We love when a small design moment becomes a big statement—and this door might be one of our favorite transformations to date. This DIY projects gives your home a personal touch while also vintage charm.
What started as a salvaged find turned into a completely custom piece that now brings vintage character and unexpected personality to a small bathroom. We’ve been loving the reactions over on Instagram, and we wanted to break down the process here for anyone looking to try something similar. (Plus we’ll link everything we used below!)
What You Need
Door (we love finding one from an architectural salvage yard, but there are other great options!)
Trim Adhesive
Acetone
Step 1: The Search for a Salvaged Door
We started by heading to one of our favorite architectural salvage yards in Brooklyn, Old Iron New York, to hunt for a vintage door with great bones. We found the perfect one with a solid wood frame and classic paneling that just needed a little love (and a vision). Check out our Brooklyn Antique Shopping vlog to see us explore Old Iron New York.
Step 2: Cutting a Custom Glass Panel
To give the door that classic “WC” charm, we carefully cut out one of the top panels to make space for glass. This creates visual interest, lets in a little light—and makes it feel like something you’d find in an old European café.
Step 3: Sourcing the Glass
We measured the opening and ordered chicken wire glass, which gives the door just the right mix of industrial and refined. You can source this from most local glass suppliers—or search online for pre-cut options that match your dimensions.
Step 4: Paint It the Perfect Green
Choosing the right paint color was key. We landed on our favorite moody green that plays beautifully with the natural wood tones throughout the space. It instantly elevated the vintage door and gave it a tailored, cohesive feel.
Step 5: Glass + Trim Installation
We secured the chicken wire glass in place with a simple trim frame. It’s a detail you might not notice at first glance—but it makes the entire thing feel intentional and professionally done.
Step 6: The Finishing Touches
To bring the whole moment home, we added vintage-inspired hardware and a custom “WC” stencil to the glass. These small additions really sealed the deal, giving it an old-world feel that still feels fresh.
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This little weekend project has become one of the most talked-about elements in the space—and now, we’re bringing doors like this into our client projects, too. We used this style of door at Bedstuy Brownie, Paloma on Poplar, and obviously, our home.
Whether you’re working with a tight powder room or looking to add charm to a guest bath, this is one upgrade that packs a major punch.
