Get creative with this old license plate decor DIY. With these easy tutorials, you can make a one-of-a-kind hat rack and wall decor.
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.”
This week, we tackled cleaning out an old shed on our property here in Maine. This shed was my father’s for years, where he made furniture and kept many of his collectibles, like these old vanity front license plates, pictures of all his DIY projects, and more.
He was a big tennis player, playing until he was 86 years old. So I was thrilled when I found these custom license plates amongst his things. I knew right away I wanted to create something fun with these decorative license plates to display in our guest bedroom, where a collection of his tennis rackets also resides.
A license plate DIY in the making!
How to Make a License Plate DIY Hat Rack
Hat Rack Hooks
I first found these vintage hooks on Etsy, which was sold by Parkwood Treasures.
I really liked their white vintage cottage vibe.
And it was a bonus, too, that they came with the original mounting screws.
There are so many vintage wire hooks to choose from here:
Paint a Backboard
Next, for this DIY license plate decor, I painted an old board in the same custom blue as the trim in this bedroom.
I’ve included the custom paint formula here in case you would like to duplicate it.
It’s a beautiful shade of antique blue.
Mount the License Plate and Hooks
Once the vintage hooks arrived in the mail, I mounted the custom car tags along with three of the four hooks.
Hang License Plate DIY on Wall
I then hung my new license plate hat rack up in our guest bedroom with two Command Strips just to be on the safe side.
You may also really enjoy making these Dishy Kitchen Hooks You Can DIY in Minutes.
This hat rack is now wall art, ready for great quality hats.
You may also enjoy This Summer’s Thrift Store Decor Finds.
And check out what else I found with a tennis theme in the post, Antiquing Down East, A Day’s Jaunt
You may also enjoy the post How to Fold and Display Heirloom Quilts, like this collection that my mother made, and Vintage Braiding Rug Stand | A Mother’s Day Reflection.
License Plate DIY Wall Decor
After creating this license plate DIY hat rack, I found two more decorative plates in the shed with my father’s initials on them.
How to License Plate DIY Wall Decor
I also created this easy-hanging license plate wall decor using simple twine.
When it was finished, I hung our license plate wall decor on the cedar shake siding just outside our back door. This license plate DIY wall decor has been hanging outside of our home for about two years now and has held up beautifully.
You may also enjoy this post, 15 Cool DIY Projects to Start this Summer.
I love the contrast with the old cedar shakes.
Do you like cedar shakes? Check out How We Restored our Aged Cedar Shake Siding here.
And you may also enjoy the post, Adored One-of-a-Kind Handmade Birdhouse Restored.
I hope you found some inspiration here today. We love our new vanity plate hat rack and wall decor, which feature my father’s old vanity license plates. They are such treasures.
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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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
What a great find Ann and you turned it into such a treasure.
Thanks so much Wendy!
I’m loving this idea, so cute!
Thanks so much, I was so happy to find them amongst my dad’s things!
Really fun idea!! Looks great!
Thanks Jennifer!
Ann,
Such a great idea and I’m looking forward to sharing it tomorrow.
Thank you Rachel!
So fun that you found a creative way to use your dad’s license plates! So cute with those old hooks; I’ve always loved those.
Thanks so much Lora!
Hi Ann,
Love both of these craft projects with the old license plates. The hat rack looks perfect in the guest room with the old tennis rackets on display. I also love the twine connecting the others together. I just love your vintage style.
Have a great week!
Lynda
Thank you so much Lynda. That’s so kind of you to say🫶🏻
Thanks love this idea and a great way to display old license plates.
Thanks kindly Marlene🤗
Ann,
This is such a cute ideas. I’m sharing it tomorrow with a link to your blog post.
Thank you so much Rachel🙏🏻
What a fun project! So special to have all those treasures from your mom and dad! Happy Saturday, Ann!
Thanks so much, Kim! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Happy Saturday!
Wow such a good idea putting twine between the license plates! I’m English and my son used to have a plate from every state we had visited in America. Our license plates aren’t as nice as yours!
Aww thank you Shirley. I’m glad you enjoyed it 🤗