The Affordable Vintage Christmas Decor DIY That Makes Your Fridge Festive

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If you're going all out and plan on decking out your entire home for Christmas, don't leave your kitchen appliances alone. This holds especially true for products that offer premium real estate for decoration, like your refrigerator. But before you start asking Google to look for ways tinsel can be wrapped around the cooling box, try out an affordable DIY decor. Grab a small ornament frame and switch out the placeholder picture with a vintage holiday scene instead. Then, stick some magnets to the back of the frame and mount them on your fridge for a festive look.

The frame is the primary component of this DIY and you can craft budget-friendly magnets only if you get them at a fair price. Check out the discounted section of your local craft stores or pick a few Special Moments' Magnetic Photo Frames from your nearby Dollar Tree. You can even try thrifting them if you'd like them to have a bit of personality. Alternatively, plug in your hot glue gun and emboss designs on a basic frame prior to painting it in your preferred shade. In case this seems like a lot of work, consider ordering a pack of JuGeoZhi's 15-piece Vintage Resin Picture Frame. Whichever way you go, remember to buy frames in a size that will look good on your refrigerator. You can also mix and match if you're hoping to channel a modernized gallery wall. One more tip to know before making your own fridge magnets is to always purchase high-strength magnets in an appropriate size, so your decor doesn't fall off prematurely. We like Grtard's 8 Pack Disc Magnets with double-sided adhesive.

Once you have a frame and magnet you like, it's time to decide on the image you'd like to put up on your fridge. Would you want to display a holiday scene? Or, maybe you'd like winter motifs, such as snowmen, conifers, reindeers, Santa lugging their gift bag around, or a sleigh filled with gifts? Perhaps family pictures from past Christmases will let you personalize your basic refrigerator. In case you'll be crafting more than one magnet, pick a theme for the pictures, too, so they don't look random. After you finalize the details, start gathering the photos. However, don't just pick anything; keep your frames in mind.

For instance, if you're going with a simple frame, cut-outs from vintage wrapping paper or shopping bags will look great. Ask your mother or grandmother if they have any leftovers you can use, or go thrifting. Alternatively, repurpose your old holiday greeting cards. Save your family pictures for ornate frames with a little antique charm, or the final product will lack the vintage vibes you're going for. When you have selected your pictures, trim them based on your frame's dimensions and slide them in place. Does your plain acrylic frame from Dollar Tree look a little plain? Add NQEUEPN's Metal Book Corner Protectors to their edges. Use them as is if they go with your theme and fix them in place with needle nose pliers. Otherwise, paint and emboss them first for a dramatic look and feel. Finally, adhere your chosen magnets to the back of your decorated frames and your vintage fridge decor will be ready.