Inexpensive Cabinet Door Updates with Framed Fabric Panels

Lead Image for Inexpensive Cabinet Door Updates with Framed Fabric Panels
  • 6-12 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 100-350
What You'll Need
Fabric panels
Fabric paint
Paint
Template cut out
Scissors
Frames
Measuring tape
Masking tape
Drill
Drill bits
Glue
Glue gun
Screws
What You'll Need
Fabric panels
Fabric paint
Paint
Template cut out
Scissors
Frames
Measuring tape
Masking tape
Drill
Drill bits
Glue
Glue gun
Screws

You can make your kitchen look brand new without blowing your decorating budget on one room by using fabric framed panels for the cabinet doors. You either buy these fabric panels or create your own.

Cut the Template

Using the template, cut out the fabric door panels making sure to stay as uniform in the look as possible.

Arrange and Place the Fabric Door Panels

Place the fabric door panels in the frames and make sure they are lined up on the frame evenly and straight.

Create Tape Outline on Cabinet Doors

Using the masking tape to outline where on the cabinet doors the panels will go.

Attach the Fabric Panels

If you are using framed fabric prints you created yourself, decide if you want to use screws or glue to affix them to the cabinets.

If you plan on using screws you will need to sight measure the bolt or screw with the right size drill bit and carefully mark the measurements of the frame on the masking tape. Once the frames are up, the masking tape will be hidden. Drill a hole for a screw at each corner of the frame. Screw the frame carefully in place and secure the backs of the screws.

If you are using glue, then use a glue gun to put a line of glue on the frame across the top, bottom, and sides of the frame and then hold your frame in place to the door for several minutes.

Add or Change Accessories

If you plan on changing the hardware such as knobs on the cabinet doors, now is a good time. Any hardware store will offer a good supply of choices, and you will want to look for some that match the new colors or style you have created with the framed fabric panels.


This is also a good time to check and make sure that the hinges are straight and there is no slack in any of the cabinet doors. If there is slack or squeaking then tighten the hinges with a screwdriver.

Inspect the Job

Make sure that you like the look. Go through and decide if there are enough framed panels or too few. Not every cabinet needs to have one of the panels. If the kitchen looks too ‘busy’ you can consider taking some down.

If something seems to be missing, consider hanging another panel in another location to offset the panels. For instance, you might place a fabric panel over the sink or above a door to accent the cabinet panels.

You will want to hold on to the templates just in case you decide to make more or need to create replacements.