I have a been a fan of the Mid Century Modern design since I can remember. I love to implement those mid century design elements into our home when I can. Here’s how to make sunburst bifold doors to achieve the mid century modern look and is a simple way to create a stunning upgrade without breaking your bank account!
This is a pretty straightforward diy project that creates the look of expensive set of closet doors for less. I’m so excited to share with you all the tutorial that I made so you can make these for your home as well!
When I was out on a drive with my husband, I noticed an old mid century modern house. If you are familiar with the mid century modern time period, you’ll know that it is known for unique architecture and funky furniture (to sum it up hah). I saw a design on the front door of this house we drove by. It had a half circle around the doorknob and lines extending out that looked like a sunburst.
Needless to say, I was inspired.
Let’s get started!
Materials Needed:
+ unfinished bi-fold closet doors
+ 1/4 x 36 Poplar square wooden dowels (I used 10 dowels to make my design)
+ hardware for closet door handle
+ paint (I used Hazelwood by Dutch Boy from Menards)
+ paint brush
+ paint roller
The Process of the Sunburst Bifold Doors
Once you have gathered you’re supplies you will be ready to get started!
After I unpacked the bi-fold doors, I set them on two saw horses so I had a platform to work on. I placed the embroidery hoop where I wanted the handle of the door to be. Once the hoop was placed, I played around with the wooden dowels until I reached a design that I loved!
Once I had a design that I loved, I took my painters tape to secure the dowels and the hoop down so that they didn’t move in the process of permanently securing them.
I marked the dowels and embroidery hoop with a pencil so I knew where to make my cuts with my miter saw. I alternated every other dowel so there was pattern once finished (example: long dowel, short dowel, long dowel, short dowel, etc.)
Then, I made the cuts to my dowels and embroidery hoop using my miter saw.
After the cuts were made, I used Gorilla wood glue and secured everything down, including the embroidery hoop. To be sure that nothing moved in the process, I placed painters tape over the pieces on the doors so that they didn’t move during the drying time.
Let’s Paint
The drying time didn’t take too long. During this time, I prepped my paint and supplies so that I was ready to go. I removed the painters tape that I placed over the wooden dowels and got ready to paint!
The color I used was “Hazelwood” by Dutch Boy (I purchased mine at Menards home improvement store).
I used an edge paintbrush to cut in around the dowels and in the corners. After I cut in, I used a roller to paint over the rest of the doors.
It took me two full coats of paint, but the amount of coats of paint will depend on the color you choose.
Install and Add Hardware
Once the paint is dry, I attached the door handle. Here’s the hardware I chose.
I waited a full 24 hours until I was sure that everything was completely dry before we installed the closet doors. The bi-fold doors that we purchased thankfully came with all the necessary hinges and hardware, which made installing easy (ish)!
My husband helped me with the installation of the doors so that everything was secure and functioning properly. The end result blew me away!
The Final Product of the Sunburst Bifold Doors
This project was so loved when I posted the end result on my instagram page. It got so many questions so a blog post on the tutorial was much needed! Are you all ready to see the final product? I am so excited to share the final design!
These closet doors make the biggest impact in our small guest bedroom. Many people have asked us where we purchased these doors and to their surprise I have told them it was a DIY. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to pay tons and tons of money to upgrade spaces in your home. This whole project cost us less than $150 to make.
What recent DIY project have you done that has made a lasting impression in your home? I would love to hear!
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Such a neat idea. I wish I was more handy. Mid century is definitely inspiring.
You definitely don’t need to know how to handy in order to make this (speaking from experience haha). I love MCM design too.
Wow! Just wow! This is so pretty and seems very doable. LOVE this design and idea so much. We’re looking for a new house right now. Definitely saving this for a future project. Thanks!!
Congrats on beginning your search for your new home! Thanks for saving 🙂 This was one of my favorite projects I made last year!
Wow! This looks so simple and beautiful! Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the love, Michelle!