This was inspired by a picture I found on Pinterest of two small panels made into bedside lamps leaned against the wall.

Actual vintage doors were not in my budget. I searched the thrift shops for paneled bifold closet doors and found some hollow composite for $10.

I used a Dremel, hammer, putty knives and my imagination to scratch, gouge and beat up around the edges of the panels and door to create 100 years of wear and tear.

Because the raw edges were particle board rather than raw or weather stained wood, I mixed up some craft paint to a nice rich brown and painted all the dings and scars.

This is where it really gets fun. I never really know exactly what I’m going to do until I get to the next step. My vision included the idea of layers of paint over the years and I liked the idea that it used to be a bright blue door. I mixed light blue craft paint with Annie Sloan Napoleon Blue and dry brushed it lightly following the fake wood grain and trying to avoid the scars.

I blow dried this coat of paint hoping for a little crackle. No luck but it did dry brittle. Next, I mixed ASCP Paris Grey and French Linen and dry brushed that over the blue. I painted lightly in most areas being sure not to cover all the blue and letting it peak through a bit. I blow dried that and began waxing with Annie Sloan Dark and Clear wax. I put the Dark right onto the scars and panel edges, worked it in with the ASCP wax brush then worked clear wax over the flat parts of the panel and door. I did one panel or edge at a time wiping off any excess.

My original plan was to put a sconce on one side and a framed mirror on the other but it was too much. Once we got the sconce mounted (my husband put a lamp cord on it with a switch at the outlet) and we turned on the light I decided against the mirror.

My awesome hubby installed the vintage door knob with copper plate I found at an antique market and my 100 year old French farmhouse door was complete!

Bifold Doors $10, light fixture $3, Door knob $5, key plate $10 (splurge), lamp cord $6, outlet switch $5…Total $39!!!