Home Garden

Homemade Cottage Washroom Doors

Washroom doors provide privacy and security for residents and guests in all types of homes. In a cottage, where space is limited and a specific design scheme dominates toe space, washroom doors take on additional value as decorative objects. Make your own cottage washroom doors based on your cottage's style and budget.
  1. Types

    • Cottage washroom doors that you make yourself take several forms. Conventional doors made from a single piece of material are one option. Doors with frosted glass windows let light in without disturbing privacy, especially if you hang a small decorative curtain on the door’s inside. Bifold doors are composed of two vertical panels that are hinged together. They take up less space when they swing open and closed, making them ideal for cottages with makeshift washrooms or narrow hallways.

    Materials

    • Wood is the preferred material for homemade cottage washroom doors. It is easy to clean, can be painted on the inside to resist moisture and humidity, is easy to work with, and fits well within most rustic or contemporary cottage decor schemes. Old, distressed doors, such as those salvaged from old homes, are excellent options if cut to size and new hinges are added. Two planks of wood and some brushed metal hinges supply all the materials needed for making bifold washroom doors.

    Finishing

    • Cottage design typically relies on natural materials and worn, organic finishes. For a wooden cottage washroom door, a single layer of paint provides a base coat for the color. Sanding down the paint in several places gives it a well-used look. Applying several layers of a clear sealant stops the paint from wearing and protects it from temperature fluctuation and moisture. For metal hardware, apply paint and then remove some of it with fine-grit sandpaper.

    Accents

    • Once you have your homemade washroom door installed, draw from its colors and style to create accents elsewhere in your cottage. For example, washroom cabinet hinges that match those found on the door give the room a sense of unity and intentionality. Using the same paint and finishing approach on wood trim throughout the cottage makes the door blend in and prevents it from looking like an afterthought.