Grayson West
Doilies may seem old-fashioned, but they offer endless creative possibilities. If you’ve stashed them away in storage, it’s time to rethink their potential. Read on as we share clever ways to turn vintage lace into everyday decor, adding charm, purpose, and texture to your space.
Wall Art
Turn doilies into textured wall art using embroidery hoops or stretched canvas. Arrange one as a focal point or cluster several for impact. That detailed lace adds depth, especially in natural light. This project turns unused fabric into eye-catching, handcrafted decor.
Gift Wrap
Wrap small gifts in recycled paper, then top them with a vintage doily for elegance. It adds texture and a timeless look in seconds. Round it up with twine or ribbon for a good finish and a handmade feel. It’s an easy, affordable alternative to store-bought toppers and looks even better.
Dreamy Canopy Detail
To create a dreamy, bohemian effect, loosely arrange old doilies over a canopy or in a comfortable reading nook. For a more aesthetic effect, use different shapes to add extra texture and soften harsh light. It’s a fun way to make your space feel like a fairytale.
Book Covers
What if you gave old paperbacks or journals a soft makeover? Here’s how: Wrap them with vintage doilies, then tuck the edges inside the covers or secure them with washi tape. When this is done, the book covers instantly feel more personal and look great stacked on shelves or coffee tables.
Framed Photo Mats
If you want your framed photos to look different from the usual ones, slide a vintage doily behind your favorite framed photo for a layer of texture. It softens the display and adds a handmade vibe to your gallery wall. Tip: Smaller lace pieces also make great corner accents inside shadow boxes.
Homemade Curtains
Stitch a few vintage doilies together, and boom—you have instant breezy curtains. These curtains let sunlight pour in while still giving you a little privacy, which is perfect for bathrooms or sunrooms where you want light and not glare from outsiders. Plus, such a design brings a classy texture to your windows.
Repurposed Baskets
Repurposed baskets from old vintage doilies are perfect for organizing fruit, sorting mail, or keeping keys in order. That’s because the doily adds padding and protects delicate items from slipping through the basket’s gaps. The DIY pattern for this is to line the inside of wicker or wire baskets with doilies.
Lampshade Refresh
Do you have some old doilies lying around? Wrap them around a lampshade using adhesive or stitches. When lit, the lace casts intricate light patterns. For a modern feel, use crisp white; for nostalgic warmth, try tea-dyed doilies. That’s a simple, charming way to turn a plain lampshade into an elegant decor.
Shelf Liners
You don’t need to be tired of plain shelves; what you’re missing out on is laying down some doilies to soften the look. Minor fixes like this keep things from clattering around and folding while still serving the looks—simply a small switch with a big vibe boost that’s just perfect for kitchens or bathrooms.
Handmade Sachets
Take two doilies, stitch together the edges, then fill the pocket with lavender or cedar, and you’ve got handmade sachets that work wonders by keeping moths at bay while adding a delightful fragrance to stored fabrics. You can also place them in closets, drawers, or anywhere storage needs a refreshing touch.