Spring for me is the awakening of nature, a much-needed break from the cold winter days (which I have yet to have), and the ever-fun city spring cleanup. haha. I am serious! What could be more fun that looking for free things that can not only be saved from the dump, but turned into beautiful things, right? Take for instance this set of wooden louver doors. I instantly grabbed them up and am going to show you how they became an upcycled louver door shelf.
*post sponsored by HomeRight (see full disclosure)
My goal this year was to replenish my salvaged wood stash and boy did I score some awesome things. You can imagine my delight when I pulled up and saw these doors laying there. In my truck they went along with all the other fun goodies I’ve been showing you on social media.
The doors were in great shape for the most part, except they had been cut on the top and bottom to apparently be shortened for a custom fit. Nevertheless, they still had plenty of life left and did not need to be trashed.
DIY TIME
To get this upcycled louver door project started, I first made the necessary repairs to rebuild it a bit before making any changes. My nailer, wood filler, and wood glue were my best friends. hee hee.
I took note of any repairs that needed made, and took care of those. I left the hinges in tact so I could use that to hold my corner shelf together. However, I removed the door knob and filled the hole.
To mount the shelves, I used scrap bed slats, also found on the curb, ripped in half and cut to length. JC was a huge help running the table saw while I worked on other cuts.
I then mitered the outside ends on a 45° angle with my miter saw and attached with screws. I chose to use no less than 12″ for each shelf spacing so that can allow most books and random object to fit. Bonus is that the mitered ends will allow me to add a face to each shelf to hide the shelf braces in the next steps.
NEXT STEPS
Next, to create the shelves, I took note of the depth of the 45° angle they were set at and cut a triangular piece out of sanded cabinet grade plywood using my circular saw and table saw. Attaching the shelves was simple using my brad nailer and nailing from the top down into the side braces we just attached.
The next step was to cut the face piece to cover the front edge of the shelf and have it also hide the braces holding the shelf underneath. Measure the width of your opening and cut to length with a mitered edge at a 45° angle pointing inward, and attach pieces with a brad nailer. I also chose to add a bit of corner round to the back edge of each shelf to keep things from falling behind and some decorative trim to the tops and bottom to give it a more finished touch. Before I did that though, I used my Corner Cat to give my shelves a good sanding.
PAINTING TIME
To add the last decorative bits I mentioned above to my upcycled louver door project, I measured the lengths from the corner and mitered each end at a 45° angle with my miter box and saw. Last, I finish up with by filling all nail holes with wood filler and gave it a good sanding. Here it is ready for the fun part!
If there’s one dreaded job in the painting world, it surely is painting louvers by hand. (can I get an amen?) Whether it’s on a closet doors, shutters, or on furniture, they can be a beast. But no fear! A paint sprayer comes to my rescue. With the interchangeable tips on this paint sprayer, you can paint or stain this set to your heart’s desire. It’s a blast to use, literally, and fast to clean all while giving you fantastic coverage and finish.
PRIMING
For this project, I chose to paint and am using the black nozzle with the blue tips. Also, be sure to wear protective eye wear, a respirator, and hearing protection as well. Here’s a video I created for a past project to give you a visual.
Since I’ve chosen to paint, I start off by spraying on a primer to prep the wood and create a cohesive undercoat.
Allow it time to cure and you’re ready for the next step. The key to a great finish is getting the sprayer settings correct before beginning:
- Practice on scrap wood or cardboard to get the flow right.
- Keep the sprayer about 10-12 inches from your surface
- Move using your shoulder, not your wrist.
- Begin spraying before you hit the project and continue until off the project.
- Clean up your sprayer by following manufacturer instructions and let dry until you are ready do your topcoats.
GREEN
Once the primer has cured, I apply my first coat of paint. In this instance I’m using a seconds paint in a green tint by Behr in an eggshell finish. I showed this picture to you guys on social media asking you to help me name the color, and almost all of you came back with a blue related name, particularly Caribbean. However, it’s really a green with a hint of blue. See what I mean below.
Only two coats will be needed to get the look I’m after and I make sure to let each coat cure at least two hours before adding another coat.
I was done in a matter of 15 minutes for each coat, which is like lightning compared to using a brush. Woot! You can’t get much better than that.
