Decorating with old license plates is a creative and eco-friendly way to add character and charm to your home or outdoor space.
These vintage plates, often adorned with unique colours and designs, can invoke nostalgia while providing a touch of personality to any decor theme. Whether you’re looking to create a statement wall, craft functional art, or simply display a collection, repurposed license plates can serve various purposes. In this guide, we will explore different ideas on how to decorate with old license plates, transforming them from mere relics of the road into stunning focal points.
Benefits of Incorporating Vintage License Plates
Incorporating vintage license plates into your decor offers several advantages that extend beyond mere aesthetics. Firstly, they provide a unique and personal touch to your space, reflecting your interests and personality. Each plate carries its own history, serving as a conversation starter for guests.
Additionally, using license plates is an environmentally conscious choice, as it promotes recycling and repurposing materials rather than contributing to waste.
From a practical standpoint, vintage license plates are versatile; they can be used in various projects such as wall art, furniture accents, or garden decor. Their durability also ensures that they can withstand the elements if used outdoors. Overall, the integration of old license plates in your decor not only beautifies your environment but also adds depth and character to your home.
Where to Find Old License Plates
Finding old license plates can be an enjoyable treasure hunt, as many unique sources abound. Local flea markets and antique shops often carry vintage items, including license plates, providing a chance to discover plates with character and history.
Online platforms such as eBay, Etsy, and specialized vintage shops are excellent options for exploring a wider selection from various regions. Additionally, consider visiting yard sales or estate sales, where you may stumble upon hidden gems at affordable prices. For those who wish to connect with fellow enthusiasts, joining local or online collector groups can lead to exchanges, trade opportunities, and recommendations for where to find the best plates.
10 Methods How to Decorate with Old License Plates
1. Create a License Plate Wall Art
One of the most impactful ways to use old license plates is by turning them into wall art. You can arrange the plates in a grid, overlapping them slightly, or create a more abstract pattern. Consider using plates from different states or countries to add variety and interest.
Secure the plates to a large wooden or metal backing, then mount the piece on your wall. This method works particularly well in spaces like a garage, man cave, or an eclectic living room, instantly becoming a conversation starter and adding a bold, industrial vibe to the room.
2. Build a License Plate Frame for Mirrors or Photos
Transform an ordinary mirror or photo frame into something extraordinary by surrounding it with old license plates. Cut the plates into strips and attach them around the edges of the frame.
You can use a single plate for a smaller frame or combine multiple plates for a larger piece. The colorful, weathered look of the plates adds a vintage, rustic charm that’s perfect for a hallway, entryway, or even a bathroom. This method is a great way to repurpose old plates while adding a personal touch to your décor.
3. Craft a License Plate Clock
For a functional and decorative piece, consider making a clock out of old license plates. Start by cutting the plates into numbers or shapes that represent the hours on the clock face. Attach them to a wooden or metal backing, then install a clock mechanism in the center.
This method allows you to create a custom timepiece that reflects your style and interests, whether it’s a tribute to your favorite road trips or a nod to your love of vintage Americana. A license plate clock adds a quirky, personalized touch to any room.
4. Design License Plate Furniture
Incorporating old license plates into furniture design is a bold way to make a statement in your home. For example, you can use plates to cover the front of a dresser, the sides of a coffee table, or even the seat of a chair. Secure the plates with screws or adhesive, and consider adding a clear coat to protect them and enhance their shine.
This method turns ordinary furniture into a unique piece with a story, adding an industrial, retro feel to your décor. License plate furniture works particularly well in spaces with a vintage or eclectic theme.
5. Make a License Plate Coat Rack
A license plate coat rack is a practical and stylish addition to any entryway or mudroom. Attach several plates to a wooden board, then add hooks underneath each plate.
You can use plates from different states to create a colorful, diverse look, or stick to a specific theme, like vintage plates from your home state. This method not only provides a functional place to hang coats, hats, and bags but also adds a personal, creative touch to your home’s entrance.
6. Assemble a License Plate Sign
Old license plates can be repurposed into signs that add character and charm to your space. Cut out individual letters from the plates to spell out words or phrases like “Welcome,” “Home,” or “Route 66.” Attach the letters to a wooden or metal backing, then hang the sign in a prominent place, such as above a doorway or in a living room.
This method is a fun way to personalize your home décor and showcase your creativity, whether you’re going for a rustic, vintage, or modern look.
7. Create a License Plate Backsplash
For a truly unique kitchen or bar area, consider using old license plates as a backsplash. Arrange the plates in a pattern or randomly for a more eclectic look, then secure them to the wall with screws or adhesive.
The durability of metal makes license plates an ideal material for a backsplash, and their colorful, varied designs add visual interest to the space. This method is perfect for those looking to add a bold, unconventional touch to their kitchen décor, making the space feel more personalized and distinctive.
8. Design License Plate Planters
Give your outdoor or indoor garden a vintage twist by turning old license plates into planters. Bend the plates into a rectangular shape, secure the edges with screws or metal brackets, and add a bottom made from wood or another sturdy material.
Fill the planter with soil and your favorite flowers or succulents. This method adds a rustic, industrial feel to your garden décor and provides a creative way to repurpose old plates that might otherwise go unused.
9. Construct a License Plate Headboard
For a truly one-of-a-kind bedroom centerpiece, create a headboard out of old license plates. Arrange the plates in rows to cover the entire width of your bed, securing them to a wooden or metal frame.
The varied colors and designs of the plates add a dynamic, artistic element to the room, making the bed the focal point. This method is particularly effective in a room with a vintage or industrial theme, adding character and a sense of history to the space.
10. Make License Plate Bookends
Finally, old license plates can be transformed into functional and decorative bookends. Simply bend the plates into an L-shape, ensuring they’re sturdy enough to support your books. You can use a single plate for each bookend or combine multiple plates for a more intricate design.
This method adds a quirky, vintage touch to your bookshelf, making it not only practical but also a conversation piece. License plate bookends are an excellent way to incorporate these unique items into your home décor in a subtle yet stylish way.
Things to Consider When Repurposing License Plates
When embarking on a project to repurpose old license plates, there are several key factors to keep in mind to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
First, consider the condition of the plates; while weathered and rusty plates can add character, ensure that they are sturdy enough for your intended use. Additionally, think about the colour scheme of your existing décor to ensure that the plates you choose harmonize well with the overall theme of your space.
Safety is another critical consideration—if using plates for furniture or décor items that will be handled frequently, make sure to smooth out any sharp edges and secure the plates adequately to prevent injury.
Finally, it’s worth contemplating the sentimentality behind the plates; whether they represent memorable road trips or are sourced from family history, incorporating personal stories can elevate the value of your creations.
Conclusion
Repurposing old license plates into creative home décor items not only helps reduce waste but also adds a unique, personal touch to your living space. Each project highlights the character and history of the plates, transforming them into functional art pieces that tell a story.
Whether you choose to make furniture, decorative signs, or planters, the possibilities are endless, and the results are sure to spark conversation and admiration from guests. Thanks for reading our blog post on how to decorate with old license plates! We hope you found it helpful and informative.