There are a lot of directions you can go in when it comes to summer decor. Coastal colors, patriotic themes, and brightly colored florals are just scratching the surface. But a lot of summer decor can be made by upcycling a few things from the thrift store. From cake pans to light fixtures…sea shells and baseballs, any number of thrift store finds can be transformed into summery accents for your home. Here are some fabulous upcycle ideas to get you started.
Bee-autiful Summer Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Bees come up a lot when you think of summer decor, which puts this Habitat ReStore project on any crafting list. Mantel-sized beehives made from thrifted finds are a nice summery touch for any home, no matter your decor style.
Decorative Sailboats
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you plan on a little coastal-inspired decor this summer, you can’t go wrong with decorative sailboats like these. You can make them from any number of boat-shaped things, such as weaving shuttles (like these) or even small branches from your yard.
Ribbon Flag
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
Perfect for anyone who has a lot of ribbon scraps in their craft stash, this boho American flag is as cute as they come. Not only is it fun to make and a great way to use up leftover ribbon, but it’s such a fresh and breezy take on patriotic summer decor.
Summer Decor on the Door
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
What says summer more than a tropical drink that comes with a little umbrella? And you can get that festive feeling without the alcohol by turning those little parasols into a bright and cheery summer wreath, perfect for your front door.
Summertime Watermelon
Image credit: Refresh Restyle.
Watermelon is, I’ll be honest, one of my favorite aspects of summer. Ice cold slices of pink and green sweetness on a hot summer’s day is a game changer. Speaking of which, you can change the game of a regular old wooden bowl with a watermelon-inspired makeover like this.
Coastal Candle Holders
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A set of plain wooden candle holders from the thrift store wasn’t much to look at, honestly. But this beachy/nautical makeover with chalk paint and jute rope turned them into summertime showstoppers, didn’t it? They look straight out of a coastal boutique now, but they sure didn’t start out that way.
Summer Coasters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A sweating summer glass needs the right coaster underneath it to save all the tables. And while cardboard coasters might not be traditional summer decor, it’s hard not to think summer with these blue & white gingham AND sunny yellow tile versions.
Nautical Banner
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Making garlands or banners for your mantel is a wonderful way to celebrate the seasons and holidays each year. And summer time is no exception, especially when the banner is this cute, with a patriotic AND nautical spin for summer.
Seashell Art
Image credit: Domestically Speaking.
Small and tiny shells on the beach might not catch your eye as much as the larger ones. But a good beachcomber may take a couple of handfuls of small shells home anyway. Which is a good thing because they are perfect for collage projects like this seahorse.
Summer Decor with Flamingos
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
I have to admit, I don’t have much hot pink decor in our house. But this flamingo sign has me reconsidering it- isn’t this just the cutest sign or wall hanger for summer? The colors are so summery and the weathering gives it that coastal cottage look that I love so much.
Patio Drink Tray
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Ice cold drinks on hot summer days are a match made in heaven, aren’t they? And that refreshing feeling is easily elevated with a colorful serving tray like this.
Starburst Driftwood Wreath
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Find a bunch of pieces of driftwood on your beachcombing adventures? They can be bundled together as an interesting beachy element for your bookshelf or mantel. Or if you want to craft with them, a starburst wreath for your front door makes quite the statement.
Citrus Slices
Image credit: Sustain My Craft Habit.
Ice cold lemonade on a hot summer’s day? Yes, please! Which makes this zesty idea for summer decor extra fun. Since rock painting is all the rage, why not create a few that look like slices of citrus fruit like this?
Coffee Table Decor in Summer
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Giving a plain tray a coastal-inspired makeover with inexpensive chalk paint from the craft store is a great place to start. Trays are always trendy and are a good base for displaying some beachy treasures on a coffee table.
Patriotic Summer Decor
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Painting something shaped like the USA in buffalo check is a very festive way to celebrate all the patriotic holidays each summer! This wall plaque started as a broken clock from the thrift store, but a makeover in red, white, and blue gives it a fresh and festive new look.
Put Me In, Coach
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
Since baseball is, in fact, a summer sport, it makes sense to make a themed wreath to celebrate it. What a great way to repurpose old baseballs because they look great as a summer door hanger, don’t they?
Beachy, Breezy Coasters
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A set of wooden coasters from the thrift store can be “beachified” for summer with this easy makeover idea: chalk paint and string! Functional decor is especially thrifty because it works hard to earn its keep.
Beach Ball Decor
Image credit: Dukes and Duchesses.
How cute is this idea for a thrifted Bundt pan to use as summer decor? Painted like a beach ball, it’s a playful addition to your beachy, summer mantel.
String Art for Summer
Image credit: Domestically Speaking.
String art projects are one of those ideal summer crafts if you prefer to stay in the air conditioning. Simple summer shapes, such as this pineapple, are not only fun to work on, but look lovely for your summer decorating, as well.
Summer Decor from the Thrift Store
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
So many ways to decorate for summer, so little time- though those long hot days can start to feel like they’ll never end! But whether you like the splashy colors of flowers and fruit, the cool and breezy palette of the beach, or the patriotic themes with July 4th and nautical decor, there is a summer decor idea in this collection for you. Now, grab a cold drink, crank the A/C in the car, and head over to the thrift store to get started!
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion, Dukes and Duchesses, Refresh Restyle, and Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
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.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!