Decor

Sliding doors can be a great, inexpensive option for closets. But they can also easily go very, very wrong. We've all come across an unsightly wood-laminate version straight out of the '70s, right? Here's an easy and semi-permanent way to cover them up that's perfect for renters!

Materials

fabric
4 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
4 cups boiling water
bowl
X-acto knife
coordinating cord or ribbon
glue gun

Method

1. Cut fabric down to size of sliding door. Allow for some overage, as you can always cut it down further.
2. Prepare starch solution: Mix together 4 tbsp cornstarch in 1/2 cup cold water. Pour in 4 cups of boiling water and mix into slurry.
3. Paint starch solution onto back of fabric, soaking the pieces thoroughly. (Some may drip onto the floor while you're working, so be sure to put down a drop cloth to protect your carpet.
4. Apply fabric to doors.
5. Paint on some more solution and smooth out any bubbles with your fingers.
6. Once your door is dry, use X-acto knife to trim excess fabric.
7. Apply trim directly to fabric with hot-glue gun to finish edge.
8. When and if you're ready to remove the fabric from your door, simply peel it off and clean up the residue with a damp cloth.

This edition of Ask S&C was inspired by our viewer Heather, who wrote to us looking for advice on what to do to cover her sliding doors:

Hi Steven and Chris,

I hope you can help me with a challenge: decorating around my bedroom closet's huge, hideous, fake-wood sliding doors! I have spoken with my landlord, and he will not allow me to paint or remove the doors. Furthermore, because of the way they were installed, there really isn't space to hide the doors with curtains. Any suggestions?

Thanks so much,
Heather

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