Turn salvaged windows into the perfect vintage wall hanging! See how small plates and old frames come together for a unique, charming focal point in any room.
What is a Wall Hanging?
A wall hanging is a creative and artistically designed piece of wall decor that adds personality and style to a living space.
Whether made from fabric, wood, metal, or even vintage plates, wall hangings come in various decor styles, making them a versatile way to refresh your home.
If you’re looking for new wall decor, a unique wall hanging, or a DIY project like today’s, it can be the perfect statement piece to transform any room.
Pro Tip
You may also find more wall hanging decor inspiration in this Vintage Wall Decor with Retro Chair Collection Ideas post.
Vintage-Inspired DIY Decorative Wall Hanging
If you love collecting and decorating with vintage windows, this DIY wall hanging is right up your alley!
I started with two salvaged windows—thrifted for just $20 each—and layered them over our vintage fireplace mantel for a charming, collected look.
The mix of different sizes creates contrast, while the variety of shapes from the small thrifted blue and white plates brings an eclectic touch.
Instead of a traditional gallery wall, I’m using these salvaged windows as the perfect backdrop, adding natural textures and vintage charm.
Vintage Farmhouse Wall Decor with Salvaged Windows
Last spring, I hung teacups on these same windows, and I loved the whimsical feel!
This time, I’m switching it up with a creative plate wall hanging, and I can’t wait to show you how it transforms this dining/living space.
Wall Hanging Materials Needed:
- 7 Small thrifted dishes.
- 7.5lb Commando Strips.
- Clear Fishing Line
- 2 Old Salvaged Windows
- 7 thumbtacks
- 2 Nails to Hang the Windows to the Wall.
Where can I find salvaged windows?
You can find old windows to decorate with at flea markets, salvage yards, second-hand shops, local dumps, auctions, antique shops, consignment shops, etc. You may find more inspiration for salvaged windows in this Salvaged Windows: 19 Vintage Window Decorating Ideas post.
Where can I find small vintage plates like these?
Thrift shops and consignment shops are my go-to places for inexpensive dishes. You can find small plates like these for as little as a dollar at thrift stores.
DIY Wall Hanging Step-by-Step Tutorial
Watch this video for the materials and details for this year’s wall hanging DIY:
Follow these simple steps to create a unique wall hanging using salvaged windows and thrifted vintage plates.
Step 1: Hang Your Salvaged Windows
First, secure your salvaged windows on the wall using nails, picture-hanging hardware, or any sturdy wall hanging method that works for your space. These windows will act as the perfect vintage backdrop for your decorative wall hangings.
Step 2: Attach Command Strips to Your Plates
Take your small vintage plates and place Command Strip hooks on the back. These will serve as the hidden support system to hang them effortlessly.
Step 3: Add Fishing Line for a Floating Effect
Cut a piece of fishing line and loop it through the Command hook. This will help suspend the plates, giving them a light and airy look against the upcycled salvaged window.
Step 4: Secure with a Thumbtack
Now, take a small thumbtack and press it into the wooden frame of the salvaged window. This will hold the fishing line in place while keeping your plates beautifully displayed.
Step 5: Hang Your Plates and Get Creative!
Carefully hang each plate, adjusting as needed to create a balanced and eye-catching wall decor piece. Add as many plates as you like to fit your living space, playing with different shapes, sizes, and designs for an eclectic look.
And just like that—you’ve created a stunning upcycled wall hanging that blends vintage charm with creative styling!
How will you style yours?
Pro Tip
You may also really enjoy making these Dishy Kitchen Hooks You Can DIY in Minutes.
Gallery Wall Inspiration
If you love this wall hanging idea, you might also enjoy my blue and white decor platter wall!
In this project, I used thrifted vintage platters in all different sizes to create an asymmetrical gallery wall over the same vintage fireplace mantel in our dining room.
It’s a fun and eclectic way to showcase timeless blue and white pieces while adding charm and character to any space.
Final Thoughts on Creating a Unique Wall Hanging
This wall hanging project is an easy way to add character to any space by bringing together upcycled materials, vintage charm, and a little creativity.
Whether you’re styling wall decor with salvaged windows and plates or layering textures to make a room feel more eclectic and inviting, there are endless ways to make it your own.
Let this be the inspiration to think outside the box (or frame!) when decorating your walls—because sometimes, the most unexpected accent pieces create the best displays.
How will you style your upcycled wall hanging?
Pro Tip
You may also find inspiration in this Antique Fireplace Mantel Vintage Spring Decor Ideas with botanical prints on the same salvaged windows.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below. And be sure to share this blog post link with your friends who are also vintage enthusiasts.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at annck@dabblinganddecorating.com
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Beautiful post. I love reading your post. I have decorated my house using antique dishes and it looks so pretty. Your ideas are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I really appreciate it!
I would strongly recommend not using any valuable dishes with command strips. My experience with them has not been a good one.
There are other types of plate hangers that you could also use the fish line with.
Thanks for the recommendation, Ann. I have heard this. The plates are very small and I haven’t had any issues at all. But I definitely would not use them with large or heavier plates. Thank you again!
This is a FABULOUS idea!!!! Thanks so much for sharing:) I’m sure i will give this a try.
I’m so glad you like it, Maria! Seersucker is so classic, isn’t it!
What a great idea Ann. I am really loving the idea of hanging plates on my windows. I love those blue and white dishes, I only hope I can find some like that here in the Pacific Northwest.
Thank you so much Kim. So fun hopping with you this week!
Ann, Your display is delightful! I don’t know where I would be without Command hooks! They are my favorite go-to item for all kinds of decorating around the house! I just passed up a window frame the other day on the curb, but alas, I have no empty wall space at my house. Perhaps I should have grabbed it for a friend!
LOl isn’t that always the way? Thanks for stopping by today Chloe!