THE REVEAL
And we’re done! My upcycled louver doors from the trash (what I like to call #trashure) have found a new life as a repurposed corner shelf.
All it took was a little building and some painting fun to create functional and stylish storage. I got to go down memory lane bringing out my vintage and antique camera collection to stage this new build.
I even finished the backside so that it can be freestanding in a space as well.
This upcycled louver door shelf was so fun to create and finish with my sprayer.
SHARE
Likewise, pin and share this upcycled louver door corner shelf to inspire others to give DIY a try and to create less waste. There really is a purpose for almost anything.
Up next, see what I do with these two items I pull from my next-door neighbors’ pile of trash. Love me some #trashure! See HERE.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Until next time!
While you’re at it, here are more projects with using an upcycled louver door:
I love the color!!
Thanks!
Hey Larissa and family! Oddly enough, I have some louvered doors I want to paint. One I am using, with S hooks, to hang my quilting rulers on. The others are 2 sets of closet doors in need of refreshing… a LOT of refreshing. As in they’ll need some sanding first. 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity.
Hello Christina!
Our lawn furniture needs repainted so badly. I painted it with spray paint cans a few years ago but they’re looking bad again 🙂
I’m jealous! You are quite the carpenter. I have several pieces of furniture to paint and a sprayer would get them done in record time! If I don’t win one, I’m still buying one! Keep up the inspiration Larissa.
I had a great helper too – thanks!
Nice work! And the color is really fun! I have a few projects that I am dreading to paint – the sprayer might be just the key. thanks for always providing such great inspiration to all us readers! Hugs!
It made it fun to see that color going on. Thanks!
Love the makeover. The HomeRight paint sprayer would be perfect for some patio chairs. Have a great day and I hope some beautiful spring weather is headed your way!
Glad to hear it. Thanks for the spring wishes!
I am always painting different ipieces of furniture. IM thinking this would be really cool to use on ny fence..I would get that done in a snap.
Sure would.
What a great idea for making a corner shelf! I have a dresser that will become a kitchen island that the HomeRight would be perfect for! Thank you for all of your great ideas!
Thank you. Fun to recreate these things. 😀
I have been wanting to make one of these myself. You are a great inspiration and motivator.
Thank you, Deirdre. 🙂
I have several pieces of furniture I want to paint. A sprayer would help quite a bit and yours looks like it does a fantastic job.
It sure does. Thank you.
WOW! I have some smaller panels I picked up awhile ago and I’ve been working on getting ideas on how to use them. I think I can make a smaller version for my yard. Really I wish I could send them to you so you could work your magic on them, lol! This shelf is wonderful and I love the color. Would love a sprayer too. Thanks Larissa for all your inspiration ?
My pleasure!
Sometimes I just wonder why people toss the things that they do! This corner shelf came out so nice with the extra trim pieces you added. The color is very pretty and I like that you painted her all the way around so she could be free standing! Well done my friend!!!!
I do the same. In this instance, I think they knew someone would take them. Yay!
I have some can backed chairs that need an update that would be great with a sprayer!
Fun! Hope you like what I created. 🙂
It would be gifted to my daughter.
Thank you for this splendid giveaway
You bet.
You make using a sprayer look so easy and effortless. I really need to take mine out of the box and practice. Love how this project turned out.
You should because it really is easy! 😉 Thank you for the love.
This turned out so cute. I have a dresser that I want to turn into a TV console. The sprayer would come in handy for this.
Thanks! I had fun.
Love the color
Thank you.
I love that color! Can’t wait to see what you do with the ash tray. Would love to win the sprayer since my outdoor wicker chairs need repainted. Not looking forward to using spray paint.
Isn’t it fun! I’m done with that too and will show next week. Yay! Wicker is a bear, but this makes it sooo easy!
Was going to paint my farmhouse table and six chairs for SURE this summer…now I would spray paint them for SURE!!
Woot! Best thing for that job is this sprayer for sure. Hope you like my project today. 🙂
Great color! I’ve got a French door,just awaiting this same door makeover…a corner shelf unit. Would definitely use the homeroght max sprayer for that project. Not to mention many others,
Thanks! I’m sure you’d make awesome use of it, Corry.
