Add a stunning focal point to any room with this antiqued screen.

Take two pairs of old or new louvered closet doors, mix with decorative paint, add a dash of creativity, and what have you got? A screen that can add instant architecture to a room, set off an entryway, hide a messy problem area, or serve as a decorative headboard. A decorative paint technique gives the new doors a timeworn character. Remember, getting the aged look is a multistep process. If you're short on time, simply use regular paint to paint the slatted area one color and the frame another color.

Cost: $70-$90 (if you buy new doors)

Time: A whole day (to allow for drying time)

Skill: Beginner

• Two pairs of louvered closet doors (available at home centers)
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Paintbrushes
• Primer, tinted dark brown or black
• Cream-color latex paint
• Steel wool
• Red latex paint
• Brown latex paint
• Latex glazing liquid
• 3 double-acting hinges with hardware

1. Prime and paint. If your louvered doors are unfinished, prime them using the tinted primer. If the doors are finished, sand them and wipe with a tack cloth before priming. Let dry. Apply the cream-color paint; let dry.

2. Age. Use steel wool to rub the painted area, so specks of the dark primer area show through.

3. Glaze the slatted area. Mix a very small amount of brown paint with some glazing liquid, then apply it to the slatted area; let dry. (Experiment first on a piece of cardboard. Apply your glaze mixture to the painted cardboard, and adjust the paint/glazing liquid ratio as needed to achieve an effect that pleases you.)

4. Tape. Tape off the framed area, leaving the frame exposed.

5. Glaze the frame. Mix a good amount of red paint with some glazing liquid. Apply the glaze mixture to the frame. (Again, experiment first on cardboard to find the look you like.) Let dry. Use sandpaper to wear away the glaze along the edges of the frame. Use darker colors to paint additional embellishments, such as leaves or bows.

6. Hinge. Hinge the two pairs of closet doors together. For a final touch, hang plates or pictures on each of the panel.