17 Stunning Vintage Inspired DIY Home Decor Ideas

This post is all about Stunning Vintage Inspired DIY Home Decor Ideas.

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclaimer for more information.

As someone who loves to infuse my living space with character and charm, I’ve always been drawn to vintage-inspired decor. There’s just something about the warmth and nostalgia it brings to a room that makes it feel like home. If you’re like me and enjoy getting creative with your decor, then you’re in luck! I’ve compiled 17 DIY home decor ideas that will add a touch of vintage flair to any space.

1)  Vintage Suitcase Shelves

You can transform old suitcases into unique wall shelves by attaching brackets to the back and mounting them on the wall. These shelves not only provide storage but also add a vintage vibe to the room. Here’s how you can do it:

• First, find an old suitcase that you’re not using anymore. It can be any size or shape, as long as it’s sturdy enough to hold some weight. You’ll also need brackets (those L-shaped metal things) and screws to attach the suitcase to the wall.
• Prep Your Suitcase by cleaning if it’s dusty or dirty. You can wipe it down with a damp cloth to make it look nice and fresh. If there are any stickers or labels on it that you don’t want, peel them off.
• Now, turn your suitcase over so that the bottom is facing up. Decide where you want your shelves to hang on the wall and mark those spots. Then, attach the brackets to the back of the suitcase using screws. Make sure they’re nice and secure so your shelves won’t fall down!
• Time to hang up your shelves! Grab a friend to help you hold the suitcase against the wall while you screw it in place. Once it’s up there, give it a little shake to make sure it’s sturdy.
• Now comes the fun part—decorating your new shelves! You can display all sorts of things on them, like books, plants, or if you’re like me – some crystal statement pieces!

2)  Mason Jar Sconces

With just a few simple materials, you can create beautiful wall sconces using mason jars and reclaimed wood. Here’s how:

• You’ll want some mason jars (the ones with lids), a piece of reclaimed wood (you can use old pallet wood or anything similar), nails or screws, and fairy lights or fresh flowers, depending on your preference.
• Start by preparing your reclaimed wood. Cut it into pieces that are about the same length as your mason jars. You may want to sand down the edges to smooth them out and give them a more finished look.
• Next, place the jars on the wood where you want them to go, leaving enough space between each one. Then, carefully nail or screw the lids of the jars to the wood. Make sure they’re nice and secure so they won’t fall off.
• Now comes the fun part. If you’re going for a cozy glow, fill each mason jar with fairy lights. You can either use battery-operated ones or plug-in lights, whichever you prefer. If you prefer fresh flowers, fill the jars with water and arrange your flowers inside. You can even mix it up and do a combination of both!
• Finally, it’s time to hang your sconces on the wall. Find a spot where you want to add some cozy ambiance, and use nails or screws to secure them in place. Make sure they’re level and evenly spaced.

3)  Vintage Window Frame Mirror

Do you have an old window frame lying around? Why not repurpose it into a gorgeous vintage-inspired mirror? Here’s how you can do it:

• Look for an old window frame that you’d like to transform into a mirror. It can be from an old house, flea market, or even salvaged from a renovation project. Choose one that has character and fits the style you’re going for.
• Carefully remove the glass panes from the window frame. You’ll want to be gentle to avoid any breakage. Set the glass aside for another project or recycling.
• Take measurements of the openings in the window frame where the glass panes used to be. Then, head to the hardware store or glass shop to have mirrors cut to fit those dimensions. Make sure the mirrors are the same thickness as the original glass panes.
• Use mirror adhesive or heavy-duty double-sided tape to secure the mirrors in place. Be sure to follow the instructions on the adhesive carefully to ensure a strong bond.
• Once the mirrors are securely attached to the window frame, it’s time to hang your new vintage mirror. You can use picture hanging hardware or brackets to mount it securely on the wall. Make sure it’s level and centered for the best look.

