There are some things that aren’t meant to be seen, and this clever repurposed door room divider takes that cause seriously.

When you need to create a multipurpose space with areas for different functions — think playroom, guest room, etc. — you can give old doors new life and cordon off those spaces at the same time.

Getting started

Measure the size needed for the room divider, keeping in mind that the doors will be hinged and need to zig and zag at least slightly for an attractive look and also to support their weight.

A visit to a salvage yard or recycler can yield some incredibly interesting doors to work with.

Look for old office and classroom doors with numbers and perhaps glass panels, flat interior or exterior versions, paneled options, those with raised detailing and frames, or smaller bi-fold closet doors, depending on the space you need to fill.

Some used doors also come with interesting hardware, which you can preserve for added interest.

Others will have only holes where knobs and locks might have once been.

As you search for appealing doors, note that the divider is more interesting if doors vary in height and width. You may also encounter a variety of finishes — some doors are already finished, others are ready to paint. If there’s any visible damage to a door, you might need to make some minor repairs before using it.

Look for freestanding doors, as opposed to ones that are already framed and hung.

The number of doors that you need will depend on the divider width needed, so plan accordingly as you select them.

The doors in our featured project were purchased at Pakit Liquidators in Bend, and chosen from hundreds of likely candidates. Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore also sells used doors.

In addition to the intriguing doors, you’ll need to purchase hinges. Purchase two door hinges for each pair of doors being joined, unless the doors are very tall, in which case three are needed. Door hinges come in 3-inch to 6-inch heights, depending on the weight, height and type of door.

Doors that are solid-core are heavier and are more stable when joined with larger hinges; hollow-core doors are lighter weight and appropriate for smaller hinges. If the doors you purchase have hinges on them, it’s best to remove them before painting, as you’ll need to replace them with matching hinges that fit together with an adjacent door.

Putting it together

Set the finished doors upright side by side in an arrangement you like and remove or mask out any hardware you want to keep with the door.

Before you join the doors, sand and paint/stain them in the colors you prefer. It can be a merry mix-up like the featured divider, or all one color for a more formal look. (OK, how can this project really be formal? It’s supposed to be pretty funky.)

As you prepare the doors, note whether both door sides need to be finished or just the fronts, and don’t forget to paint the edges. Doors can also be left in their original finishes, if desired.

Screw hinges into the door sides in the same location on adjacent doors, making sure the lower door edges are even. If the door had hinges previously, this could be a good indicator for location, otherwise, use this guideline: Top hinges should be about 5 inches from the door’s upper edge, lower hinges should be about 10 inches from the door’s lower edge, and if a middle hinge is needed, it should be centered between the two.

Once the hinges are secured, put the doors together — a task that’s easier with two people. Replace or add any knobs, locks or other hardware.

Keep in mind

• Doors with glass panels can create a lovely room divider that still allows light to come through. Frosted panes provide an element of privacy, but still allow light in.

• Unless the room divider is freestanding, it’s a good idea to anchor it to the wall on at least one end to avoid the possibility of tipping. If it’s in the middle of a room, L-brackets can anchor it to the floor. Or, for a movable design, add wheels with locks to the lower door surfaces.

• The door divider can also be used outside as a privacy screen or makeshift mini-fence. If it’s placed on the ground (as opposed to on a deck or concrete pad), anchor the doors in place with stakes behind the panels. Outside doors should be finished with an exterior paint and/or finish for weather resistance.

• Get over-the-door hangers to add plants or hanging storage to the anchored screen. Avoid adding additional weight to an unanchored freestanding screen for safety reasons, as it could tip.

• Recessed door panels are perfect bulletin board spaces. Purchase a large sheet of lightweight foam and cut to size. Cover with fabric and glue to the door. Trim edges with cord if desired.

• If you’re of an artistic bent, decoupage photos and pictures to a flat-surface door.

— Reporter: gwizdesigns @aol.com