Upgrade Closet Doors with Bar Pull Handles
Is it time to give your doors a fresh update? In this post, I’m sharing my step-by-step guide on how to replace ugly dated doorknobs and give your home a simple yet impactful makeover. Whether you’re tackling a full door upgrade or just swapping out old hardware, this project is quick, budget-friendly, and makes a huge difference. I’ll walk you through choosing the right doorknob style, gathering the necessary tools, and ensuring a smooth installation.
Today’s project focused on upgrading my son’s closet doors. The dummy knobs on my son’s closet doors were dated—and bent, which didn’t help. I replaced them with bar pull handles, and the difference was immediate. Same doors, totally better look.
How To Switch From a Doorknob to a Cabinet Pull
- Removing the Old Doorknobs
Replace Ugly Dated Doorknobs- First, I removed the dummy doorknobs and was left with some holes that wouldn’t be covered by the new handles. - Filling the Holes
I used paint scraper to push the holes flush with the surface of the door. Then I grabbed my go-to wood filler to fill them in. After letting it dry completely, I sanded it down until it was smooth and level. - Touching Up the Paint
I touched up the door with paint to cover the wood filler. Rather than repaint the entire door, I feathered out the paint to blend it with the existing finish. Luckily, I had already painted the doors with a durable, easy-to-clean paint, so the touch-ups were quick and seamless.
If you’re fixing holes in a hollow-core MDF door:
Minwax High-Performance Wood Filler is a solid go-to. It’s tough, dries fast, and sands down super smooth, making it easy to paint over. Plus, it sticks really well to MDF and doesn’t shrink or crack, so it’s great for spots that’ll see a lot of use, like closet doors.
Why It Works for MDF:
- It bonds strongly to wood and MDF.
- Dries hard and durable, perfect for painting.
- Sands smoothly for a clean, professional finish.
How to Use It:
- Make sure the area is clean and dust-free.
- Use a putty knife to press the filler into the holes and smooth it out.
- Let it dry completely—this usually takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the depth.
This process makes the repair easy and leaves the door looking like new!
The bar pulls I used were leftovers from a 5-pack I originally bought to update the hardware in my kitchen. These 12-3/5 inch pulls are perfect for upgrading cabinets, drawers, or closet doors. When I bought them a few years ago, the set was a steal. For their size and quality, these modern and budget-friendly pulls are a fantastic option for DIY home improvement projects.
If you’re looking for more tips how to replace ugly dated doorknobs or just choosing the right hardware for your projects, check out my hardware guide!
Tips for Painting Interior Doors in a Kid’s Room
- Choose the Right Paint Type
For durability, I recommend using a satin or semi-gloss finish. These finishes are not only long-lasting but also easy to wipe clean—perfect for a child’s room where fingerprints and smudges are inevitable. - Allow Proper Drying Time
Let each coat dry fully before applying the next. Sanding lightly between each coat will make THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN THE OUTCOME. This helps prevent tackiness and ensures the smoothest, strongest and durable finish.
Best Paint for Closet Doors
For this project, Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Paint is a top choice. It’s a waterborne alkyd paint that combines the smooth finish and durability of oil-based paint with the easy cleanup of water-based paint. It’s ideal for high-touch surfaces like doors and trim because it resists wear, stains, and scuffs.
Brushes and Rollers
To get the best results, use high-quality tools designed for smooth finishes:
- Purdy XL Glide Angled Brush (2 or 2.5 inches): Great for cutting and detailed work around edges or recessed areas. Its synthetic bristles are perfect for waterborne alkyd paints.
- Wooster Micro-plush Roller (4.5 inch): Ideal for smaller surfaces like closet doors. Microfiber rollers minimize lint, leaving a smooth finish.
- Purdy White Dove Roller Cover (3/8-inch nap): Perfect for larger flat sections, ensuring consistent coverage without streaks.
The Result: Replace Ugly Dated Doorknobs ✔️
A simple hardware swap made all the difference. The new bar pull handles gave the closet a cleaner, more modern look—and fixed the bent, outdated knobs in the process.
