Louvered kitchen door

Cyndi Russell
by Cyndi Russell
I hate this door but cannot replace it at this time. Any suggestions on what to do with it? The louvers are what I hate . its actually the only wood door in the house the rest are the hollow core type.
  12 answers
  • Chris aka monkey Chris aka monkey on Nov 11, 2013
    is the door needed for air flo? you could glue fabric or paper over the louvers if you use kraft paper you could paint it xx
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Nov 12, 2013
    Actually, I LOVE louvered doors, particularly in closets because it allows for air circulation! You don't get that stinky shoe smell if you have louvered doors! If you hate it so badly, why not find a very thin sheet of wood or foam core, cover it either in fabric or wallpaper and cover the slats by attaching with glue or some sort of decorate screw? Actually, you can add a rod at the top and one at the bottom and put up a piece of fabric. Measure carefully for the rod pockets and use iron on stitching material and will not even have to sew it. Make the covering first and then attach the rods so you can attach them to make the fabric tight.
  • April April on Nov 12, 2013
    Perhaps some sort of artwork or fabric over the louvered areas? Or if you are super handy with power tools, you could temporarily remove the door and cut out the louvered parts and replace them with just flat wood?
  • Stahli Claassen Stahli Claassen on Nov 12, 2013
    I would go with @April's idea to a point. I would cut out the louvered top and then install frosted glass. I think I would leave the bottom in place though.
    • April April on Nov 13, 2013
      @Stahli Claassen - Shucks, thanks! I like the idea of adding the glass, too. :)
  • Cyn251731 Cyn251731 on Nov 12, 2013
    I would remove the upper louvers replacing them with a fitted fabric and paint the bottom and trim in a coordinating color of the fabric. Change the hardware also, maybe with glass.
  • Therese C Therese C on Nov 12, 2013
    I agree...remove the top louvers and add frosted glass. With a light on in the closet/room on the other side I think you would come to love it.
  • Terra Gazelle Terra Gazelle on Nov 12, 2013
    I love the louver doors, they remind me of plantation houses. If you really do dislike it, then maybe cut out the louver, add molding around the opening and add a frosted glass...or maybe something like a stained glass.
  • Victoria D Victoria D on Nov 12, 2013
    If you hate so, cut out all the louvers and replace with plywood and maybe 1/4 round for a more finish look, because the glass idea is wonderful but it maybe a little expensive it all depends on your pocket, but the plywood you may have around or you can even find it of course check craigslist,
  • Rebecca Platt Rebecca Platt on Nov 13, 2013
    I have the same problem. I like the idea of the art. You could also simply add a curtain with small rods at top or bottom. Cutting them out would be difficult and I'm not sure it would look good.
  • Barbara Thomas Barbara Thomas on Nov 13, 2013
    Where does this door lead? Closet? Pantry? I love louvered doors but always had a problem with the slats coming out. They are not hard to pull out unless they've been glued into the groove. If it's kitchen you could even use chicken wire attached to the back of the door for a different look. I also like the tiny curtain rods with a fabric to match your dƩcor. That leaves the door intact. If your budget allows for glass that is a great idea too!
  • Barbara Valenti Barbara Valenti on Sep 26, 2015
    How about some cork and using it as a bulletin board. Or paint and make a chalk board to put list and chores on. Hang Christmas cards on each slat. Hang pictures on each slat by making a cardboard back to drape over each slat, opened like a book. Switch the door out with another in a different place as not needed. My brain is going to town with ideas. Work it girl!
  • Moxie Moxie on Sep 27, 2015
    Before you close off; be sure the louvered door doesn't have a needed purpose like intake air for a mechanical unit or something..