I’ve always been a fan of coastal decor. But as someone who’s lived in different parts of Florida, that often meant the soft, beachy, and subtropical version (shades of turquoise and sandy neutrals, etc.). But I also find myself drawn to nautical decor, too- an often more cold-water, boating-centric version of the style. So, I thought it was high time to hunt down some upcycled projects that exhibit the best of nautical decor in a single collection.
Decorative Buoys
Image credit: Stow and Tell U.
If you give these a quick glance, then you probably wouldn’t even realize they weren’t actual fishing buoys, right? But they are, in fact, painted wine bottles and liquor bottles that have been given amazing nautical makeovers! What a great way to add a touch of coastal charm to your home.
Upcycled Sailboats
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Decorative sailboats are a delightful touch of nautical decor for your home throughout summer and even year-round. You can make them with a variety of items, so long as the wooden part can pass as a boat shape!
Nautical Decor with Driftwood
Image credit: Remodelacasa.
I’ve only made a couple of driftwood projects in my upcycling career, but some collage art is definitely in order. Because look how charming this crab art is! It’s a great addition to a coastal-inspired mantel display, isn’t it?
Table Leg Lighthouse
Image credit: Country Design Style.
I’ve often pondered about assembling a DIY lighthouse from thrifted finds, but clearly I’ve been going about it all wrong. Because a salvaged table leg is about as good as it gets- another perfect project for your summertime mantel.
Nautical Rope Decor
Image credit: The Country Chic Cottage.
Nautical rope is one of those craft supplies that is going to show up in a LOT of coastal craft projects. And if it also involves symbols like anchors and navy blue stripes, then it’s definitely nautical in nature! This kind of project would be an excellent way to repurpose a wood slat wall hanging you find at the thrift store, too.
Nautical “Buoy” Garland
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
After seeing a similar version of this nautical garland made from wine corks, I knew I wanted to make my own. And since I had plenty of wooden spools on hand, I used them instead! It turned out SO cute- plus, unlike corks, there was no hole-drilling required.
Clipper Ship Wall Hanging
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
I love upcycle projects that “marry” seemingly unrelated pieced together into something new. And this clipper ship wall art is a nautical testament to that. Can you guess what that clipper ship started out as? And it’s mounted on something else from the thrift store, too!
Painted Furniture
Image credit: Atta Girl Says.
A plain-front dresser can act as a blank canvas for the right crafter/DIYer. And that’s exactly how this unremarkable chest of drawers became the centerpiece of a nautical-themed bedroom.
House Number Sign
Image credit: Homeroad.
For a touch of nautical decor outside, this idea is absolutely brilliant. An old tree stump (or telephone pole?) was transformed into a nautical buoy that sports the owner’s house number/address! What a great way to repurpose something that might otherwise get tossed (or mulched, in this case).
Faux Antique Diving Helmet
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
An antique diving helmet is an elegant curiosity for a nautical-style home, but is usually reserved for those who can afford one. But upcycling a light fixture into a faux version is a much more approachable option.
Signal Flag Art
Image credit: The Kim Six Fix.
While I can’t read them or know what each one means, I’ve always found maritime signal flags to be quite charming. Which means they are quintessential to nautical-style decor, if you ask me. And this DIY wall art sporting little flags is about as cute as it gets…
Nautical Banner
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Admittedly, there are a lot of color crossovers when it comes to patriotic summer decor and nautical decor. And this little banner is an excellent example of killing two seasonal birds with one crafty stone.
Davy Jones’s (Foot) Locker
Image credit: H2O Bungalow.
Between sailors setting out to sea and historical passages across the globe, foot lockers were already giving nautical vibes. Which means a beat up one is absolutely perfect for a coastal or maritime-esque makeover like this!
Coastal Coat Hooks
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You might not think of dock cleats as home decor, and these coat hooks didn’t originate from a boat slip. But, they did originate from a vintage dresser that was given a more modern makeover. So, the handles were repurposed into this set of coat hooks that has great coastal/nautical flair.
Nautical Decor with Oars
Image credit: Pretty Handy Girl.
I love the idea of using wooden oars and paddles as interesting and unique wall decor. But I especially love the idea of giving them a vintage nautical paint job beforehand, too. Especially if the wood has gotten waterlogged and damaged over time.
Nautical Candle Holders
Image credit: H2O Bungalow.
Here’s a nautical rope craft that involves a little more color! I love how it was painted and tinted in classic colors and then added to the bases of these candle holders. It definitely gives nautical style AND patriotic decor all in one- perfect for summer.
Coastal Tavern Sign
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Decorative signs are some of the trendiest, most popular elements of home decor these days. And a nautical version like this gets that seaside look on a thrift store budget if you upcycle something like a cabinet door or scrap wood to make one.
Upcycled Storage
Image credit: The Kim Six Fix.
Yes, this makeover looks fabulous and has a great nautical vibe. But the fact that it started out as a kitty litter bucket is blowing my mind! What a great way to create some home storage using something that would take up a lot of room in the landfill.
Tray Makeover
Image credit: Domestically Speaking.
A plain (or ugly) tray from the thrift store is such a great piece to paint or recover to your own style and liking. So OF COURSE I’m going to include a nautical version in this collection. Not only is it cute, but it’s wonderfully functional to hold drinks, remote controls, and other bits and bobs that come in handy.
DIY and Upcycled Nautical Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Years ago, I visited a marine salvage store in West Palm Beach, FL that was PACKED with all sorts of nautical decor and antiques. I wish I had bought more, but money was tight and I didn’t realize the store would be shuttering its doors shortly after our visit. So, upcycling my own nautical decor is the next best thing- and I hope these ideas give you inspiration to make your own versions, too.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods, Petticoat Junktion, Homeroad, and H2O Bungalow.
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.
Thank you for sharing my clipper ship! Happy Weekend!! Kathy
It was perfect for the collection- thank YOU!!