5 Easy Ways to DIY Interior Door Holiday Decorations

With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to get your family in the spirit — and that starts with your home décor. However, if decking the halls feels overwhelming and you aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Rather than stressing over how to give your house a floor-to-ceiling makeover, focus on one simple part of your home that is easy to dress up: your doors!

These five DIY interior door holiday decorations are quick, easy and, best of all, you probably already have most of the necessary supplies on hand.

Wrapped and Ready

With a little wrapping paper and tape, you can transform your child’s bedroom door or the kitchen pantry door into a larger than life present. You can even add ribbon going across and a big bow in the center to really sell the visual. Look for an extra long wrapping paper roll so you won’t have to do two layers, and opt for painter’s tape to protect the finish on your door. Check out this tutorial for more tips.

Display the Joy

The interior doors of your home are the perfect place to display the dozens of holiday cards you receive from loved ones throughout the month of December. Tape a ribbon (or two) to the top and bottom of your door, then use clothespins to attach the cards as they come in. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can create a display with a seasonal message like this one.

A Worthy Tradition

Sometimes, traditions are what they are for a reason — and wreaths and doors go together like peanut butter and jelly. This holiday season, you can always keep it simple and classy with a seasonal wreath hung on any of your interior doors with a wreath holder.

For the Kids

What better way to discourage your children from playing with the actual Christmas tree than by creating a felt doorway tree of their very own. Follow this tutorial for easy instructions and give one of your interior doors a playful makeover.

String It Up

Of course, one of the simplest DIY interior door holiday transformations only requires a strand of lights or garland around the frame. You can subtly secure either option with a few small pushpins and minimal effort.

Give one of the above suggestions a try and your home will be feeling more festive in no time.

Need a new interior door to dress up? Check out our selection.

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Bifold vs Accordion Doors

Bi-Fold Door Basics

If you don't know what bi-fold doors really are, you're not alone. According to a recent 2017 survey by bi-fold manufacturer Origin, just 27 percent of its 925 survey participants knew what a bi-fold door was. Some individuals perceived bi-fold doors as either "folding glass," "accordion" doors or even French doors. But there's a big misconception behind these references. Bi-fold doors function differently from these doors, and it makes a difference when you're looking for the right door to buy. Thus, it's important to know the uses and benefits of a bi-fold door to make sure you're getting a door that fits your needs. Read on to learn the basics about bi-fold doors.

Bi-Fold Doors Defined

A bi-fold door is a door that folds as you slide it open. It has many components, too. Some common parts of a bi-fold door include the pivot plate, aligners, door pull, leading door, jamb-side door and the track hanger. Because these types of doors have so many parts, they're often more difficult to install than your typical closet door. That means you may require a professional installation to get it done right.

Bi-Fold Door Applications

The great thing about bi-fold doors is that they can be used in several ways. One of the most common ways to use these types of doors is in the kitchen. You can use it as a door for your pantry for easy access to your dry or canned foods. Bi-fold doors are also often used as closet doors. They are designed to fold back. You can also have them fold back on both sides of the wall or just one. So, you can have the bi-fold doors designed to open and close based on your preference and access needs.

Similarities and Differences with Other Door Styles

Bi-fold doors also share similarities to sliding doors since they are on a track. They also fold open like accordion-style or folding doors. Similar to French doors, bi-fold doors can be used inside the home as closet doors and can be designed to open outwards. However, they have some differences, too. The key difference is how they open. Bi-fold doors fold back as they open. On the other hand, French doors usually swing open and outwards. They are also made of two separate doors.

Final Thoughts

It's also worthwhile knowing how they function differently than other doors. It's not hard to confuse bi-fold doors with other popular styles. That's why it's important to understand how they can fit your design needs. Consider your needs before and understand the value that bi-fold doors bring so you can choose the right doors for your home.

