If you’re looking to create a certain vintage appeal in your garden, then you’ve come to the right place, because the 11 vintage garden decor ideas that we’re about to discuss today will bring a sense of nostalgia and charm to any space.
Whether we’re talking about antique finds or simply repurposed items, there are plenty of pieces of decor that qualify as vintage, and they can all add a certain character and touch of history to any outdoor space.
Right now, we’re going to take a look at the very best vintage garden decor ideas, what you can do with them, and where you might find them.
1. Vintage Birdcages
If you’re looking to add a certain hint of elegance to your garden, some vintage bird cages might be the way to go, you know, like those metal wire cages that Tweety Bird always sat in. They have a certain vintage appeal, and you can use them for many different purposes.
You can use them to line walkways, hang them from trees filled with fairy lights, or even use them as planters. Vintage bird cages can be found at antique shops, flea markets, and even online marketplaces.
2. Antique Watering Cans
If you’re looking for garden decor that is both functional and beautiful, then going for some antique watering cans is always a good idea. Antique watering cans look great on their own, and you can even paint them as you see fit.
Not only are they good looking, but functional as well, because you can use them as vases or planters too. Antique watering cans can easily be found at garage sales, thrift stores, and local flea markets alike.
3. Old Window Frames
If you’re looking for some truly unique garden art, repurposing some old window frames is yet another way to go. What’s really cool is that old window frames can take many different shapes, colors, and be made of varying materials too.
This means that you can also use them for numerous purposes, such as hanging them from fences, letting climbing plants use them as trellises, or even creating a vintage mirror effect. You can use your own old window frames, or go find old ones at antique stores, salvage yards, and online marketplaces.
4. Rustic Garden Tools
Once again, if you’re looking for garden decor that is both functional and decorative, then hanging some old and rustic garden tools in your yard is a great way to go. Old garden tools such as hoes, rakes, spades, and more can all make for great decorative pieces.
You can hang them on fences or garden walls for a really rustic look, and if needed, you can even use them to do some good old gardening. Whether we’re talking about estate sales, thrift stores, or flea markets, these shouldn’t be very hard to find.
5. Vintage Metal Signs
Yeah, many of us had old stop signs or other street signs hung up on our bedroom balls as kids and teenagers. Well, you might be an adult now, but there’s no reason that you can’t still add this piece of nostalgia to your garden.
Yeah, you can always hang up a stop sign, but you can also look for signs that have old advertisements, gardening themes, and more.
What’s really cool is that these signs can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and they can advertise or save virtually anything on them. You’ll be able to find these at online marketplaces, antique shops, and even home decor stores.
6. Repurposed Wooden Crates
Crates are just really cool on their own, and they have a certain aesthetic charm to them. You can use them to mind your walkways, you can reinforce them and use them as seats or benches, or use them as simple decoration as well.
Whether you want to use them as planters, for storage, or even for shelving, there are so many different options at your disposal. What’s great about wooden crates is that you can find them virtually anywhere too, even local grocery stores.
7. Antique Garden Benches
Speaking of functionality, some antique garden benches always go a long way in creating an enjoyable space. They’re great for having a group of people over, and they look really cool too. Antique garden benches can be made out of wrought iron or wood, as well as other materials too.
This choice in materials means that you can match the garden benches to your existing decor. Not only are they functional in terms of sitting, but they add a certain rustic appeal to any space as well. Whether we’re talking about online marketplaces, estate sales, or antique shops, you should be able to find antique benches in many different places.
8. Old Ceramic Pots
Ceramic pots are another good option as far as vintage decor for your garden are concerned. They just have a great rustic appeal to them, and you can use them to plant herbs and flowers, to line walkways, and even for storage purposes. They can easily be found at antique shops, thrift stores, and flea markets alike.
9. Vintage Chandeliers
If you’re looking to create a relaxing atmosphere, particularly a space that is great to enjoy at night time, then hanging a vintage chandelier from a pergola or a tree is another great option.
Old chandeliers can be found at online marketplaces, antique shops, and salvage yards alike. While you can hang them up as is and simply use them for decorative purposes, if you’re skilled, you can connect the wiring and use them for actual illumination.
10. Repurposed Ladders
Repurposed ladders are also great if you’re looking to create a vintage look in your garden or backyard. You can use wooden ladders as decorative pieces or you can hang them against fences, walls, or trees to display a variety of garden decor and potted plants.
11. Old Wheelbarrows
All the wheelbarrows also make for a great vintage item for your backyard. While they might at one time have been used to haul around dirt, now you can fill them with a bit of soil and plant some succulents, herbs, and flowers. You might be able to find other things to do with old wheelbarrows as well.
Where to Find Vintage Garden Décor
What’s nice about vintage garden decor is that you can find it virtually anywhere. For instance, if you’re looking for vintage decor that you might not be able to find anywhere else, flea markets are a great way to go.
Thrift stores, garage sales, online marketplaces, and salvage yards are all great places to find vintage decor for your garden as well. However, if you’re looking for higher quality items, rarer pieces, and things that might cost you a bit of money, then your best bet is to visit your local antique shops.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.