DIY Armoire Update Using Fabric and Lighting

Got an old, well build armoire that you don't want to part with, yet it doesn't fit into your current home décor? Easily update the old armoire to fit into any room of your home with a little fabric and lighting.

Choose the Room

First decide which in room you want to place the new, updated armoire. The newly updated armoire will have doors which remain open all the time, exposing it's inner beauty and contents. The updated armoire will be at home in a bathroom holding towels and toiletries, sitting majestically at the end of a hallway lighting the way and illuminating family photos or sitting pretty in a bedroom as a functional design piece.

An armoire with open doors makes a perfect corner piece of furniture or a substantial piece of furniture to place against a long expanse of wall. If space is an issue, remove the doors of the armoire as part of the look update.

Choose the Fabric

Now that you know which room the newly updated armoire will reside, choose about one yard of durable fabric to compliment the room's color scheme. A fabric will a small pattern will provide a colorful backdrop without detracting from the armoire's contents. If the space needs a pop of color, choose a bold colored fabric for use in the armoire and buy a little extra for a throw pillow or two.

Measure, Cut and Glue

Remove the shelves from the armoire if possible before cutting fabric. The fabric will only be placed on the inside back and sides of the armoire. Measure and cut fabric into three pieces, one for the back and two for each interior side of the armoire (makes fabric easier to handle). Attach the fabric to the interior of the armoire with fabric glue. To hide the fabric edges and have a finished look, attach coordinating cording or grosgrain ribbon with fabric glue.

The interior of the open armoire doors can be covered with fabric and cording the same way if desired. Update the door look and make it functional by covering cork board (cut to fit the doors' interior) with fabric choice and attach to door interior.

Add the Lighting

Add concealed rope lighting to the bottom of the shelf inside the armoire of simply place a small lamp on the armoire's shelf. This will illuminate contents, light up a corner and give a fresh, bright look to an old piece of furniture.