12+ Creative Ways to Decorate with a Thrifted Old Scarf

What can you do with an old scarf? These 12+ creative scarf home decorating ideas will give you new uses for old scarves, whether they’re the plaid blanket scarf version or yarny type.

Who loves inexpensive, budget-friendly decorating? (hand raised…”me, me”!) Thrift stores are one of my favorite home decor haunts. And you know what you can find this time of year? Old scarves! Yes, other people may be picking them up to wrap around their neck for warmth. But today’s ideas will motivate you to scoop up several of these thrifted staples to decorate your home, indoors and out. Get ready for plenty of home decor ideas in 12+ Creative Ways to Decorate with a Thrifted Old Scarf.

12+ Creative Ways to Decorate with a Thrifted Old Scarf

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Outdoor Winter Decorating with Plaid Scarves

Old plaid scarves can be the backbone of your outdoor winter decorating. You can add them to any of your furniture pieces or accessories. With a simple knot you can transform ho hum pieces into festive decor.

When I decorate outdoors, I add blanket scarves to everything:

• chairs
• sleds
• vintage skis
• ice skates
• lamp posts
• evergreen wreaths
• vintage birdcages
• outdoor container pots

Old metal chairs look so cute when you add a plaid blanket scarf to it. Knot one around the back or tie it to the arm. Add some snips of greenery and a few pinecones and it’s as cute as a present!

Get more ideas in “Add Holiday Flourish to Your Outdoor Furniture”.

And learn how to revive old metal chairs in “How to Refresh and Enjoy Vintage Metal Lawn Chairs (and keep their time worn appeal)”.

Add an Old Scarf to Any Accessory

For a bolt of color, pattern, and texture, add an old scarf to any of your accessories. Whether it’s a wreath, an old sled, vintage skis or ice skates, everything looks better with a cute scarf tied to it.

You can either tie the knot right to the frame, or tie the knot and attach it with a bendable chenille wire.

Get even more old sled decorating ideas in “10 Creative Ways to Decorate a Vintage Sled” (it’s an internet favorite;).

Red plaid scarves add a bolt of color even in a fresh blanket of snow! The heavier weight fabric holds up better in extreme weather than simple ribbon. They can simply be washed in the washing machine at the end of the season, stored and used over and over. Ribbon usually only lasts one season for outdoor decor.

Easy Way to Attach a Scarf

If it’s hard to knot or make a bow around your accessory, use a chenille stem to attach the scarf. Simply make your scarf knot or bow and place a color-coordinated chenille wire through. You’ll be add a cute scarf to just about anything!

Thrifted Old Scarves as Indoor Home Decorating Accent

Blanket scarves and yarny versions can be a wonderful addition to your indoor decorating also. They can be used flat as a runner on a coffee or dining table or a buffet. Find thrifted scarves that coordinate with your decor for all kinds of possibilities. The substantial fabric will add color and texture to your vignettes.

They can also be woven through accessories with open spaces or draped through vignettes. Scrunch them in between and under candlesticks for added interest and texture.

I think it would be fun to use scarves on a Christmas tree as garland! I may have to try that this year;) Or maybe even at the top of a tree for a creative tree topper!

Decorate with an Old Scarf by Tying it to Anything

An old scarf can be tied to just about anything for an added touch of pretty. A table setting can look extra festive by tying a scarf to the back of each chair. You could add a small wreath or just tuck in greenery and pinecones like I did here.

Knot a scarf on an empty frame, around the trunk of a small Christmas tree, or the neck of a tiered tray. You could also add a knotted scarf to a basket arrangement for a touch of winter.

I hope all these creative ideas has made you realize having a good stash of thrifted scarves around is a decorator’s dream! They can usually be found for less than $5 at my local thrift shops. You can use them every year in different places and vary the look of your holiday and winter decor.

My favorite decor styling products can be found HERE. I like to have these essentials on hand so I can attach anything and everything; especially during the holidays!

A few creative friends are joining me today that also love thrifting and decorating their homes and gardens with vintage and secondhand finds. Be sure to see what Stacy, Jennifer and Kim are up to this month!

Thanks for reading 12+ Creative Ways to Decorate with a Thrifted Old Scarf. If you enjoyed your visit, be sure to sign up to Become an Insider , so I can send the ideas right to you! (Sign up HERE)

For the full round up of my Christmas decor and DIY ideas, see HERE.

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More Thrifty Inspiration from My Friends

Jennifer, from Cottage on Bunker Hill has been busy creating timeless Christmas decor with vintage and thrifted finds. She is so creative! See all her beautiful holiday ideas HERE.

Stacy, from Bricks n’ Blooms had great luck scoring thrifted finds that she DIY’d into beautiful holiday decor this year. I’m sure you’ll be inspired by her DIY Thanksgiving Decorations on a Budget. A big congrats to her, also-she wrote a book! I just pre-ordered mine and can’t wait to get it next year. Add it to your holiday shopping cart(or gift list); I’m sure it will be absolutely gorgeous. You can find Stacy’s book HERE.

Kim, from Shiplap and Shells, loves to decorate with her vintage finds at Christmas. Get inspired with her Cherished Christmas Vintage Decorations for a Classic Holiday.

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Sharing at these lovely parties:

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