Replacing your front door gives your home great curb appeal. Depending on the condition of the door, it can even save you some money on your energy bills. But before you throw out that old door, consider how you can incorporate it into your home's decor. One idea is to use it as a bookshelf in any room you wish. This guide provides the steps needed to complete this project in just a couple of hours.

Step 1: Measure the Width of the Door

Use a tape measure to find the width of the door. You'll need this measurement when you pick up your supplies.

Step 2: Grab Some Supplies in Addition to the Door

To complete this project, you'll need the following items:

• three shelves (the same width as the door and in any color you choose)
• six metal brackets (or decorative brackets)
• a box of wood screws
• a drill with a screw drill bit
• pencil
• long level

Step 2: Attach the Brackets

Place the level in the desired position on the door and adjust it until you get an even reading from the level. Use the pencil to place a mark on the door at both ends of the drill. Do this again, several inches below the first marks, but just above the doorknob. Then repeat this step just a few inches below the doorknob.

Place the screw drill bit into the drill and put one bracket on the pencil mark. Drill one of the screws into each hole of the bracket to attach it to the door.

Repeat this step for four brackets, ensuring that there is enough space between the brackets so that you'll be able to put books or other desired items on the shelves.

Repeat this step for another set of brackets underneath the doorknob

Step 3: Attach the Shelves

Place the shelves on the brackets and drill screws through the bottom of the brackets into the shelves. Use the level to double check that the shelves do not slant. If a shelf is slanted, switch the drill to reverse, remove the screws and adjust the brackets until the shelf is level.

Variation: Light the shelves by doing some shopping for an attachable light to hang from the top of the door, in the center.

Place the door at slight angle against the space and arrange your books and decorations in the desired manner. Get creative by changing the color of the door, mixing up the color of the shelves or anything else your imagination can think up! Ask your contractor for other ideas on reusing an old front door.

Talk to experts like Welty Custom Exteriors, Inc for more information.