How would you paint this bedroom closet?

Question

This bedroom closet came with my apartment, and it's really ugly. I've been thinking about painting it and changing the door handles.
My room has red accents (in the curtains etc), what color would you use for the current natural wood accents it has?

Jeanette S · Answer

I had this type in my vanity base in 2 places in my bathroom.   I put 2 coats of kilz, letting each coat dry thoroughly.  Then tinted laytex paint with a little biege paint I had (just a few drops per cup) and painted out the wood.  I left the doors because they were formica.   I then put on new handles.  I have read that Annie Sloan paint covres even formica.  I would fill the pull holes and sand smooth.  Paint the color of your room and put on some of those larger ,more up-to-date handles!

Designs by BSB · Answer

try using this tool to play with colors! https://www.sherwin-williams.com/visualizer/# you upload your photo and crop out the areas you want to paint - GREAT tool !

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

I hate to be a wet rag on the project, but if you haven't you might want to check with the landlord prior to painting so that you don't have a big problem when you move out.

Sherry L · Answer

If you can't paint it, hide it with a screen.

Lori J · Answer

Four Seasons is right on spot.  Don't paint before you check with your landlord.  And if you have the okay to continue, my tip is to make sure you hang on to any knobs and pulls you switch out. They can be pricey to replace, and if you buy something nice, you can switch back and take your investment  with you. As for color suggestions, could you post a photo of your curtains?

Ellen H · Answer

You could possibly wallpaper the fronts of the doors.  Or a nice decal would be less permanent than painting.  And new hardware for sure.  I think the wood accents would look better stained much darker.

Eclectically Vintage - Kelly · Answer

If you can paint them, why not try painting everything one neutral color (like white) then doing a fun stencil (maybe a large moroccan one).

Toni Hayward · Answer

I saw WhiteBoard Paint on a home show recently. WhiteBoard Paint & new handles, even handles that don't match each other could be cool!

Therese C · Answer

This sounds cheap for me to say, but if you cannot paint it, there are some really nice removable decals out there as well as some pretty cool contact paper! Either one works nice and removes easily without costing much at all.

Betty H · Answer

With the landlords permission, I would add molding on all drawer and door edges, paint or wallpaper to your liking.  You could add those clear hangers that go on and come off without damaging, to hang jewelry, scarves or even photos.

Di S · Answer

i would remove the doors. cut out the middle of them all but 1' from the edge. in the opening I would put frosted glass which you can do with spray paint. replace the handles with new ones and paint it all a charcoal grey color

CK · Answer

Yes, it's true: if you're renting you should check with the landlord first about doing anything that's permanent. However, I'd be surprised if he/she would even notice if you'd painted the wood trim ;-) It might even make it better! Certainly less 1980's ;-)

But the real question here (let's assume you've gotten the go-ahead to change it) is 'Do I want this to be a feature in the room or blend in so it's not so noticeable?' As is, it's pretty bland. If you want it to stand out then do something that carries that out. Lots of good ideas already given. If you want to make it sort of be 'unnoticeable' then paint it the same color as the walls (paint out out the wood trim), change the handles to something more 'you', and call it a day.

Denise Hardy · Answer

If you want a bit of 'pop' - I would paint it all in like a silver grey and paint the wood trim in red to match your other decor you have with touches of red in i.e. your curtains you mentioned. You can use almost any paint on Formica - the most important thing is - is to use the correct primer - Zinsser Bullseye or Zinsser 123 (Acrylic Primer) will do the job. Put a couple of coats of primer - once dried put a couple of coats of Eggshell on - this is a far better paint than Annie Sloans (although Annie Sloans paint does come in if you want a different look - but I find that with AS paint - it gives you rather a 'rough' finish) but for a 'professional' looking paint job then use the Eggshell.

Have a look at my website if you wish to see how these products work for me :)
www.decorativeideas.co.uk

Good Luck

Lisa O. · Answer

One other question you should ask your self is 'Do I like things to blend in, or do I like things that POP'  If you are like me and do not like spaces to look cluttered.  I would paint it (if you can) the same color as the walls and do some decals or wallpaper that blends nicely with the paint color.  If you want it to stand out, use a different color.  Maybe bring in a color form an area rug or curtain.  (If the trim, baseboard and such in the rest of the apartment  is going to be painted or stained, you can tie in the wood color) Also, I couldn't help but notice that if this is the only closet in this bedroom, it is not a legal bedroom and you may want to check with your landlord about a drop in your rate.  Good luck with your decision.

MARY FISHER · Answer

Why not just 'build' or add a wall frm your doorway to the front and just add those accordion doors in the front, you would even have extra space frm where it is to the outside wall frm the side to add small shelves, enclosed closet! If you choose to paint, I would use the aqua color

Dee Corns · Answer

Grey

Honour Min · Answer

I suggest using Kilz undercoat before painting. If pulls/handles use double screws take one with you as they will need to use the same holes or if single you'll need to fill the 2nd hole with readi mix compound

Jela Cook · Answer

I think black over a reddish color. Slight aging to let the red accents show through.

Lee Brede · Answer

I would cover the doors with fabric. Cut to size, Use wall paper paste, paste door, smooth on fabric. When dry find a plain trim to decorate edges. Then find small knobs to match design. When you leave justpull off fabric. I used this over my detorated mirror closet doors.

How would you paint this bedroom closet?

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How would you paint this bedroom closet?

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