4)  Antique Teacup Candles

Melt wax and pour it into the teacups, adding your favorite scents for a personalized touch. Here’s how:

• You’ll need vintage teacups, candle wax (either paraffin wax or soy wax), candle wicks, a double boiler or microwave-safe container, a thermometer (optional), and your favorite candle scents (optional).
• Start by cleaning your teacups thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Make sure they’re completely dry before you begin.
• If you’re using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Place the wax in the top pot and allow it to melt gently. If you’re using a microwave, place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat it in short bursts until it’s completely melted.
• Once the wax is melted, you can add your favorite candle scents if desired. Stir the scents into the wax thoroughly to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
• While the wax is melting, prepare your teacups for pouring. Place a candle wick in the center of each teacup, making sure it’s straight and centered. Then carefully pour the melted wax into each teacup, filling them almost to the top. Leave a small amount of space at the top to avoid overflow when the wax solidifies.
• Allow the candles to cool and solidify completely. This may take several hours, depending on the type of wax you used and the size of the candles. Once the candles have cooled, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch above the surface of the wax.

Now you have beautiful Antique Teacup Candles ready to be enjoyed!

5)  Distressed Furniture

Transform plain furniture into vintage pieces by distressing them with sandpaper and paint. Experiment with different colors and techniques to achieve the perfect antique look. Here’s how you can do it:

• Pick out a piece of furniture that you want to distress. It could be a table, chair, dresser, or anything else you want to give that vintage vibe. Then find a well-ventilated area where you can work comfortably. Lay down some newspapers or a drop cloth to protect your floors and surfaces from paint and dust.
• Start by sanding the surface of the furniture piece with medium-grit sandpaper. This will roughen up the surface and help the paint adhere better. Focus on areas that would naturally wear over time, like corners, edges, and raised details.
• Once the surface is sanded, apply a base coat of paint using a brush or roller. Choose a color that you want to show through the distressed areas. This could be a contrasting color or a similar shade to your topcoat.
• Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This usually takes a few hours, but follow the instructions on the paint can for the best results.
• Now it’s time to apply the topcoat of paint. This will be the color that shows on the surface of the furniture. Use a brush or roller to apply an even coat of paint, covering the entire piece.
• Once the topcoat is dry to the touch but still slightly tacky, use sandpaper to distress the surface. Focus on the areas where natural wear and tear would occur, like edges, corners, and raised details. Sand lightly to reveal the base coat underneath.
• Finish with a Sealer (Optional): If you want to protect your distressed finish, you can apply a clear sealer or wax over the paint. This will help seal in the paint and give your furniture piece a finished look.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and techniques to achieve the perfect antique look. Distressing furniture is all about embracing imperfections and adding character to your pieces.

6)  Vintage DIY Home Decor: Fabric Wall Art

This simple DIY adds texture and color to your walls while showcasing your love for all things vintage. Here’s how you can easily create wall art using vintage fabric scraps and embroidery hoops:

• Start by gathering vintage fabric scraps in various patterns and colors. You’ll also need embroidery hoops in different sizes, scissors, and a hot glue gun.
• Lay out your fabric scraps and select the ones you want to use for your wall art. Cut them into pieces that are slightly larger than the embroidery hoops you’ll be using.
• Separate the two parts of the embroidery hoop and place the smaller hoop on top of the fabric. Center the fabric within the hoop and then place the larger hoop on top, sandwiching the fabric in between.
• Gently tighten the screw on the embroidery hoop to secure the fabric in place. Make sure the fabric is stretched taut across the hoop for a smooth surface.
• Trim any excess fabric from around the edges of the hoop, leaving a small border of fabric extending beyond the hoop.
• Apply a small amount of hot glue along the inside edge of the hoop and fold the excess fabric over, pressing it down to secure it in place. Repeat this step around the entire hoop until all the fabric is glued down.
• Now comes the fun part—arranging your fabric hoops to create your desired wall art design. You can experiment with different arrangements and sizes to find the perfect composition.
• Once you’re happy with your design, it’s time to hang your fabric hoops on the wall. You can use nails, adhesive hooks, or even decorative ribbon to hang them in a cluster or in a straight line.

