A TEA BREAK contributor article from Kara McSwain, (Portland, Oregon) ☕
If your closet doors feel like an uninspired afterthought, you’re not alone. Over one productive weekend, I turned my builder-grade, flat-panel closet doors into a statement feature that elevates the entire room.
Using a few simple materials — trim, paint and the standout star of the project, Plank Hardware’s Antique Brass Closet BOBBIN Pulls with Backplates — these once-bland doors became a centerpiece that balances functionality with vintage charm.
Whether your home is brand new, or rich in history like mine, this DIY makeover is an approachable way to add character, luxury details and personality to any space.
The Vision
My 1906 home is full of historic character — but the closet inserted in our guest room at a later date didn't match its charm. The plain, builder-grade doors felt like an afterthought and an eye-sore in a home designed to celebrate craftsmanship and detail. I wanted to align these doors with the rest of our home’s character by incorporating vintage-inspired elements, like shaker-style trim, a bold-yet-timeless paint color and, of course, fun, whimsical hardware that ties the look together.
Materials You’ll Need 🪛
Here’s everything I used to create this look →
● 2in x 8ft x 1/4in unfinished wood trim (x4)
● 2.5in x 8ft x 11/16in window and door casing trim (x3)
● Nail gun or finishing nails
● Wood glue
● Painter’s tape
● Safety goggles
● Paintable sealant caulk
● Miter saw (or a miter box with handsaw)
● Drill and 1-inch hole saw drill bit
● Sandpaper
● Satin-finish paint (I used Dried Hydrangea by Miller Paint)
● Paint brush and roller
● Plank Hardware Antique Brass Closet BOBBIN Pulls
● Plank Hardware COHEN Pull Backplates
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Add Shaker-Style Trim
To bring depth and texture to the plain doors, I added shaker-style trim.
- Measure the height and width of your door.
- Cut the ¼-inch flat trim to size to frame the edge length-wise and width-wise, then add a final piece in the center for that classic shaker look.
- Adhere the trim to the door with wood glue, and use painter tape to hold it in the perfect place to match up along the edges. Carefully secure the trim with a nail gun or finishing nails, ensuring everything lines up perfectly.
This simple step instantly gave the doors a classic, high-end feel and it was relatively quick and easy to do.
2. Frame the Closet Doorway
To make the closet feel more integrated with the trim in the rest of the room, I framed out the doorway with door and window casing trim.
- Measure the door opening length and width, and cut your length trim at 45° angles at the top inside corner. Then cut the top width casing with two 45° angles, accurately measured to size.
- Place the trim around the door, securing with painters tape to hold in place while you nail the trim pieces into the wall.
- Seal the nail holes and any gaps with paintable sealant and smooth.
This detail made the closet feel a lot more polished, and cohesive with the trim around the rest of the room.
3. Add Vent Holes for a Vintage Aesthetic
I’ve been obsessed with vintage pantry and closet doors on Pinterest, so I wanted to add a vent hole design for a touch of vintage charm.
- Create (or download) a stencil with four 1-inch holes in a diamond formation and print to size.
- Center the stencil at the top of each door, tape in paper in place and drill through the door using a 1-inch hole saw bit.
- Sand the edges to smooth any splintering.
While true vintage doors have more intricate vent hole designs, these simple circular vent holes were the perfect nod to the craftsmanship of older homes that were within my capabilities 🙂
4. Paint a Pop of Color
Whenever a room is feeling uninspiring, I’ve found the fastest way to add your own personal style is by bringing a bold, yet timeless paint color to completely transform the mood of a space. I used Dried Hydrangea (Miller Paint), to make the doors the star of the room with a blue-green statement that still feels calming.
- Tape off the surrounding walls and floors to keep edges clean and prevent more clean up.
- Cut the edges of the door, the inside edge of the shaker trim, and any other fine detailed areas with a paint brush.
- Use a small paint roller on the face of the doors for a smooth, even finish.
- Complete 2-3 coats, making sure the paint is dry between each coat.
I chose to paint the closet doors and trim around the room, while keeping the walls a neutral off-white to create a sophisticated contrast.
5. Install Plank Hardware Statement Pulls
The finishing touch—and the real star of the makeover—was swapping out the cheap wooden knobs for Plank Hardware’s Antique Brass Closet BOBBIN Pulls and COHEN Backplates:
- Mark the placement of the width of the hardware, drilling clean, level holes through the doors to match the pulls’ measurements.
- Insert screws through the back of the door until you begin to see the screwhead poke through the front. Attach the backplates with painter’s tape to ensure perfect alignment, then secure the pulls by tightening the screws into the pulls.
I love that the BOBBIN Pulls add a whimsical yet refined touch that complements the vent holes, and feels sophisticated against the shaker-style trim. And the Antique Brass finish perfectly contrasts with the blue-green color, elevating the design with a subtle warmth.
Final Thoughts
This project took a bit longer than expected, so be sure to set aside a full weekend or tackle it in phases that work for your schedule. There are plenty of beginner-friendly swaps for any level of DIY-er, like using an inexpensive miter box and handsaw instead of power tools to achieve the same result.
I’ve been dreaming about this closet makeover for months, and my only regret is not starting sooner. Slow-decorating my home with thoughtful colors and timeless details has been so rewarding.
The true star of this transformation is Plank Hardware’s Antique Brass Closet BOBBIN Pulls. While I was already thrilled with the look before installing them, the BOBBIN Pulls were the finishing touch that tied everything together. It’s proof that quality hardware can elevate any project and make all the difference.