DIY Adorable Photo Display Stands With Repurposed Door Knobs

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

DIY crafts are a creative way to reuse items with sentimental value and maybe even make some cash on the side. Even something as simple as a doorknob can transform into something fresh and spectacular. Doorknobs are knick-knacks with character, and the right one could make you feel like you've stumbled across a tiny treasure. If you're looking for clever ways to repurpose unwanted doorknobs, a charming project to showcase some of your favorite snapshots may be the perfect solution. You can DIY your humble hardware into a heartwarming piece of home decor by creating an adorable photo display stand with some basic tools and materials and your favorite printed photograph or card.

One of the things that makes this craft perfect for a doorknob is that it already comes with a center hole for easy mounting; this isn't the same little hole on the front of the knobs with those privacy locks, though. To construct your stand, grab some crafting wire, such as Hillman Steel Rope Wire, and some wire cutters, lineman's pliers, or needle-nose pliers with a cutter. Other than that, you'll just need the knobs and some pictures to put in the finished design. Consider making these to give as gifts to friends, featuring a photograph of you together. You can also make a bunch of them to display in a designated spot in your home for a beautiful piece of vintage decor.

If you've had to replace one of your outdated doorknobs, use the old one to create your photo display stand. Clean the knob first and design it how you'd like. You might get creative and paint it a different color or add decorative elements. Next, cut the length of the wire you want to use, bending one end into a small loop or spiral design that can hold your photo upright. Then, bend the wire back a few inches from the opposite end (in other words, the bend point should a few inches from the non-spiral end). Stuff the wire into the top hole of the knob at the bend point, so the spiral end and the non-spiral end are standing upright out of the hole. Leaving the spirals section standing, wrap the other tail of the wire around the end of the knob to anchor it in place. You may need to glue or screw the knob to something flat if it's too rounded or doesn't stand on its own.

@whimsybarn

Have you ever made a photo holder from a doorknob? That's exactly what I created today—just an old doorknob, a piece of brown floral wire, and a little bit of whimsy. This was actually the DIY project included in our July Whimsy & Wonder Box, and I loved seeing how sweet and simple it turned out. (Subscriptions are now available, so if you've been waiting to jump in, this is your moment!) Around here, we do mostly vintage. 2025 is our year to vintage treasure hunt, stash & style our spaces and add "freedom" to our lives in so many ways! We specialize in vintage mystery boxes and helping people shop by decor style! Check out our online shop or jump on our email list (for family & friends insider info and specials). We can't wait to serve you! #WhimsyAndWonderBox #WhimsyBarnStyle #DoorknobDIY #PhotoHolderProject #StyledWithVintage #SimpleVintageStyle #RepurposedWithJoy #CreativeWithPurpose #TimewornTreasure #VintageDIYVideo #FromJunkToJoy #ChippyAndCharming #VintageInRealLife #CreativeReels #FacebookReels #SubscriptionBoxDIY #JoyInTheDetails #mysteryboxshop #whimsybarn

♬ Soulmate x Amélie x Interstellar x Passacaglia – edit – Andrea Vanzo

Play around with the height of your wire and bend it in different shapes, like heart or flower forms. It doesn't have to be completely upright. Part of the fun of this craft is that doorknobs come in various shapes and sizes, letting you adjust it to various heights and angles. Insert your picture or card, and you're free to set up and enjoy this adorable DIY photo stand anywhere you like. You can also use your repurposed doorknobs to display table numbers or name cards at weddings or as a stand to hold your recipe card while you cook.