Buffalo plaid is everywhere these days, isn’t it? What was once considered more a staple of lumberjacks is now a pattern found on everything from rustic decor to Christmas ornaments. Even the color combination has moved beyond the traditional red and black. So, if you’ve been looking for ways to infuse some buffalo plaid into your own home, perhaps these ideas will inspire you.
Buffalo Plaid for the Home
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Home decor elements in buffalo check give your home a rustic touch akin to cabin or lodge decor. From blankets to pillows to tablecloths and even placemats like these, it automatically feels cozy and inviting, however you incorporate it.
This project, along with many other flannel crafts, is detailed in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”, by Sarah Ramberg.
Buffalo Plaid on Furniture
Image credit: Beyond the Picket Fence.
With the advent of buffalo plaid stencils, a new world of rustic decor has been opened! We no longer need to use fabric for everything; instead, we can easily paint the pattern using stencils and any colors we want. Of course, red and black is a perennial favorite, and perfect for making a checkers table like this.
Rustic Ribbon
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Of course, fabric is always a perfect way to enjoy buffalo check. And fabric shops offer yardage in different color combinations and pattern sizes. A more delicate buffalo plaid flannel is perfect for creating rustic ribbon for Christmas gifts, as an example.
Checked Chair
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
A fun change of pace in red and white, a buffalo check stencil is a great way to get the gingham look on projects, as well- albeit in a larger size. But this beat up child’s chair has a darling new look thanks to this plaid-inspired paint job.
Buffalo Plaid for Other Holidays
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Swapping out the red for orange in traditional buffalo plaid fabric changes everything, doesn’t it? Suddenly it looks like Halloween or Autumn, so making fabric pumpkins like these in plaid is the perfect project during Fall.
Buffalo Plaid Ornaments
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
But since buffalo check and Christmas go hand-in-hand, it’s no surprise to find the plaid pattern on ornaments to hang on your tree. This one is incredibly easy to make, as well- fabric is simply wrapped around on non-descript plastic ball ornament.
You can also find this ornament project detailed in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”.
Christmas Cooler
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Inspired by an iconic “kooler” brand from days gone by, this thrift store transformation put a buffalo check stencil to use on what else? A red cooler! It may not be quite as lovely as the real deal, but trust me when I tell you it cost a lot less for a similar look.
A Buffalo Plaid Flag?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Now this isn’t something you see everyday- the stars and stripes reimagined in buffalo check! But on a white background, like this USA-shaped board, it really does work- once again, using a buffalo check stencil (in a smaller, more delicate size).
Rustic Bunting
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Buntings, or flag garlands, have really become popular and are used for all kinds of seasons and celebrations. And this version in buffalo plaid could definitely be used at Christmastime, but it’s quite festive throughout the year as well.
Christmas Card Box
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There’s just something so wonderful the way white wording pops against the red and black plaid, isn’t it? Or even the way white shapes- like snowflakes- look against that rustic plaid backdrop. In this case, a mediocre box from the thrift store got a woodland-inspired makeover to hold Christmas cards. So festive!
Buffalo Plaid Pillows
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Throw pillows in buffalo plaid are SO inviting. And while they don’t have to be found on a worn leather sofa in front of a roaring fire while it’s snowing outside, that image is awfully enticing, isn’t it?
Check Out That Sled
Image credit: Homeroad.
A vintage sled is iconic during the cold weather months, especially propped up on a front porch. You can embellish it with hanging ice skates, a wreath, mittens- and clearly, even a buffalo plaid makeover like this!
Fabric Christmas Crackers
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Christmas crackers don’t have to “pop”, but they sure look awfully pretty when made with plaid fabrics (include buffalo, of course). And such a fun way to wrap up little trinket gifts, as well.
Yes, you guessed it- another project from my book!
Buffalo Check “Gifts”
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Of course, wrapping Christmas gifts in buffalo plaid fabric or paper is a delightful idea- and they’ll look splendid sitting underneath the tree. But these “gifts” are a fake-out for your mantel, made from picture frames and flannel fabric.
Buffalo Plaid Decor Ideas
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods via Lindsay Curgan Photography.
Whatever you make in buffalo plaid- whether it’s for holiday decor or any other time of year- it’s a wonderful pattern to play with. There are fabric and painting options for all sorts of DIY and upcycling projects in this favorite plaid pattern. I hope these inspire you to “check” out new ways to enjoy buffalo check around your own home, all year long.
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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