Artistic Blossom

10 Must-Try Ideas for Decorating Your Vintage Window Frame

Art Supplies, Blog, DIY and Crafts, DIY Home & Decor Aesthetics, DIY Projects / by

Vintage window frames bring a rustic charm and timeless elegance to any space. Whether you’ve found an antique frame at a flea market or have repurposed an old window from a renovation, there are countless creative ways to style and personalize it. Here are 10 must-try ideas to transform your vintage window frame into a stunning home decor piece.

1. Seasonal Wreaths

  • Seasonal Floral Wreaths: Change out the wreaths according to the season for a year-round display. For example, a winter evergreen wreath for the holidays, a spring floral wreath with wildflowers, or a fall foliage wreath with autumn leaves and berries.
  • DIY Floral Wreaths: Create your own wreaths using artificial or dried flowers. Try adding vintage ribbon for a more nostalgic feel.

🌿 Seasonal Wreaths for Vintage Window Frames

🌸 Spring Wreaths

  1. Floral Pastel Wreath – Soft pink peonies, lavender sprigs, and eucalyptus for a romantic spring look. (Amazon, Etsy, Wayfair)
  2. Farmhouse Cotton & Burlap Wreath – Perfect for rustic or farmhouse-themed décor. (Etsy, Kirkland’s)
  3. Succulent & Greenery Wreath – A lush, modern take on springtime decor. (Amazon, Target)

☀️ Summer Wreaths

  1. Lemon & Eucalyptus Wreath – Vibrant and fresh, ideal for summer cottage vibes. (Amazon, Pottery Barn)
  2. Sunflower & Wildflower Wreath – Bright, cheerful, and farmhouse-friendly. (Etsy, Walmart)
  3. Nautical Rope & Seashell Wreath – Coastal-inspired, perfect for beach house decor. (Wayfair, Home Depot)

🍁 Fall Wreaths

  1. Autumn Harvest Wreath – Featuring maple leaves, pinecones, and berries for a warm fall aesthetic. (Etsy, Amazon)
  2. Dried Wheat & Pampas Grass Wreath – Boho and rustic for a neutral, elegant autumn display. (Wayfair, Hobby Lobby)
  3. Pumpkin & Berry Wreath – Perfect for Halloween & Thanksgiving decor. (Target, HomeGoods)

❄️ Winter & Holiday Wreaths

  1. Flocked Pine & Berry Wreath – A snowy, elegant touch for winter. (Amazon, Walmart)
  2. Classic Red Berry & Pinecone Wreath – A traditional and festive Christmas wreath. (Etsy, Wayfair, Michaels)
  3. Minimalist Eucalyptus & White Berry Wreath – A modern holiday look that works beyond Christmas. (West Elm, Crate & Barrel)

🛠️ Accessories & Mounting Hooks

2. Nature-Inspired Displays

  • Dried Flowers or Greenery: Place dried flowers or eucalyptus branches inside the frame. These natural elements will give a rustic, earthy vibe that complements the vintage aesthetic.
  • Succulents or Small Plants: Attach small potted plants or hanging terrariums to the frame. Succulents in vintage-inspired pots or glass jars are a great addition.
  • Pinecones and Twigs: For a woodland charm, place pinecones and small twigs on the lower sections of the frame or use them as decorative accents around the edges.

🌿 Nature-Inspired Displays for Vintage Window Frames

🍃 Greenery & Botanical Accents

  1. Artificial Hanging Vines (Ivy, Eucalyptus, or Ferns) – Adds a lush, cascading effect to your frame. (Amazon, Wayfair, Etsy)
  2. Preserved Moss Sheets & Panels – Perfect for creating a living wall effect. (Etsy, Home Depot, Michaels)
  3. Mini Potted Plants (Faux or Real Succulents & Air Plants) – Small but charming botanical touches. (Amazon, Target, Lowe’s)
  4. Dried Floral Bundles (Lavender, Baby’s Breath, Pampas Grass) – Brings a vintage cottagecore vibe. (Etsy, Anthropologie, West Elm)

🦋 Nature-Inspired Decorative Elements

  1. Pressed Flower Frames – Delicate, artistic, and timelessly beautiful. (Etsy, Amazon, Michaels)
  2. Butterfly & Botanical Specimen Displays – Adds a vintage natural history aesthetic. (Etsy, Wayfair)
  3. Feather & Bird Nest Accents – Rustic and nature-inspired décor pieces. (Hobby Lobby, Wayfair, Pottery Barn)
  4. Woodland Fairy Lights (Leaf or Vine-Shaped LED Strands) – A warm, glowing touch. (Amazon, Urban Outfitters, Wayfair)

🌾 Rustic & Wooden Accents

  1. Mini Wooden Crates or Shelves for Small Planters – Adds dimension to your display. (Amazon, Home Depot, Michaels)
  2. Driftwood & Natural Branch Décor – Perfect for coastal, rustic, or boho themes. (Etsy, West Elm, Pottery Barn)
  3. Wicker or Rattan Wall Baskets for Dried Flowers – Vintage and organic styling. (Target, Wayfair, Anthropologie)
  4. Handmade Macramé Hangers for Planters or Small Frames – Boho and nature-inspired. (Etsy, Amazon, Urban Outfitters)

🌿 Mounting & Display Accessories

3. Vintage-Inspired Photos and Postcards

  • Old Family Photos: Hang black-and-white or sepia-toned photographs to enhance the nostalgic vibe.
  • Vintage Postcards: Collect vintage postcards or antique maps for a travel-themed window frame display.
  • Framed Mini Artworks: Use small vintage paintings or art prints hung inside the frame to make it look like a mini gallery wall.

