Not Paint, Not Trim: The Quick & Easy Way To Give Door Frames An Upgraded Look

Traditionally, homeowners looking to add color or texture have held back on bold choices that could hurt resale value. But with a majority of homeowners decorating for themselves these days, people are using everything from paint and trim to bold fabrics and wallpapers to bring personal style into their living areas. One TikTok creator embracing this energy is @learyann777, who is using decoupage prints for the door frames in her kitchen. 

Lea Hyatt, the creator behind one of the most charming and quirky home decor ideas we've seen, has used fruity prints with citrus slices and strawberries to add some fun, bold colors to her decor. If you're considering a quick, easy home upgrade, her idea is worth trying. Whether you choose botanical wallpaper, sheet music, or pages from a graphic novel, decoupaging door frames is a great way to add a personal touch to your home. This is also a project you can do in your spare time without disrupting your living space.  

Door frame trim, including wood and MDF, can be decoupaged just like other home decor pieces or furniture. Some people are even using this technique on the entire door, and at least one other person has used it to give boring baseboards an elegant upgrade. Lea's idea is unconventional but clearly achievable, as the results show. 

Decoupage is a versatile and effective technique, often used to turn furniture into a piece of art. While Lea chose a maximalist look, you can create many styles using everything from street maps to botanical wallpaper or pressed flowers. For beginners, thicker paper is easiest to work with. If you're looking to add color or texture without a bold print, consider using a textured paper or even just plain tissue paper. 

Protect the surrounding wall with painter's tape. Otherwise, you could remove the door frame trim while you work on it, then reattach it after it's decoupaged. To begin, all you need is Mod Podge, a foam brush, a craft knife, 120-grit sandpaper, and paper or fabric that fits your personal style. While you can decoupage many different materials, Mod Podge will cause latex paint to bubble, so test an inconspicuous area before you start. Prepare the surface of the door frame by cleaning it and giving it a light sanding. Then paint the glue onto the trim and adhere the paper to it. 

Work in short sections so the glue doesn't dry too quickly. Once dry, trim excess paper, sand lightly, wipe away dust, and apply another coat of Mod Podge to seal it. You can choose from matte or glossy finishes, depending on your aesthetic. For an upgrade in a high-traffic area, consider a topcoat of polyurethane for more durability.