How To Make Antique Pocket Doors That Look Like The Real Thing

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If you love antique décor, having beautifully aged pocket doors would be a dream come true. But the reality is, unless you're extremely lucky and find them at a thrift shop, they can be quite pricey, even costing thousands of dollars. Fortunately, there are some ways around it if you're willing to put in the hard work. By taking your current doors, you can create your own antique pocket door look by adding some embellishments and a little paint. With a few techniques, you can have doors that look like they were built over a century ago. The best part is that it doesn't require breaking the bank — and should only cost a small fraction of a genuine set.

Pocket doors are far from your ordinary set of doors. For over a century, they've been known for saving space since they roll into the wall instead of swinging out. This makes them excellent for smaller homes where every inch of space is needed. They're also great for people who have an appreciation of pocket doors' brilliantly convenient design. While you can get modern versions of them, some would prefer to take the antique route, which can add quite a bit of character to a home. In fact, trading basic interior doors for something more unique is a great way to elevate any space.

It's possible to build a set of DIY pocket doors from scratch if you have woodworking skills and power tools. However, you can also transform a set of plain ones into "antiques" with basic supplies like paint, stain, trim, wood appliqués, and hardware. The trick is to add a great deal of trim and wood appliqués all around the doors. You can choose any designs you like, but elegant options, like these Decorative Wood Carving Decals on Amazon, would best match the antique style. Glue the trim and appliqués onto the doors using a strong adhesive, keeping everything straight and symmetrical.

After you have the doors decorated, paint them an earthy color like rustic brown, then let them dry. If your doors were somewhat old already, you can distress them by gently rubbing off some of the paint with a sheet of fine-grit sandpaper. Finally, complete the antique look with a wood stain.

To give the pocket doors even more of an old appearance, consider adding gorgeous antique hardware. Just keep in mind that you'll likely have to make adjustments since older hardware doesn't always match up with modern door design. Or, simply grab some brass hardware at your local home improvement store for an easier final touch. The finished product will be a pair of gorgeous DIY pocket doors that will add charm to your home and look like they jumped through time.