The holidays are a time for creativity, family gatherings, and making lasting memories. This year, why not give your home a unique and eco-friendly makeover by using repurposed architectural salvage to create stunning festive decorations? From vintage windows décor to reclaimed wood signs, the possibilities are endless when you get creative with upcycled holiday decorations. Not only does this approach add character to your space, but it also brings a touch of sustainability with sustainable holiday décor.
In this blog, we’ll explore five innovative ways to transform architectural salvage into festive holiday décor that will make your home the talk of the season. Let’s dive into these creative ideas, all while celebrating the beauty of reclaimed architectural elements!
1. Upcycled Holiday Wreaths from Vintage Windows
Reclaimed architectural elements make up one of the most widely used ways to include reclaimed architecture into your holiday decor by turning vintage window décor into cute wreaths. Usually, they’re windows on the rustic and shabby chic side that work with the cozy holiday atmosphere perfectly. To begin with, get yourselves a vintage window frame from a local architectural or antique salvage yard. It’s up to you whether you want one or not, to leave the glass in or to take it out is your call.
Next, try your hand at a DIY holiday wreath by window wrapping with seasonal greenery, like pine branches or eucalyptus, and then finish off with pinecones, berries, and twinkle lights. You can even tie a handmade holiday ornament in the middle, for an extra festive finish. This sustainable holiday décor project is not only eco-friendly but also adds a unique touch to your front door or mantelpiece!
2. Rustic Holiday Signs with Reclaimed Wood
If you’re looking for a rustic charm to add to your holiday decorations, reclaimed wood signs are a great way to do it. But, holiday signs don’t have to be made out of acrylic or wood. Repurposed architectural salvage, like old wood planks, beams, and even scraps from an old barn, can be used to make personalized holiday signs. Merry Christmas, Peace & Joy, and Home for the Holidays, you can craft signs with these phrases on them.
This project is beginner-friendly so if you’re not a DIY expert, no worries—there’s a basic to it, you’ll need a hammer, nails, paint, and brushes. You can just sand all the rough edges off your wood, paint your design of choice, and modify it to fit with the outsourcing of holly or stars for the holiday. The shutters could also be repurposed and added to the design to add texture and a layered effect.
Creating this upcycled holiday decoration not only ensures you’re left with an inviting and festive feel but also a much more affordable option than heading to your local store for signs. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, which aligns perfectly with a sustainable holiday décor theme!
3. Antique Doors as Statement Holiday Decor
Imagine walking into your home and gazing upon the extravagant size of an antique door turned into a fabulous decoration. Whether it’s a decorative antique door you’ve found at a local flea market or a reclaimed architectural element from an old house, this piece can become a beautiful and focal point for your holiday décor.
With some basic materials, this is an easily repurposed reclaimed door: a rustic mantel, the backdrop for a holiday photo booth, or even a door frame to be decorated with garlands and DIY holiday decorations. It will give an excellent holiday touch: you can attract the door with candles, wreaths, or lights. To add a little extra cozy to your door, hang some eco-friendly festive décor ideas decor such as homemade felt garlands or dried orange slices on the door.
Transforming an antique door into a holiday centerpiece is a fun one utilizing upcycled holiday decorations and sustainable holiday decor in your home while still retaining style and charm.
4. Architectural Corbels as Festive Shelving
Usually, architectural corbels are used to support shelves, but their use in creative ways can make a great addition to your holiday décor. Use old architectural corbels uses as a festive shelf that you can hang over your fireplace or on the wall. These salvaged pieces of architecture are perfect for displaying your favorite holiday figurines, candles, or even handmade holiday ornaments.
To achieve this look, just attach the architectural corbels to the wall and perch a reclaimed wood shelf above. For a sustainable holiday décor, use greenery, twinkle lights, and vintage ornaments on the shelf. To go the extra mile, you can have a collection of rustic holiday design stuff like wooden stars, bells, or an old snowman. This is a fantastic way to showcase your reclaimed architectural elements and turn them into functional yet festive décor pieces.
5. Repurposed Shutters for a Festive Table Setting
Transform old wooden repurposed shutters into unique and charming table centerpieces or place settings for all your holiday gatherings. It’s extremely easy to use repurposed architectural salvage shutters as backdrop material for a holiday display or cut them into smaller sections to make individual placeholders.
You can turn the repurposed shutters into your own festive table setting simply by painting the shutters in holiday colors like red, green, or gold, and adding decorations like holly leaves, berries, or tiny candles. To add a more rustic look, leave the wood as is and it’ll look a little more weathered and authentic. For an eco-friendly festive décor, pair these pieces with reclaimed wood plates, upcycled materials napkin rings, and vintage glassware.
Final Thoughts
Repurposing architectural salvage for holiday décor not only saves you money but also creates a warm, unique atmosphere that will be cherished for years to come. Whether you’re using vintage windows décor, reclaimed wood signs, or antique doors decoration, these pieces bring character and charm to your home while promoting sustainable holiday décor practices. The holidays are all about creativity, so why not use upcycled holiday decorations to express your personal style in a way that’s both eco-friendly and festive?
For more inspiration and unique DIY holiday decorations, visit Threadbare Gypsy Soul for a collection of beautiful décor ideas that will make your holiday season extra special. Happy decorating!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Where can I find architectural salvage for holiday decorations?
A: You could check architectural salvage yards, flea markets, antique stores, or even online marketplaces because we all know there is quite a lot left to collect. From vintage windows décor to reclaimed wood, these are fantastic places to find these items for your holiday décor.
Q2: How do I clean and prepare salvaged materials?
A: Rough edges should be sanded with a mild soap solution and cleaned with a mild soap solution. To make vintage windows decor or antique doors decoration to make them safe for indoor use.
Q3: Is it cost-effective to use salvaged materials for décor?
A: Yes, using repurposed architectural elements is cheaper to purchase than new decorations, the answer to the question is yes. Also, it is an eco-friendly festive décor option and a great way to add a personal look to your holiday design.
Q4: Are these projects beginner-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Some (like reclaimed wood signs ideas) are simple, basic ideas, and all they require is common basic tools and some out-of-the-box thinking. If you have some effort, it is very easy to transform salvaged materials for Christmas.
Q5: Can architectural salvage be reused year after year?
A: Indeed, if you take care of and store your upcycled holiday decorations you will be able to pass them on to your loved ones as cherished heirlooms. Because reclaimed architectural elements can last many years and bring a bit of nostalgia to each holiday season, there is beauty in using them.
