When I started planning my baby’s nursery, I knew I wanted something sweet and timeless, not just whatever was trending on social media.
The idea of a vintage-inspired space felt right, but I didn’t want to spend a fortune or hire a designer. So I rolled up my sleeves, got a little crafty, and found some truly charming DIY projects that added warmth and nostalgia without the hefty price tag.
If you’re dreaming of a nursery with that old-soul magic, these 18 vintage-inspired ideas are the perfect place to start. Trust me, you’ll love how personal it all feels.
1. Wooden Crate Bookshelf
Old wooden crates make adorable bookshelves for your baby’s first library. Sand them down to remove any rough edges, then paint or stain them in colors that match your nursery theme.
Stack them horizontally or vertically against a wall, securing them properly for safety. Fill with classic children’s books, stuffed animals, and small keepsakes.
For a true vintage look, try to find authentic fruit or milk crates at flea markets rather than new reproductions.
2. Repurposed Dresser Changing Table
Grandma’s old dresser can become the perfect changing station with a few simple modifications. Look for a sturdy piece with good bones and sand it down before applying fresh paint in a gentle hue.
Add a changing pad on top, secured with safety straps. The drawers provide excellent storage for diapers, wipes, and baby clothes.
Consider replacing original hardware with vintage-inspired knobs for an extra touch of old-world charm.
3. Embroidery Hoop Wall Art
Fabric scraps become gallery-worthy in wooden embroidery hoops! Hunt for vintage fabrics with sweet patterns like florals, gingham, or toile at thrift stores or grandma’s sewing basket.
Simply stretch fabric pieces in various sized hoops and secure. Arrange them in a pleasing cluster on the wall above the crib or changing table.
Mix in a few hoops featuring actual embroidery work—even simple stitched initials or stars add that handmade vintage feel.
4. Painted Wooden Letter Blocks
Remember those alphabet blocks from your childhood? Create an oversized version using wooden cubes from the craft store. Sand the edges smooth before applying paint in soft, vintage-inspired colors.
Add letters, numbers, or simple designs using stencils or freehand painting. Once dry, lightly sand the edges and corners for that perfectly worn look.
Display them on shelves or string them together to spell baby’s name for a personalized touch with old-school flair.
5. Lace-Trimmed Crib Canopy
Nothing says vintage like delicate lace! Create a dreamy canopy using an embroidery hoop, sheer curtain fabric, and vintage lace trim. Cut fabric in a circle with enough extra to drape gracefully.
Secure the fabric in the hoop, then sew or glue lace around the edge. Hang from the ceiling above the crib using a ceiling hook and pretty ribbon.
The gentle movement of the fabric creates a soothing effect for baby while adding romantic charm to the room.
6. Upcycled Suitcase Toy Storage
Those charming old suitcases collecting dust in the attic? Perfect toy bins! Clean them thoroughly, line with washable fabric, and consider adding casters to the bottom for easy movement.
Stack several different sizes for a whimsical storage tower or slide them under the crib for hidden storage. The worn leather and metal details add instant character to the nursery.
Bonus points if you find suitcases with travel stickers from bygone eras—instant conversation pieces!
7. Hand-Painted Wall Mural
Channel your inner artist with a simple vintage-inspired wall mural. Bunnies hopping through meadows, classic Beatrix Potter characters, or old-fashioned hot air balloons work beautifully.
Use projectors to trace outlines if you’re not confident in your freehand skills. Soft, muted colors keep the look authentically vintage rather than cartoonish.
For a quicker option, try painting just one special element, like a tree or vintage toy, rather than an entire scene.
8. Reclaimed Window Frame Mirror
Old window frames transform into gorgeous mirrors with minimal effort! Remove any remaining glass, clean thoroughly, and paint in a color that matches your nursery palette.
Have mirror glass cut to fit the openings at your local hardware store. Secure the mirrors with appropriate adhesive and backing for safety.
The divided panes create an architectural element that adds depth and interest to the room while reflecting light to make the space feel larger.
9. Handmade Rag Rug
Soft underfoot and bursting with charm, handmade rag rugs bring cozy vintage vibes to any nursery. Gather old t-shirts, sheets, or fabric scraps in complementary colors and cut into strips.
