Updating your existing bifold louver door is an inexpensive way to get a custom look.

Our 80’s style home is filled with builder basics like wire shelving and louvre bifold doors. Since moving in I’ve updated our main bath closet door and the bifold doors in my son’s room. The last set is here in my daughter’s room. We gave the room a makeover last fall and I wanted to create a custom look for her closet doors that feel feminine.
Let’s get started!
How to Update Bifold Doors with Wallpaper
Tools + Supplies Needed:
- nail gun
- measuring tape
- saw – jigsaw, circular saw, or table saw will work
- 1/8″ hardboard
- textured wallpaper
- utility/craft knife
- nail hole filler
- sand paper/block
- paint brush
- primer
- paint (color used: SW Pure White)
- caulk
Cut List
Measurements based on 36 x 80 Louver Closet Bi-fold Doors
4 – 13 1/4″ x 39 3/8″ hardboard (top panels)
4 – 13 1/4″ x 25 7/8″ hardboard (bottom panels)
8 – 17 3/4″ x 4″ hardboard (top and middle trim)
4 – 17 3/4″ x 6 1/4″ hardboard (bottom trim)
8 – 39 3/8″ x 2″ hardboard (side trim on upper panels)
8 – 25 7/8″ 2″ hardboard (side trim on bottom panels)
The Process
Cut top and bottom panels. Apply wallpaper to the hardboard. Do not follow the package directions for pre-pasted wallpaper. Soaking the paper will warp the hardboard.
Use a water bottle to wet the paste and activate the glue or use a spray adhesive.
After the wallpaper is applied to the hardboard, cut off excess using a craft knife or utility knife.
Fit hardboard panels over the louver door slats and nail with 1″ nails around the frame.

Frame out your panels with the trim pieces, nailing with 1″ nails. Don’t worry if your wallpapered panels don’t look “clean” on the edges. The trim pieces will slightly overlap.


Finishing work: fill nail holes with spackle and nail hole filler. Caulk seams where the hardboard trim meets the wallpapered panels (inside) and where the hardboard trim meets the bifold door (outside).
Sand filler and wipe door clean to remove dust.

Prime all the exposed hardboard trim and paint your desired color. I used SW Pure White to match the walls.


