Transforming Thrifted Confessional Doors into Bold Rustic Masterpieces

I decided to randomly take a trip to Habitat for Humanity and walk through the door aisle hoping to find something interesting. For example - A stained glass masterpiece or an antique bar door, in hopes to restore and resale. Well... The universe had other plans for me. Little did I know I would be finding my dream master bathroom doors that I have been

thinking about but couldn't imagine what I wanted to do yet. When I saw these doors, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them. The vision of them lit up inside my brain like a spiritual DIY awakening.

As I unknowingly walked through a thrift store, I stumbled upon a hidden treasure: Two confessional doors, laden with stories, confessions beyond my imagination and maybe even confessions of a teenage drama queen perhaps... Priced at a mere $5 each!!!

My mind sparked with the creative possibilities. What could I do with these relics of the past? How can I make these an artful centerpiece of my master bathroom? The transformation opportunities are endless.

A few ideas that popped into my head that I did not go with

1. A Gold Sheet Gilded Masterpiece

(Felt too IN YA FACE and flashy, but the thought was fun)

2. A pop of unexpected color! GREEN SCREEN GREEN or a powerful Red!

(I get tired of colors fast, always changing my mind)

3. A raw wood look exposed of its grain...

(Sounds beautiful but to basic for me! It is a timeless look though I must say)

Now let's get to how I turned these humble doors into BOLD rustic masterpieces!

These added immense character and charm to my home. I'm over the moon with how the turned out.

First STEP in Transformation Process: I deep cleaned the doors, removing its years worth of grime and dirt. Next, I assessed their condition, noting any areas in need of repair. Fortunately, these structurally were in great shape with only some minor wear and tear.

Lets not forget the before

1. Cleaned the wood

2. Scrubbed the metal expanded cane with steel wool and vinegar and warm warm. Make sure you wear gloves when using steel wool, my hands have been rubbed raw by learning the hard way!!! I like these $ glove from Amazon.

3. Stripping away the sins with

4. Scraping it's dignity

5. Sanding away the excess stain

6. Blew away the crustiest and dusties with my handy dandy air compressor

7. Repaired some minor areas of wood damage with some wood filler, wood glue and my sander

Stripping and Sanding:

To prepare the surface for the makeover, I began by stripping away the old finish using a gentle yet effective solvent. Once stripped, I meticulously sanded the doors, smoothing out imperfections and creating a clean canvas for the upcoming enhancements.

2. Applying the layering of the Black Stain: My thought process behind the staining method was layers of the same color of things but different methods. Black Magic Stain / Black Glaze Paint Wash / Burn. All uniformed in the same color black.

I took my propane torch and burnt the wood to my desired look.

This look was inspired by the rustic charm of barn doors, I opted for a rich texture and a bold black stain to infuse the doors with depth and character. Using a high-quality stain, I carefully applied multiple coats, allowing each layer to penetrate the wood and achieve a deep, ebony hue. Black Glaze Paint Dixie Belle

Black Magic Gel Stain

Best Dang Brush

3. The Metal Expanded Cane:

This metal cane adds so much character to the charming aesthetic I'm going for. The fact that this was already incorporated into the design is what really sold me! I've never seen anything like that in my life! I first I thought it was a brass expanded cane design but soon realized it's not but either way I want it to look brass. Which is what we did here. This metal cane serves as both a decorative accent and a functional element. Being able to communicate with my husband if he's in the bathroom brushing his teeth and I'm in the bedroom laying down reading a book (My Favorite Book Im Reading) through the metal canes holes actually created a conversation building environment for me and my husband. The product I used to achieve the brass painted design: Moonshine Metallics Gold Digger

4. Distressing and Burning:

To emulate the weathered appearance of authentic historically looking barn doors. I tried various techniques to distress the surface. From subtle abrasions to strategic burnishing, each detail contributed to the doors' aged looked

The Final Touch:

With the transformation complete after the staining and sanding I then finished it off with some Behr wax and two different Anthropologie knobs that compliment each other. These now, they stand proudly as bold rustic confessional door masterpieces in my master bathroom. Exuding charm and character! These instantly became the focal point of my bedroom / infusing it with warmth and personality.

Upgrade for Your Home:

The addition of rustic barn doors offers numerous benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal. Here are some reasons why incorporating them into your home can elevate its ambiance:

1. Architectural Interest: The unique texture and character of barn doors add architectural interest to any room, transforming mundane doorways into captivating focal points.

2. Versatility: Whether used as room dividers, closet doors, or decorative accents, barn doors are incredibly versatile, allowing for creative customization to suit your home's aesthetic.

3. Timeless Appeal: The rustic charm of old historic doors is a timeless trends that ages well. While also ensuring they remain alive and restored.

This little journey to the thrift store was a success thanks to a bit of creativity and elbow grease. With their newfound found home (no not in a church) they not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of my home but also serve as a testament to the beauty of repurposing and restoration. So, the next time you stumble upon a hidden gem at your local thrift store, dare to envision its potential – you might just uncover a treasure waiting to be reborn!