How to brighten up a solid metal door?

Faye
by Faye

I live in a Condo with a common hallway shared with another Condo. The solid metal doors are required for fires. I would like decorate it. No paper but we can put wreaths up and things. It is an aqua color. We were never told that we can not paint it or paint on it. I am not a flowery type person. Contemporary looking. Thanks


  8 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Jan 21, 2021

    Hi Faye! My immediate thought was to create a fake window using paint. Here's how they do it on garage doors but I think you could just use paint instead of adding wood: https://www.homeright.com/projects/diy-faux-garage-door-windows/

  • Mogie Mogie on Jan 21, 2021

    Get in touch with your landlord and find out exactly what is allowed before you do anything.

  • William William on Jan 21, 2021

    Best to check with the condo association if you can paint. Should state in the bylaws. Facing a common hallway they may want all doors the same color.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Jan 21, 2021

    Hello. There are magnetic hooks that you can place on metal doors if you can find a contemporary clean style wreath that suits your design aesthetic.

  • Cindy Cindy on Jan 21, 2021

    Hello Faye. If you are unable to paint your door, you could still decorate it. I recommend using Command hooks and hang a nice wreath. If you don't want to make the wreath yourself, you can purchase one at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. (Before shopping at either store, check their web sites for valuable coupons,) It would be great if the color aqua was also used in your wreath to go with your aqua door. Faye, is there any room in your common hallway to put a small table? My Aunt did this and it made the hallway seem homey. She even decorated it for holidays. I hope these ideas help you Faye. Good luck.

    • Faye Faye on Jan 22, 2021

      Thanks Cindy for your input. Here they do not want tables and such in the common hallway. They claim that fire codes will not allow them and the cost of insurance will go up. I used to be on the HOA Board and finding the truth was nearly impossible.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jan 21, 2021

    Hi! First check what you are allowed to do. Then, if you are allowed to paint, what color would you like to see on the door? I use a Command hook on my steel door on the outside and a magnetic hook on the inside. Wreaths are the simplest decor and easy to do. Good luck and stay safe!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Jan 22, 2021

    Here's some ideas for wreaths that do not include flowers.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jan 22, 2021

    use command hooks to hang wreaths, decor, etc. you could use different season or holiday decor on it but I wouldn't use contact paper or anything since it can take the paint off -