Enjoy a New Look with Contact Paper on Closet Doors

Mirrored closet doors have been popular design choices for decades thanks to their ability to visually expand small spaces and reflect light. However, the never-ending reflections can also contribute to cluttered appearances and distracting environments.

If your mirrored closet doors are feeling tired or dated, contact paper offers an easy and affordable way to give them a whole new look. Available in a variety of patterns, textures, and colors, contact paper can refresh your closets with just an afternoon of DIY. Let's explore the possibilities!

What Exactly is Contact Paper?

Contact paper, also known as self-adhesive paper or adhesive paper, is a versatile covering product used to line shelves, drawers, and a variety of surfaces. It features a paper top layer that has been treated on one side with a sticky adhesive substance.

When the backing layer is removed, the adhesive allows the decorative paper to bond smoothly and firmly to the application surface underneath. The adhesives are designed not to leave residue behind if the paper is removed in the future.

An Array of Options for Every Style

From sophisticated faux finishes to playful patterns, contact paper offers endless design possibilities. Choose from realistically painted woodgrains, marbles, metals and stones for an upscale look. Embrace trends with buffalo check or geometric shapes. Go bold with black-and-white stripes or painted florals. Even mimic stained glass with multi-colored diamond designs!

The variety of prints and textures available in shelf liner paper means you can match contact paper to your existing room style. Or use it as an opportunity to go dramatic with a style departure on your closet doors. Dark hues can ground bright rooms while energetic prints inject fun wherever they're needed.

Self-Adhesive Means Super Easy Application

Contact paper effortlessly sticks to surfaces without requiring messy glue or cumbersome hanging hardware. Simply measure the surface, cut the adhesive paper to size, peel away the backing, and smooth onto the door. Air pockets and wrinkles can be removed with a smoothing tool as you work.

Many contact paper options are also removable and reusable, allowing you to switch up looks in the future. Though initially designed for shelving, the self-adhesive formula works on a variety of hard surfaces, including metal, wood, and glass.

The Benefits of Using Contact Paper for Closet Door Makeovers

Looking for an easy and affordable way to give tired mirrored closet doors new life? Contact paper offers the perfect solution!

Quick Budget-Friendly Upgrade

Instead of investing money and effort into replacing your existing closet doors, cover them up with contact paper! At just cents per square foot, contact paper provides cheap closet door makeovers on a rental or tight budget.

Bold Change Without Permanence

Love the idea of a dramatic accent wall but unsure where to start? Transforming mirrored closet doors with contact paper allows you to add an energizing print without the commitment or mess of painted murals.

The removable adhesive means you can switch designs in minutes. Having guests stay for a few nights? Swap that trendy buffalo check out for basic white to expand the room's style. Use contact paper's non-permanent nature to play with various colors and patterns!

Soften Harsh Mirrors in an Instant

Do reflections from closet mirror doors create an overly cold or clinical look? Warm up the space instantly by disguise glass panels with wood grain or marble contact paper for natural depth.

Muted color patterns and faux textures soften the harshness of mirrors, draw the eye around the room, and make small spaces feel more inviting.

Let Light Flow with Semi-Transparent Designs

Do you want to obscure the direct visibility of a mirrored closet door but maintain an open atmosphere? Opt for lightly frosted contact paper to provide a translucency that keeps spaces feeling airy and bright.

Preparing Closet Doors for Flawless Contact Paper Application

Achieving contact paper success requires some minor preparation. Follow these simple steps beforehand for smooth installation and long-lasting adhesion:

Clean the Door Surface Thoroughly

Remove all grease, grime, and built-up cleaner residue so contact paper can properly adhere to the door. Pay special attention to polishing mirrored panels which attract fingerprints and smudges.

Gather Your Application Materials

Having all necessary tools assembled ahead of time makes the installation process faster. You'll need contact paper, tape measure, razor or craft knife, smoother, clean cloths, and perhaps painter's tape for crisp edges.

Determine Required Yardage

Carefully measure the height and width of door panels requiring coverage, rounding up to the next full inch. Compare dimensions to contact paper width on the product label, planning pattern direction and allowing extra for mistaken cuts and overlaps.

Cut Contact Paper Pieces to Size

Use measurements to trim adhesive paper pieces before adhering them to the door. Cutting panels while flat on a table ensures accuracy over trying to slice curled rolls.

Step-by-Step Guide to Flawless Contact Paper Application

Slowly Peel Off Contact Paper Backing

Remove the waxy backing sheet at a 45deg angle, taking care not to tear the paper or fold adhesive over onto itself. Work slowly to minimize bubbles and wrinkles in this first critical stage.

Generously Apply Included Adhesive

Before attaching paper to the door, spread included adhesive evenly over the back using a paintbrush or adhesive foam roller. This extra layer helps contact paper bond tightly.

Smooth Paper Against Door Surface

Once backing is removed, carefully press the contact paper against your closet door, starting at the top and working side-to-side while gently smoothing out bubbles.

Eliminate Air Pockets with a Smoothing Tool

As you adhere contact paper to the door, run a soft smoother across the surface to push out air bubbles. Concentrate pressure from the middle out toward paper edges.

Clean Edges with a Craft Knife

Where contact paper meets door frame, use an exacto or craft knife to slit edges for a tailored appearance. Trim slowly and carefully to avoid pulling up applied paper.

Inspiring Contact Paper Closet Door Designs

Looking for ideas or inspiration to shake up the look of tired mirrored closet doors? Consider one of these stunning styles for elevated storage spaces:

Statement Black and White Stripes

Make small spaces pop with an eye-catching black and white stripe print down the center of closet doors. Paint door edges and frames high-gloss black for a striking accent.

Moody Faux Wood Finish

Warm up modern closets by covering mirrored panels in rich woodgrain contact paper paired with antique bronze handles. Contrast inside closet walls with soft linen texture.

Bohemian Stained Glass

A stained glass motif instantly transports doors into a glam boho oasis. Use metallic paint pens to add shine and dimension to adhesive paper for light catching effects as doors open.

Glamorous Faux Antique Mirror

Want all the opulence of antique mirror without tracking down specialized glass? Choose pearlized contact paper and strategically score the surface with craft knife or wire brush. Buff edges for an aged appearance.

Caring for Contact Papered Closet Doors

Contact papered doors require some occasional maintenance to keep them looking fabulous. Follow these care tips:

Use Gentle Cleaners

To remove dust and dirt build up without lifting paper edges, use mild cleansers and microfiber cloths when wiping down doors. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.

Check for Lifting Corners

Inspect contact paper once a month for loose seams, smoothing them back down carefully with adhesive if found. This prevents further peeling.

Consider Glass Protection

For longevity on mirrored doors, apply frosted glass film underneath contact paper. This protects mirrors if adhesive residue remains after future removal.

Store Leftover Paper Properly

Keep spare contact paper yardage tightly wound and sealed in plastic bags. This prevents drying and curling, ensuring materials are ready for future closet door updates.

No longer limited to lining drawers and shelves, contact paper offers an easy, creative, and budget-friendly way to refresh the look of those dated mirrored closet doors. With a sleek faux finish or bold colorful print, contact paper lets you reimagine the style of small storage spaces.

Thanks to easy application and removable adhesive, contact paper allows for experimentation and quick changes.Swap patterns with the seasons or when inspiration strikes!

So instead of putting up with boring mirrored panels that blend into white walls, let contact paper infuse your closet doors with personality. With just an afternoon and a roll of adhesive paper, you can enjoy renewed style in storage spaces.