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Good Questions: How to Deal with These Mirrored Closet Doors?

081407mirrored_doors.jpg

Dear AT,

We just moved into an apartment with a lot of stylistic and organizational problems. The major one right now is these closet doors (see image). I'm not sure who thought this many mirrors in the bedroom were a good idea, but they freak us out. (The parallel to "mirrors on the ceiling" comes to mind.) We don't intend to stay in this apartment longterm, so we're looking for a bit of a "quick fix" (The landlord does not want the doors altered in any way that cannot be easily undone.) We're also on a bit of a budget so are hoping for a solution that won't break the bank. S.O.S!

Thanks,
Lisbet

(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first. Email questions and pics with QUESTIONS in subject line to: chicago(at)apartmenttherapy(dot)com)
 
 

Dear Lisbet,

One inexpensive DIY option would be to do something similar to our drop cloth curtains that we hung (from ceiling to floor) to replace ugly bi-fold closet doors in our home office. They are easy to install, you can take them down when you move, and use the drop cloths for repainting your next place (?!).

Anyone else have some good ideas and solutions?

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Comments (17)

double stick tape and some interesting paper - wallpaper or wrapping paper.

posted by amy (rustyletter) on August 14th 2007 at 11:22am
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Maybe some vinyl window decals? It wouldn't cover it up 100%, but would be easily removable (and reusable?)

posted by Michelle of Montreal on August 14th 2007 at 11:30am
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You can take some interesting pictures in black and white or sepia and blow them up to 5"x7" or 8"x10" and use double-sided photo tape to cover the mirrors.

posted by jems on August 14th 2007 at 1:01pm
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Buy fabric, soak it in liquid starch and slap it up. While it's drying you'll need to tape it to the frame but once it's dry it will hold until you peel it off. When you move, peel it off, wash it and you can re-use the fabric.

posted by gardenjen1234 on August 14th 2007 at 2:39pm
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Buy thin clear acrylic (or Lexan) panels that are custom cut to be the same size as each mirror, sand one side and paint the sanded side any color you like. Mount the acrylic panels (unpainted side out) on the doors using 3m Command Strips (the best invention for renters ever made...). The finished effect is similar to the glossy backpainted glass wardrobe doors sold at places like Poliform for thousands of dollars. Best part is that you can have any color you want. The panels can be easily removed when you move.

posted by RichardinLA on August 14th 2007 at 3:38pm
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you could try "limo tint" for tinting car windows. It comes in shades of gray and you can cut patterns and mount it on your doors. I cut it into squares, and made a simple graphic design. Easy on, Easy off. I have also taped off a pattern and used Christmas window spray that looks like frost. Cleaning it requires ammonia though, and takes several tries before it comes completely offffffff.....makes for an interesting Japanese screen treatment. Hope this helps.

posted by robilu on August 14th 2007 at 4:34pm
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You can buy frosted glass spray at Home Depot for less than $10/can. You need an even hand to get an even look, but I have used it on windows for when my office clients have wanted frosted glass on their office doors for privacy. When they move out, I just take a flat-edge razor and scrape it off. You could get fancy with taping down some patterns first, spraying, et voila. if it doesn't work, just start again. One thing, however, is that the spray is very stinky, so you need good ventilation before you start.

posted by Snoozy on August 14th 2007 at 5:26pm
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Yeah, I am not a big fan of mirrors. I don't even have one in my bedroom.

As for your issue, I would put a window film. In this way it gives you an illusion of having floor to ceiling windows instead of those mirrors.

I know that AT had featured nice fancy window films in the past but I don't remember the brand names but you may check this one out (from Home Depot)
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100010437&N=10000003 90401 501987&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125

posted by cmoirae2 on August 15th 2007 at 3:51am
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You could always tack a muslin runner that goes top to bottom... something lightweight, and then those bambo table runners you can find at the dollar store... and run that over the top?
Go for the Asian vibe?

posted by sarahrae on August 15th 2007 at 10:07am
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Is this at the top of your list for that room?

posted by Kurt on August 15th 2007 at 11:11am
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I don't see what's wrong with it!

posted by aladywhoknows on August 15th 2007 at 3:56pm
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On some design show, they used that self-stick frosted film and left thin stripes of the mirror showing. Actually looked good!

posted by fiona on August 16th 2007 at 3:38am
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If it were me I'd remove the doors (are you handy - can you put them back up when you move?)
and hang up panels of cloth or curtains (hanging in folds). I'm pretty boho though.

Right now I'm all pleased with Urban Outfitters and Ikea - taking care of the financially challenged.

posted by kathy o on August 16th 2007 at 5:36am
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One more vote for vinyl clings. I just covered the bottom half of one window in my home. It was easy and looks great.

posted by RJD on August 18th 2007 at 4:39pm
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Found yet another available window cling design here:

http://www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com/Products/usd0/Accessories/Decorations/6030&currencychanged=1

posted by RJD on August 18th 2007 at 5:03pm
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One of my favorite AT bedrooms EVAR is Gari's Sexy Brown Bedroom.

If you look at the second and fourth picture, he uses those mirrored doors to great effect creating an airy depth to those dark walls. Maybe getting some color on those walls will make those mirrors pretty.

posted by selektor on January 2nd 2008 at 3:31pm
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I think that putting some window film on any glass makes your home nicer and more elegant. Its an easy way to get a new look. frosted window film

posted by frosted window film on July 16th 2009 at 6:19pm
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