Why You Should Buy Solid Wood Interior Doors and Not Hollow Core

When you're giving your bedroom a makeover or considering making changes to your interior doors, it's important to consider what you need. Hollow core doors may seem like an inexpensive and great way to quickly update the look of outdated rooms. But solid wood doors have a whole host of benefits that outweigh those of hollow core doors. Here's what you need to know.

Premium Quality

Doors made of solid wood are made of quality natural wood. The wood is constructed as one whole unit. Because of its premium quality makeup, solid wood is versatile enough to be used as either an interior door or an exterior door. The sturdy wood adds weight, which makes the door easy to close, thick enough to block sound, and strong enough to hold custom framed mirrors. 

Enhanced Look

Your interior doors play an important role in your interior design. The door can enhance the decor of an entire room or accent the style you're trying to achieve. If you're going for a historical or traditional aesthetic, solid wood interior doors are ideal. Solid wood interior doors may also add resale value to your home, and can easily replace existing hollow core with a pre hung or slab option.

Long-Lasting Wear

The durability of your door depends on the material used. Unlike solid wood interior doors, hollow core doors do not have a filling, so they're easy to damage. On the other hand, solid wood doors last longer because they resist wear and tear.

Investment Piece

Cost is always a factor when you're deciding on which interior door to buy. However, buying cheaply made interior doors can actually cost you more in the long run since you'll have to eventually replace them. Unfortunately, this is usually the case for most hollow core doors that are cheaply made. These types of doors break down over time. While solid wood doors generally may cost more than hollow core doors, they are worth the investment because they stand the test of time.

Final Thoughts

When you're deciding on what interior door to buy, consider the door's quality, price and durability. Hollow core or cheaply made doors may work for a quick fix or for a temporary situation to help you save money as you make renovations, but they won't last long. If you want your doors to last a long time, opt for the premium quality of solid wood doors.

5 Interior Door Style Trends That are Popular Right Now

As symbols of both form and function, doors significantly affect how a house is lived in. If your own doors are reminding you of their inadequacies, it's might be time to rethink your interior doors and the impression they make on all who pass through. I've noticed some trends in the marketplace lately that might inspire you.

1. Shaker

The simple lines of Shaker doors are a popular choice for today's interior doors. I would choose from a palette of whites or go for wood. Wide planks of pine, maple, cherry and oak stain beautifully and make your rooms warm and inviting. Shaker doors show your appreciation of fine craftsmanship and should complement the architectural details of your home's interior.

2. Glass & Frosted Glass

When you need a little privacy without blocking light, a glass door might be in order. The marketplace is brimming with new styles that include etched panels, stained glass effects, translucent tints and frosted glass ranging from completely opaque to nearly transparent. I've noticed that glass doors are often used for offices, kitchens and transitional spaces.

3. Solid Wood

If your home has hollow core doors that feel cheap, invest in solid wood doors and enjoy quieter rooms that are more enjoyable to enter and exit. They can be stained, painted in bold colors or attached to sliders for the popular "barn door" look. Dress them up with decorative hardware, or go modern with smart locks you can control from a phone or home assistant.

4. Knotty Woods

The rustic look of real wood is a pleasing contrast against solid colors of all hues, and that's why architects are increasingly working with the visual interest of knotty woods like pine and cherry when designing new homes. A knotty pine door with arched panels, inset panels, or shaker style can complement a bedroom fireplace, add inspiration to a tiny kitchen, and looks great with dark brass or bronze hardware.

5. Modern Mirrored Doors

Just as mirrored furniture has gained popularity, so have modern-era mirrored doors. They create the illusion of space, bring in light, reflect interesting artwork on the walls, and allow you to practice your workout moves (or just check yourself out)! In my opinion, mirrored doors are too often delegated to bedrooms. Try them in the family room, the office, or in a basement craft room.

If you've got an idea for your new doors, trendy or not, take the plunge and order. If worries about installation are holding you back, ask a home improvement store for references to reputable contractors in your area. It's worth the extra to ensure each door hangs properly.