You did an awesome job. I wold paint my office desk. I’d love to win this sprayer.
Thanks! It would be so fun for you!
I would love to see what I could do with this as a fine art painter!
It could save a lot of time for sure!
What a great idea! I actually bought a set of louvered doors and am trying to work myself up to trying a kitchen island similar to the one you made (or a rolling cart for my craft room).
Thanks, Kimberly! You can do it…really!
Your so imaginative! I have some shutters that need to be repainted the sprayer would sure help!
I have so much fun…seriously! Thank you, Deb!
Love the leouver! What a fun #trashure project ?
How about “Succulent” green?
You nailed it! I named it Succulent Green and added it to my ever-growing second stash of awesome paint colors. haha!
how awesome !! Thanks!!
Great idea, Larissa! I have a couple of louvered doors that once served as a hanging wall for some wreaths I was selling at craft fairs. Didn’t know until your blog just what I would do with them. Thanks for the inspiration! The Lord works His wonders in mysterious ways, which is why I didn’t discard the doors. Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks, Cate! Glad to hear I’m not alone on the louver love. haha. You are so sweet to send love. Hugs!
That’s a great shade you chose. I’d love to use this on my wiindow shutters.
Isn’t it pretty! I love these kinds of mixed colors. Woot!
You are the tsar of creativity!
hee hee! You made me giggle! Thank you, Constance. 🙂
Great project and that color really pops!
Thank ya, Jana! It help break up my cabin fever. 😀
What a great project! Would never have thought to use those louvred doors to make a corner shelf!
You’re so fun, Liz! I think I’m slightly addicted to louver doors as I keep finding them. haha!
That’s a great way to use someone else’s trash! I would use the sprayer on my kitchen chairs.
Wahoo!! I just love finding potential like this. So fun!
I love this levour make over, I’ve done several little make overs with shutters, but they are the little ones. They are a pain to paint, but I don’t have a a sprayer. Sure would be nice to win one!
I have too…aren’t they fun?! So many ways to use them, and yes, a pain to paint unless you a sprayer. Hope you win!
Hi Larissa. Beautiful trashure! Love the color! I’m sure I would put that sprayer to good use with some signs and things for the shop! Thanks for sharing.
Hi there, girl! Thanks so much. You sure could use one of these. It’s a blast! 😀
Love the project. Would love to win the sprayer.
Thank you! I wish I had one for everyone.
I have a vintage Costco kitchen stool that would be great to use this on.
Cool.
Love this corner shelf! It would look great in my guest bathroom! 😉 We have a buffet in our dining room that we are looking to update, so that would probably be the first thing we would paint.
I wish I had a bathroom to fit it. Would be so handy! Thank you, Audra.
I’d paint some small stands that I collected.
Fun!
Love the shelf and would love to have the sprayer!
Thanks! You will love it. 😉
Really looking forward to painting more, when the temps warm up! Have a lot of #trashure ?
You and me both! I can’t wait…sigh.
Fantastic color!!! I’ve so many projects the sprayer would be a great help!
I just love how it pops against the white. Makes me ache for summer and my succulents! 😉
I’ve got some salvaged louvered doors just waiting for something like this. Love the idea – love the color!
You get on it, girl! I know you will have fun with them, just like your backyard creations.
You never cease to amaze me, Larissa!
Thank you for the smile, Brandi. 😀
The shelf is a lovely green, but that paint really looked blue in the can. Would love to win the sprayer, thanks for giveaway.
It did, but latex always dries darker. 😉
You are so creative! Love the shelf. I have a set of doors also that I would like to paint.
Thank you. 🙂
I would redo a dresser.
Sweet.
Beautiful color !!! A sprayer would be so handy to have.
It had to be a fun one and this one was it. Love it! Thank you.
Love the color one of my favorites. The sprayer would come in handy because I have to respray a lot of out door items each year & its a pain to do but really looks a lot better.
It sure makes life easier.
Your talent continuously impresses me! As my cousin and I just spray painted smalls with the simple cans of spray paint, I thought, “wouldn’t it be great if I had one of the HomeRight sprayers?!”
You’ve made me smile, Doreen, thank you. You sure do need one and I hope you win!
Very clever. And that is a super happy color. My first go to color.
