Removing closet doors to create a play space for kids is a great way to use unneeded closet space. Creating a closet play space is a great idea for people who have children in the family that visit frequently, or for parents who want to offer kids a special place to play. Children will enjoy having their own little hide out, and their imaginations will run wild with the possibilities. The first step to creating a great kid's space is removing your closet doors. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Removing Hinges
1. Look at the hinges on your door frame to determine if you will need a phillips or flat-head screwdriver.
2. Place your screwdriver into the top screw, and begin unscrewing it by turning it counter-clockwise.
3. Unscrew all of the screws from the door frame. The hinges may continue to stick, especially if they are in grooves or if they have been painted over. Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently pry them from the door frame until the door comes off.
Removing Tracks
4. Lift sliding, bifold or accordion doors gently so that the bottom pin comes out of the track. Lower the door to loosen it from the top track. Set the door panels aside.
5. Look for screws inside of the tracks if you would like to remove them. Unscrew them.
6. If the tracks stick because they were painted over, run a box cutter along the edge of the track and gently pry it off with your screwdriver.
Preparing your Space
7. Empty the closet of all items.
8. Fill in any screw holes or grooves in the door frame with spackle. Smooth it out with your Spackle knife and allow the Spackle to dry.
9. Sand the door frame and paint it to match the color of your room.
10. Remove shelving, closet organizers, closet poles and pole sockets, if desired. You may also choose to leave them for storing toys.
Redecorating the Play Space
11. Decide what the space will be used for, depending upon the age and size of the child, and the child's interests. It might be an art studio for an older child, a baby's quiet corner for playing with toys, or you can turn the entire closet into a multi-leveled doll house.
12. Add shelves or storage units to the closet to hold baskets of toys, or to supply play and work surfaces.
13. Prime and paint the inside of the closet. Use bright colors to make it fun and stimulate the imagination. If desired, paint stripes, polka-dots, images or patterns on the walls.
14. Add curtains, if you like, so that the space can be closed off for privacy or when not in use. Use a tension rod in the door frame and hang curtain panels on it.
15. Stock the closet with baskets and boxes full of toys and supplies.
Tags: door frame, closet doors, flat-head screwdriver, from door, from door frame, painted over