Learn basic braiding or crocheting techniques from online tutorials—both are surprisingly simple! Form your creation into a circle or oval shape.
The resulting rug provides a perfect play space for tummy time and later becomes a special keepsake from baby’s first room.
10. Button Picture Frames
Grandma’s button collection finds new purpose decorating simple wooden frames! Purchase unfinished frames from craft stores as your blank canvas.
Paint frames in soft colors, then arrange vintage buttons in patterns or random clusters before gluing them securely. Mix button sizes and colors for visual interest while maintaining your vintage color scheme.
Fill with black-and-white family photos or vintage children’s book illustrations for a perfectly coordinated look that spans generations.
11. Teacup Night Light
That chipped vintage teacup has a bright future as an adorable night light! Find battery-operated LED lights that fit inside the cup and saucer arrangement.
The translucent quality of fine china creates a gentle glow perfect for midnight feedings. Position on a shelf or nightstand where the light won’t disturb baby’s sleep but provides enough illumination for parents.
Group several different cups together for a whimsical display that works both day and night.
12. Clothespin Photo Display
Wooden clothespins from grandma’s era make charming photo clips with minimal effort. Paint them in coordinating nursery colors or leave them natural for rustic appeal.
String twine or ribbon across an empty frame or directly on the wall. Use the painted clothespins to hang baby photos, ultrasound pictures, or sweet notes.
The display evolves as baby grows, making it both decorative and a living timeline of your little one’s first months.
13. Antique Book Page Mobile
Pages from damaged vintage children’s books find new life floating above baby’s crib! Cut pages into simple shapes like stars, clouds, or animals.
Attach the shapes to embroidery hoops or driftwood branches using fishing line at varying lengths. The gentle movement catches baby’s attention while developing visual tracking skills.
Look for books with lovely illustrations or poems—Mother Goose collections work particularly well for this nostalgic nursery element.
14. Mason Jar Wall Sconces
Grandpa’s old mason jars become charming wall sconces with just a few additions. Attach jar bands to wooden plaques using strong adhesive or screws, then paint everything in coordinating colors.
The jars themselves can hold battery-operated fairy lights, fresh or dried flowers, or even small toys. Screw the jars into their bands on the wall for easy removal when you want to change the contents.
Mount at a safe height where curious little hands can’t reach them.
15. Quilt Block Wall Art
Family quilts too fragile to use? Salvage beautiful sections and frame them as wall art! Select the most vibrant or meaningful blocks and carefully cut them out.
Mount each piece in a floating frame to preserve the texture and dimension of the fabric. Arrange in a gallery wall formation above the changing table or crib.
The geometric patterns and faded colors of vintage quilts add authentic warmth while preserving family history for the next generation.
16. Painted Toy Chest
Plain wooden toy chests become heirloom pieces with some creative painting! Sand the surface smooth before applying a base coat in a soft, vintage-inspired color.
Add stenciled patterns, hand-painted motifs, or even decoupage vintage illustrations around the sides. Consider painting baby’s name or birth date somewhere special.
Finish with non-toxic sealant for durability, ensuring those tiny fingerprints won’t damage your handiwork during years of treasure-hiding.
17. Lace Doily Lampshade
Grandma’s lace doilies create magical light patterns when transformed into lampshades! Stretch doilies over a plain lampshade frame and secure with fabric glue or by stitching.
Layer multiple doilies for more intricate shadow effects. The light filtering through the delicate patterns casts soothing shadows perfect for bedtime.
White doilies work beautifully, but don’t hesitate to experiment with tea-dying them for that perfectly aged, vintage look.
18. Handkerchief Curtain Valance
Those pretty vintage handkerchiefs hiding in drawers make perfect window dressings! Collect handkerchiefs in coordinating colors or patterns—floral ones work especially well.
Attach them to a curtain rod by simply draping them over and securing with a few stitches, or sew them together for a more unified look. The delicate fabrics filter sunlight beautifully while adding old-world charm.
For extra whimsy, mix in a few vintage baby handkerchiefs with sweet embroidered details.