5+ Easy Ways to Use Vintage Buttons for DIY & Decor
Got old buttons? Here are 5+ easy decorative ideas for using vintage buttons for DIY crafts and home decor. Repurposed button upcycle ideas.

Anyone else get a tingle of excitement when they find a jar or bag full of vintage buttons when they’re thrifting? It’s like coming across someone’s this-is-your-life story in buttons! When I inherited my Grandma’s collection of old buttons, I sat for hours sorting through them. Military uniform buttons, Bakelite beauties, and tiny white baby clothes buttons joined a rainbow of possibilities.
Not only do buttons tell the stories of past lives, they are filled with creative potential for crafts and DIY projects. Take a quick look at Pinterest and your mind will be swimming with button crafts ideas. It will definitely make you want to start collecting them for yourself!
Today I’m joining my Lifestyle of Love friends to send button inspiration your way! This group of talented, creative ladies loves everything vintage, antique, repurposed and farmhouse. Thanks to Cindy at County Road 407 for hosting us; she knows just how to inspire our ideas! If you’re visiting from Common Ground, wasn’t Debra’s button bouquet art so pretty? I want to make one! I’ll have all the rest of the inspiration at the end.
5+ Easy Ways to Use Vintage Buttons for DIY & Decor
For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission. There is no additional cost to you. “As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.” My full privacy policy is here.
Display Vintage Buttons as Art
The first idea is easy as pie. As you’re collecting old buttons while you’re thrifting (or if you’ve inherited some), sort them by color. Simply place them in glass jars. I like to use vintage grid jars or juice/milk jars. Sometimes I put old zinc lids on mason jars full of buttons. I even use my grandma’s vintage glass coffee pot for brown buttons. Get creative and place your whole collection of vintage buttons somewhere you can enjoy the pretty display!
I’ve got jars full of every color button and also brass buttons, and clear versions. When you organize them by color, you can easily see which color you’re short of and need to keep an eye out for when you’re thrifting.
Craft Vintage Buttons Into a Topiary
Vintage buttons can be crafted into a beautiful topiary tree. Pretty as a home decor accent or centerpiece for a party or special occasion. Color coordinate the buttons to your style. A grouping of several in different sizes and shapes would make a beautiful statement.
Get the simple how to in “Cottage Cute DIY Vintage Button Topiary”.
Update an Old Quilt with Vintage Buttons
If an old quilt needs fixing or the yarn ties are looking sad, vintage buttons can add a fresh look! Simply replace worn ties by sewing buttons through the quilt’s layers. Color coordinate buttons to match the quilt fabrics, either with a subtle color or for a punchy accent. Buttons can either be placed at intersecting fabrics or in the middle of a patchwork square.
See how to easily repair an old quilt HERE.
Finish an Origami Flower With an Old Button
Vintage buttons are the perfect way to finish off an easy Origami flower. After you get all the paper folding and gluing done, you can choose a coordinating button or two to glue on the center of the flower. Layer a couple buttons for more texture and color.
Find out how to make easy origami flowers HERE. Plus learn all the fun ways you can take the basic petal next level and how to decorate with them.
Make Fun DIY Button Pillows
Buttons can be crafted into anything. If you have basic sewing skills, you can turn a grouping of buttons into charming seasonal pillow covers. Simply sew them into whatever shape or add them to a seasonal themed pillow.
“Sunflower Button Pillow How To”
“A Patriotic Porch Pinterest Challenge”
Love Crafting with Vintage Buttons
Yes, I love crafting with vintage buttons. If you don’t sew, all you need is some glue to make a sweet heart with buttons. This old bingo card is a fun addition to Valentine’s decor. Either use one at a time or string up a whole bunch in a garland.
As you can see, the sky is the limit when it comes to decorative ideas using vintage buttons! You definitely should start a collection for yourself. Keep an eye out for them whenever you’re thrifting. And store them in glass jars to enjoy a pretty display in between crafting!
For more button ideas, visit my friend Rachel at The Ponds Farmhouse next. She’s got 3 easy ways to decorate with vintage red, white and blue buttons; just in time for the Patriotic decorating season!
Thanks for reading 5+ Easy Ways to Use Vintage Buttons for DIY & Decor. If you enjoyed your visit, be sure to Become an Insider so I can send the ideas right to you! You can Sign Up HERE.
Follow Me: LTK | Amazon | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook
pin, save, and enjoy the rest of the inspiration!
Sharing at these lovely parties:
The ideas for buttons are my favorite. I have LOTS of buttons and am always looking for more ideas on how to use them. Happy New Year !
Glad you enjoyed the ideas, Sarah!
God has blessed (cursed?) me with the ability to see possibilities in everyday things to make dollhouse accessories (1/12 scale, 1″=1 foot). I love buttons for dishes (flat ones) salad, mixing, vegetable, and popcorn bowls (especially domed metal or pearl), tiered tidbit trays (2 or 3 of the same design in different sizes), candy dishes (the old glass crystal ones), soap dishes (small ovals), picture/clock frames (flat ones with a rim), “Jello” (colored clear glass or plastic), ashtrays, fancy cakes, cakes, meringues, pet food bowls (with white paint for milk for kittens, painted sand for kibble), pretty jar lids for a bead, etc. It is a great way to add inexpensive accesories to your dollhouse; when homemade items are mixed in with the “storeboughts,” your eyes see the overall effect, not just components. A nurdle of white fabric paint for whipped cream with a dot of red for a cherry often covers the holes in the button. I have even clipped shanks off plastic buttons and glued earring backs onto them for lightweight earrings! Great for anyone with metal allergies! P. S.: I asked the man at the transfer station to be on the lookout for a crib mattress spring last week; Sat. he had a beautiful new one one for me. I want to use it in my booth to hang things on to maximize my space. Not like your vintage one, but still great!
Love all your super creative dollhouse ideas, Kathy! Thanks for sharing:)
Can I just say – yes please?! Each idea was amazing. Which of course is no surprise. I have several colored buttons but don’t really “collect” them. Well seeing your jars it’s changed my mind. And that little Bingo heart is darling. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful ideas. Pinterest is going to go wild for them!
Thanks, Cindy! There are so many amazing ideas on Pinterest…I can’t even;)
Lora you have so many wonderful vintage buttons. I love separating them by color. The topiary and sunflower pillows are super cute!! You have something fun for for every season!
I definitely use them throughout the year, Debra; good to have all colors on hand!
All of these ideas are wonderful – so much fun! I craft with my 4 year old niece and she will love these activities.
She will love just sorting and playing with the buttons!
So fun!!! It’s like jars of candy but in button form. They are all so pretty in all of those fun colors. This did pique my interest…I might start having to keep an eye out when I’m thrifting now 🙂
Definitely do, Rachel! They are like candy for crafty, vintage-loving souls:)
Love your ideas so much, Lora! I wouldn’t have thought of half of them so I’m excited to pin them all so I can go back and try them too. I love the idea of separating the buttons into jars by color as well so you can see which color you need to look for at vintage and antique events. Organized crafting is right up my alley sweet friend. Thanks so much for the fabulous tips and ideas. Big hugs, CoCo
I’ve been organizing my craft room, CoCo, so I’m right there with ya! Fun to enjoy crafty displays in between using them.
I absolutely love all of these. I have so many buttons, I could be busy from now on! I’m looking forward to using some these ideas. Thank you!
Lucky you to have a collection already, Tess! Happy creating:)
Lora,
Your ideas are all so cute. I love each and every one. Great post.
Thanks, Rachel!