or outside of your home.
A Garden Shed
A small garden shed made from four doors can be pretty and practical. I love this one featured on “A Cultivated Nest.” If you already have a shed with traditional doors, you could remove the current doors and replace them with French doors to get a similar look. This will also make it easier to see in the shed with the extra light coming in through the doors.
A Door to Your Garden or Yard
Create a sense of occasion by using a French door as the gate into your garden or yard. The windows in the French door allow you to easily see into the garden, but having the door there breaks up the space and makes it feel more like you are entering a room. Paint the door the same color as your house or leave it as is to create a more rustic feel.
A Garden Trellis
If you find a French door at the local salvage shop without glass panes, do not despair — you can turn it into a garden trellis. The empty panes will be the perfect place for ivy or other climbing plants to wind their way through the open spaces.
A Mirror or Photo Frames
A popular way to upcycle a French door is to remove the glass panes and replace them with mirrors. This would work best with doors that have large glass panes. With doors that have smaller glass panes, you can attach photos behind them and display pictures. When using either of these ideas, you can paint the door to match the décor of the room that it will be placed in. This would also be a great way to add an accent color to a room.
A Pantry or Closet Door
Another great idea is to switch out your pantry or closet door with a French door. You can put a curtain behind the glass, which will make it look more elegant. Then add even more character to the room by how you finish the door and what hardware you use. It might be the fantastic last touch for your shabby chic décor.
A Chalkboard
Using chalkboard paint on home decor items is very trendy right now. Applying it to a French door is a way to create a unique place to gather pictures, calendar items, and shopping lists. Or decorate the chalkboard with changing art based on the season or notes for your roommate or significant other. You can chalkboard paint the glass panes or insert wood panes where the glass was and paint on that.
A Shower “Curtain”
Create the kind of shower curtain that people will actually talk about by installing a French door in your shower in place a curtain. It will be both pretty and practical and could be a wonderful accent for a Victorian or historical home. You will need to refinish the door with waterproof paint to ensure that it will last for years to come.
French doors are a great way to start upcycling. Use this inspiration to find other items to refurbish or re-use as something else. Once you get started you may never look at “old” items the same way again.
Photo credits: A Cultivated Nest, Canadian Gardening, Better Homes and Gardens, Five to Nine Furnishings and Home DIY People.