It totally reminded me of succulents since I’m slightly addicted to their varied colors. So fun to have them in my home.
You have so many wonderful projects. It’s giving me an itch to do my buffet!
Hooray! I love when I get the itch, but finding time is key. haha.
I would try doing some outdoor furniture first
Fun!
Very nice….great color!
Thank you, Terri.
I love what you did with the shutters! I painted some with a brush and it took forever. I have more shutter projects in mind and the sprayer would make it easier.
Thanks! It sure can take an eternity and drips can be your worst nightmare. haha. Sounds like you need this sprayer. 😉
Gorgeous project and color!
Thank you for saying so, Grace. 🙂
The shelving unit is a great idea. I would like to paint a dresser that my wife found.
Thank you. Just had to do something with them. 😉
You are so so talented, nice job!
I have a laundry list of projects around and outside the house I would use this for!
Thank you for saying so, Steve. I’m sure you would max it out. It’s so fun and easy to use.
Yes, I love the project and hope to see a lot more of them. I would probably do something similar with cabinets and hope it turns out just as awesome as you did.
I’m sure you’ll have fun with it. 😀
I’m working on making a 12′ long wall into craft storage by building 2 corner cabinets and shelving units in between. There will be doors on some sections. That’s A LOT of cutting and painting to do! Sprayer would really help out!
Wow! Sounds like an awesome project. And yes, you do have much painting to do. Hope you win!
Love that project, and it was FREE!! You saved it’s life from that landfill, way to go! I NEED to win the sprayer as I would LOVE it every day for the rest of my life, and I would also keep it VERY busy with all my projects! Thanks for having the contest!
Yahoo! My kinda thing. You are so fun, Mary!
How cool! I really like the detail you put into finishing those shelves- nice! I kind of envy you your neighborhood “shopping” days, haha! I do my part by putting my trash-or-donate pile out by the street with a “free” sign anytime I clean out the garage or storage room. My husband always objects because we live way out on a low-travel dirt road, and who’s going to take that out here? It goes every time. I can’t believe what is happily snatched up! I mean, I like junk too, and this is MY junk JUNK!
I have so many painting projects! I’m going to be doing some today as soon as it warms up! A sprayer would be SO COOL!!!
That is so awesome!! I’m delighted for you. woot!
Love the color!! And the finish is beautiful!!!
How fun to hear, Rebecca. Thank you!
Love this project- something like this can go in any room! Hubby n I have been researching different spray paint machines so perfect timing. I’m stepping up my inner DIYer this year so have several tools n supplies on my list. Thank you for a great guve away Larissa!
That was my thinking when deciding what to build. Great minds think alike! 😀 My pleasure.
#ToolsOverJewels also love the camera collection!
Yeah, baby! I just love my tools. 😀
I would tackle a dining room set that I recently got.
Sounds good.
I would tackle an old desk I have first.
Sounds good.
I have an old nightstand I would love to refinish.
Sweet.
This would be great!! I love the corner shelf and they are such space savers. I love DIY projects and my next one is to make myself a headboard that I want to use the same doors for. Going to get mine from a thrift store and recycle and this would make painting them a breeze
They sure are. This is fun for me to do. Woot!
Another great makeover! I have so many projects that need refinished and it takes me sooo long to paint with paintbrush. I’m wanting to get better at diy this year and need tools. The paint sprayer would be a fabulous asset to have. Thanks for the giveaway and for your inspiration!!
Thanks! It sure would be a blessing. Wish I had one for everyone.
i love it. i would spray my bathroom cabinet doors. Thanks
Thanks, Jaye.
Love the project! I would use it on several painting projects I have in the house.
Thanks! It sure is handy.
I absolutely love this project…i have some of these in my stash …i need to try this now too
You will love it. Have fun! 😀
WE’ve got some cute outdoor furniture that could use some refreshing, so that;s my first project
Fun!
I have a dresser that I would like to use the HomeRight Super Finish Max on.
Sounds good.
I would use to paint our outdoor patio furniture.
We would use it for a lot!! Were moving this summer to a bigger house but it needs A TON of work ! This would be a blessing!
Congrats on the new home! 😀
I actually think I might try my hand at making one of these… I’m super impressed. I love it!
That’s awesome!