7)  Vintage Wallpaper Decoupage

Give new life to old furniture or accessories with vintage wallpaper decoupage. This technique transform plain surfaces into unique and whimsical pieces. Here’s how to do it:

• You’ll need vintage wallpaper or wrapping paper with designs that you love, decoupage glue or Mod Podge, a foam brush or paintbrush, scissors or a craft knife, and the furniture or accessories you want to decorate.
• Before you begin decoupaging, make sure the surface of your furniture or accessory is clean and free from dust and debris. If the surface is glossy or has a finish, you may want to lightly sand it to help the glue adhere better.
• Next, carefully cut out your favorite designs from the vintage wallpaper or wrapping paper. You can use scissors for simple shapes or a craft knife for more intricate designs. Experiment with different patterns and sizes to create a visually interesting collage.
• Once you have your designs cut out, arrange them on the surface of your furniture or accessory to plan out your layout. You can overlap the designs, mix and match different patterns, or create a cohesive theme—it’s up to you!
• Using a foam brush or paintbrush, apply a thin layer of decoupage glue or Mod Podge to the back of each cut-out design. Then, carefully place the design onto the surface of your furniture or accessory, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles as you go.
• Once all of your designs are in place, apply another thin layer of decoupage glue or Mod Podge over the entire surface. This will seal the designs in place and protect them from damage. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Optional: Distress or Age the Finish: If you want to enhance the vintage look of your decoupaged piece, you can distress or age the finish using sandpaper or antiquing glaze. This will give it a weathered, timeworn look.

8) Crocheted Throw Blanket

I love cozying up my space with a handmade crocheted throw blanket. Choose vintage-inspired patterns and colors. If you want to add some vintage-inspired flair to your blanket, try changing colors periodically throughout your pattern. This can create a beautiful striped or color-blocked effect.

If crocheting isn’t your thing, there’s no shame in buying a ready-made throw blanket. Lots of stores offer a wide selection of cozy blankets. Look for vintage-inspired designs to add a nostalgic touch to your home decor.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a cozy and inviting space that reflects your personal style and preferences. Whether you choose to crochet, knit, sew, weave, or purchase a blanket, the most important thing is that you enjoy the process and love the end result.

More Vintage DIY Home Decor Ideas

9) Lace Doily Table Runner

Add a touch of vintage elegance to your dining table with a lace doily table runner.  arrange vintage doilies in a row and sew them together for a delicate and romantic centerpiece.

10) Vintage Book Planters

Turn old books into unique planters by hollowing them out and adding a plastic liner. Fill them with succulents or small herbs for a charming addition to your home decor.

11) Vintage Inspired Wall Clock

Create a statement piece for your walls with a DIY vintage-inspired clock. Use an old wooden plank as the base and add vintage-style numbers and clock hands for a timeless look.

12) Upcycled Tin Can Planters

Turn empty tin cans into adorable planters by painting them in pastel colors and distressing them for a vintage finish. Plant your favorite flowers or herbs for a cute little indoor garden.

13) Vintage Postcard Gallery Wall

Showcase your love for travel and nostalgia by creating a gallery wall with vintage postcards. Frame them in mismatched frames for a whimsical display that tells a story.

14) Repurposed Crate Shelves

Turn wooden crates into rustic shelves by stacking and securing them together. Use them to display books, photos, or vintage knick-knacks for a cozy and eclectic look.

15) Fabric Covered Bulletin Board

Transform a plain bulletin board into a vintage-inspired masterpiece by covering it with fabric and adding decorative trim. Use it to organize notes, photos, and reminders in style.

16) Vintage Tin Tray Wall Art

Turn vintage tin trays into eye-catching wall art by arranging them in a gallery-style display. Mix and match different patterns and sizes for a dynamic focal point.

17) Hand-Painted Signage

 Add personalized charm to your home with hand-painted signage. Create vintage-inspired signs with meaningful quotes or phrases to adorn your walls or shelves.

I hope that with these 17 DIY home decor ideas, you can bring a touch of vintage charm into your space without breaking the bank. Get creative, have fun, and let your personality shine through in every vintage-inspired detail!