Part Sporty, Part Vintage: The Thrift Store Find To Add To Collage Walls

Collage walls tackle a couple of objectives. First, they fill up a blank wall, turning it into a gorgeous focal point. Secondly, mixed media gallery walls, in particular, can help show off your personality in a way that feels eclectic and curated. However, perfecting the collage wall isn't always a straightforward task. With tips ranging from the types of frames to use, to their orientations, to the non-print additions you should opt for, it can be overwhelming to find the right items to add to the space. Fortunately, one versatile piece could help you create a gallery wall that comes with a touch of classic American craft and whimsy. The piece in question? A vintage tennis racket. Whether as a statement piece or an accent in your collage wall, this humble piece of sports equipment can be a unique addition.

Those seeking to show off some personality could use this vintage treasure on collage walls in various ways. The tennis racket innately feels sporty, but some folks have turned it into a more eccentric frame or functional piece. You can source a vintage racket from places like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Etsy, or other vintage and resale sites. To hang a racket on your wall, some vintage pieces come with matching wall mounts. If yours doesn't, many folks choose to source specialized racket mounts, while others opt for a simple nail or two to hang the piece via the holes in the racket.

While you could upcycle an old tennis racket into practical shelving for unique home storage, there are a few simpler alternatives that make this item well suited for a collage wall. One of the easiest uses is to simply hang one or two tennis rackets on the wall via a mount or nails. Many people like to hang the rackets in pairs or more, alternating the orientation. For example, you might hang one racket upright vertically and the other upside down beside it. Or, some folks turn the rackets horizontally with the handles on alternating sides.

One way to personalize wall-hanging tennis rackets is to use yarn or embroidery. Thread yarn through the holes of the racket to create a custom letter or initial on the racket, which can be a great option in kids' rooms and nurseries. Alternatively, a fun use of tennis rackets is to use them as bulletin boards in your collage wall. DIYers use paper clips, safety pins, mini clothespins, and ribbon to attach photo booth reels, pictures, postcards, notes, or other memorabilia. If you want to keep the look simple, use one tennis racket with a few photos clipped to the wire and thread some dried flowers through to make a custom piece for your gallery wall. Some people also use these rackets as a functional jewelry storage unit. For a collage wall in your bedroom, you can hang necklace chains off of the handles and hook dangling earrings through the wire holes of the racket. See? A vintage racket can be stylish and functional — even off the court.