Reuse Old Pot Lids For Sweet And Stylish Vintage-Inspired Decor

If you can upcycle metal lids into the cutest flower baskets with an easy DIY, then you can turn a pot lid into all kinds of new and beautiful decor items in just a day. Whether you already have a collection of spares or you picked up an extra lid or two while out thrifting, don't toss those old pot lids — reuse them to create an adorable kitchen decor piece. In fact, you can use this creation almost anywhere in the house. The inspiration for this easy project — an antique-look pedestal for a pillar candle — comes from crafty TikToker our_upcycled_life. All you need to get started is a metal pot lid, a block of wood, and some art supplies you may already have on hand.

To get started on this project, make sure you can unscrew the knob from the center of your pot lid. If you can't, you'll need another lid with this function. You'll also want to prioritize flat lids over those with curved or bubble-like profiles. The other items you'll need to complete this home decor DIY include a chunky, solid block of wood (or even an old wooden sofa or coffee table leg) and a vintage-inspired print. If you're looking for inspiration, Etsy has a wide range of options — we really like CloudPetalsCo Vintage Pantry Labels. You'll also need a screwdriver, a sander or sanding block, a worn mason jar ring, Mod Podge Matte Sealer, E6000, coffee-colored wood stain, black chalk paint, and a paintbrush. This project is quite customizable, so pick colors and prints that complement your existing aesthetic.

The block of wood TikToker  our_upcycled_life used for this project has a top and bottom caps. If you want the same look but only have a solid, square block, you can add glue on extra blocks of wood. However, this step is optional since a plain wood block will work just fine. Either way, the first step in this DIY is to add a few coats of black chalk paint to the block. While the paint is drying, prepare the sign that you'll decoupage onto the front. This might mean staining the paper to age it and ripping the edges for a rustic, authentically old look. If you find a genuinely antique sign or a sign that's been aged in advance, you can skip this step.

@our_upcycled_life

I found this in the dump😳

♬ original sound – Our Upcycled Life

Next, run the sander — or the sanding block — over the painted wood block to distress it. Wipe away any dust with a damp cloth and paint on a few layers of the coffee-colored wood stain. Use a rag to wipe off any excess stain and allow the surface to dry to the touch. Now it's time to decoupage the sign to the front of the wood block. Coat the entire back of the paper sign with Mod Podge and carefully align it on the block. Once the Mod Podge has dried, paint over the sign with another layer to seal it in place and protect it from dust and moisture. Unscrew the knob from the pot lid and turn the whole thing upside down on the top of the wood block. Screw it in place through the knob hole and, once it's secure, glue the mason jar ring to the center using E6000. Now, your latest piece of rustic decor is ready for a pillar candle!

Does this project beat upcycling an old pot lid into the prettiest wall clock? We say yes! This pillar candle holder is a highly versatile decor piece that can be used in any room of your home. When putting something like this together, you'll want to make sure that it works for you and your needs, though. While the original crafter, TikToker our_upcycled_life, added a mason jar ring to their piece, turning it into a pillar candle holder, it's not necessary. Leaving the ring off won't ruin the look of the display stand and will give you more flexibility for usage. Ditch the pillar candle and use the upturned metal pot lid for Raycare Battery-Operated Tea Light Candles, a small houseplant (faux or real), or as an entryway catch-all.

Other ways to make this project your own include changing the color of the paint or stain. Instead of a black chalk paint, change the base color to something lighter like white or cream, don't distress it, and skip the stain altogether. That would make the vintage signs really pop and give the pedestal a modern farmhouse vibe. Another thing to consider when making this DIY is what you want to decoupage onto the wood. While a vintage or antique sign is undeniably charming, there are any number of prints you could use instead — think sheet music, vintage newspapers, old book pages, or romantic floral tissue. We love this set of 144 Mumululu Vintage Junk Journal Pages, which costs about $9. Choose whatever you think will work best in your space and customize the design to fit with your existing decor.