📜 Vintage-Inspired Photos & Postcards for a Vintage Window Frame Display

📷 Vintage-Style Photos & Prints

  1. Antique-Inspired Travel Postcards (Paris, Rome, New York, etc.) – Timeless and wanderlust-inducing. (Etsy, Amazon, Zazzle)
  2. Sepia-Toned & Black-and-White Photography Prints – Elegant and nostalgic. (Wayfair, Society6, Redbubble)
  3. Retro Hollywood & 1920s Glamour Shots – Perfect for an old-world artistic touch. (Etsy, AllPosters, Vintage Image Shop)
  4. Vintage Floral & Botanical Prints – Adds a romantic cottagecore vibe. (Amazon, Rifle Paper Co., Anthropologie)
  5. Historic Postcards & Old Letters (Reproductions or Authentic) – Beautifully aged ephemera. (Etsy, eBay, The Paper Seahorse)

📜 Postcard & Photo Display Accessories

  1. Rustic Twine with Miniature Clothespins for Hanging – A simple, charming way to clip photos. (Amazon, Michaels, Hobby Lobby)
  2. Vintage-Style Metal Clips & Hooks for Easy Display – Adds an industrial touch. (Wayfair, Target, Home Depot)
  3. Antique Brass or Wooden Photo Holders – Stylish and timeless accents. (Etsy, West Elm, Pottery Barn)
  4. Magnetic Wire Grid for Hanging Postcards & Photos – A sleek, modern take on vintage organization. (Amazon, Urban Outfitters, IKEA)
  5. Glass Floating Frames (Brass or Gold Trim) – Elegant for displaying delicate old photos. (Anthropologie, Wayfair, Target)

📬 Vintage Postcard & Letter-Inspired Décor

  1. Handmade Paper with Aged Edges (For a DIY Vintage Look) – Can be used for handwritten notes. (Etsy, Amazon, Paper Source)
  2. Reproduction Old-Fashioned Stamps & Wax Seal Kits – Adds authenticity to a historic-inspired display. (Etsy, Hobby Lobby, Michaels)
  3. Antique Postcard Storage Box or Wall Pocket – Great for keeping extra postcards handy. (Wayfair, Amazon, The Container Store)
  4. Old Map Prints & Vintage Travel Posters – A great backdrop for postcards. (Etsy, AllPosters, Redbubble)
  5. Retro Film Camera-Inspired Photo Holders – A fun nod to photography history. (Urban Outfitters, Amazon, Uncommon Goods)

🖼️ Mounting & Styling Accessories

  • Distressed Wooden Frames for a Layered Look (Wayfair, Hobby Lobby, Michaels)
  • Adhesive Poster Putty for a Non-Damaging Setup (Command, Amazon, Target)
  • Decorative Ribbons for a Hanging Gallery Style (Etsy, Joann Fabrics, Michaels)

4. Fairy Lights and Glow

  • Fairy Lights: Wrap fairy lights around the frame or string them along the twine to add a magical glow to your display. It creates a cozy atmosphere, especially in the evening.
  • Vintage Light Bulbs: If the frame is large enough, you can place a vintage-style light bulb or string of Edison bulbs inside for an industrial, retro feel.

5. Inspirational Quotes or Typography

  • Printed Quotes: Hang inspirational or vintage-style quotes in the frame. You can print out your favorite sayings in old-school typography or typewriter font.
  • Framed Typography Art: Use framed vintage advertisements or art deco signs as a creative focal point in your display.

6. Small Collections or Keepsakes

  • Antique Keys: Attach a few vintage keys to the twine for a whimsical touch.
  • Vintage Buttons or Brooches: Use decorative buttons or brooches as small accent pieces hanging from the twine.
  • Miniature Books: If you have small antique books or postcards, these can be hung or tucked within the window frame for a charming, literary look.

7. Mixed Media Art or Collages

  • Mixed Media Art: Create a collage or artwork using scraps of fabric, lace, and old paper. This adds a personalized and artistic touch to the frame.
  • Bulletin Board Style: Use the window frame to pin up a mix of items like photographs, small artworks, postcards, and mementos for a truly eclectic, vintage-inspired display.

8. Decorative Mirrors

  • Vintage Mirror: Install a small vintage-style mirror inside the window frame. This works particularly well with frames that have been stripped of their glass. It reflects light and creates a visual focal point.
  • Antique Mirror Tiles: Create a mosaic mirror display inside the window frame by attaching small antique mirror tiles or reflective surfaces.

9. Chalkboard or Dry Erase Board

  • Chalkboard Backing: Paint the inside of the window frame with chalkboard paint to create a message board for family notes, reminders, or inspirational quotes.
  • Dry Erase Board: Alternatively, use dry erase markers to jot down weekly goals, affirmations, or a to-do list.

10. Wedding or Event Decor

  • Table Numbers: For weddings, use the frame to display table numbers or guest seating arrangements.
  • Guestbook Display: Use the window frame as a unique way to showcase a guestbook or messages of love.

Where to Find Unique Items for Display:

  • Antique Shops: Explore local antique shops, flea markets, or thrift stores for vintage postcards, old photos, and small keepsakes.
  • Etsy: Search for vintage-inspired prints, photos, and handcrafted decor pieces that match your frame’s style.
  • Craft Stores: Visit craft stores for dried flowers, ribbons, and string lights.
  • Garden Centers: For nature-inspired decor, consider purchasing succulents or small potted plants at garden centers.

Final Thoughts

A vintage window frame is a versatile decor piece that can be styled in endless creative ways. Whether you prefer a rustic farmhouse vibe, a whimsical bohemian look, or a classic vintage aesthetic, these ideas will help you transform your frame into a stunning decorative feature. Try one or mix and match different ideas to make your vintage window frame truly unique!

What’s your favorite way to decorate a vintage window frame? Share your thoughts in the comments!