Have you ever stumbled upon a pile of old license plates and wondered what to do with them? Let’s dive into a world of creative possibilities where these metal treasures transform into charming home and garden decor.

1. License Plate Wall Art

License plate wall map adding character and charm to a living space.
License plate wall map adding character and charm to a living space.

Turn your old license plates into a striking piece of wall art. Arrange them in a pattern or shape that holds meaning to you, like a heart or a state map. I’ve done this in my own studio and love how it adds a touch of nostalgia and storytelling to the space.

A few suggestions:

  • License Plate Map Template: A template helps you arrange your license plates into the shape of a state or a country easily.
  • Heavy Duty Mounting Tape: Strong and reliable for attaching license plates to the wall securely, avoiding the need for drilling.
  • Wall Art Frame for License Plates: A frame that can accommodate a large display of license plates, providing a finished look.

2. Vintage License Plate Birdhouse

A cozy birdhouse with a vintage flair for your garden.
A cozy birdhouse with a vintage flair for your garden.

Craft a quaint birdhouse by using license plates as the roof. It’s a simple way to invite nature into your backyard. My feathered friends seem to enjoy the unique shelter, and it’s a conversation starter at garden parties!

A few helpful options:

  • Vintage License Plates: These vintage license plates can be used to create a charming and rustic roof for your birdhouse, adding a unique touch to your backyard decor.
  • Wooden Birdhouse Kit: This wooden birdhouse kit provides the foundation for your project, making it easy to create a sturdy base for your license plate roof.
  • Outdoor Wood Sealant: Protect your birdhouse from the elements with this durable outdoor wood sealant, ensuring longevity in various weather conditions.

3. License Plate Key Holder

A stylish and functional key holder made from a vintage license plate.
A stylish and functional key holder made from a vintage license plate.

Never lose your keys again with a license plate key holder. Simply attach hooks to a plate and mount it by your door. I love how it keeps my entryway organized while adding a pop of retro style.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Decorative License Plate: Add a vintage touch to your key holder with a decorative license plate that matches your style.
  • Wall Mount Hooks: These hooks are perfect for attaching to the license plate, providing a secure place for keys.
  • License Plate Mounting Kit: Ensure your key holder is securely affixed to the wall with this mounting kit.

4. License Plate Planter

A unique planter bringing vintage charm to a modern balcony.
A unique planter bringing vintage charm to a modern balcony.

Add a dash of greenery by crafting a planter from an old license plate. Bend it into a cylinder and secure it with bolts. This quirky planter sits proudly on my balcony, filled with succulents and memories.

Possibly handy products:

  • Metal Bending Tool: A handy tool for bending metal to create unique shapes, perfect for crafting your cylindrical planter from a license plate.
  • Galvanized Bolts and Nuts: Essential for securely fastening the edges of your bent license plate to form a sturdy planter.
  • Succulent Potting Mix: This soil mix is ideal for planting succulents, giving them the drainage and nutrients they need to thrive in your new planter.

5. License Plate Coasters

Add a quirky touch to your table with these DIY license plate coasters.
Add a quirky touch to your table with these DIY license plate coasters.

Protect your table with quirky coasters made from pieces of license plates. Just cut them to size and sand down any sharp edges. They always get compliments during coffee catch-ups at my place!

You might like:

  • Metal Cutting Shears: Ideal for cutting metal license plates to the perfect size for coasters.
  • Sanding Block: Helps smooth out sharp edges on cut metal pieces for safe use.
  • Epoxy Adhesive: Strong adhesive suitable for attaching felt or rubber pads to the base of coasters.

6. License Plate Pencil Holder

Organize your desk with a DIY pencil holder from a vintage license plate.
Organize your desk with a DIY pencil holder from a vintage license plate.

Transform a license plate into a chic pencil holder by bending it into a cylinder and securing it. It’s a perfect addition to your workspace. Mine holds all my colorful pens and pencils, brightening up my desk daily!

Some ideas to consider:

  • Metal Hole Punch Tool: A durable tool to easily punch holes in metal plates for secure attachment.
  • Metal Cylinder Form: A versatile form to help bend and shape the license plate into a perfect cylinder.
  • Decorative Rivets: Stylish rivets that allow you to securely fasten the license plate into a cylindrical shape.

7. License Plate Clock

A DIY clock that combines functionality with vintage aesthetics.
A DIY clock that combines functionality with vintage aesthetics.

Craft a one-of-a-kind clock by attaching clock hands to a centered license plate. It adds a unique flair to any room. My kitchen clock, with its vintage appeal, never fails to catch the eye of visitors.

A few things you might like:

  • Clock Movement Kit with Hands: A clock movement kit with hands is essential for turning your license plate into a functioning clock. It includes all necessary components for a smooth assembly.
  • Adhesive Hooks for Wall Mounting: Sturdy adhesive hooks are ideal for securely hanging your license plate clock on the wall without the need for drilling.
  • Battery-Powered Clock Mechanism: Ensure your clock keeps accurate time with a reliable battery-powered clock mechanism. Easy to install and essential for any DIY clock project.

8. License Plate Mirror Frame

A rustic mirror frame that stands out with its unique license plate design.
A rustic mirror frame that stands out with its unique license plate design.

Frame your mirror with old license plates for a rustic look. Cut and arrange them around the mirror’s edge. In my hallway, this piece reflects light beautifully while making a bold design statement.

These products might be useful:

  • Vintage License Plates Set: These vintage license plates offer a nostalgic, rustic charm perfect for crafting a unique mirror frame.
  • Heavy-Duty Metal Shears: Sturdy metal shears ideal for cutting and shaping license plates to fit your mirror frame design.
  • Strong Adhesive for Metal: A reliable adhesive designed for metal surfaces, ensuring your license plate frame stays securely in place.

9. License Plate Napkin Holder

Add a touch of whimsy to your dining table with a DIY napkin holder.
Add a touch of whimsy to your dining table with a DIY napkin holder.

Bend a license plate into a U-shape to create a napkin holder. It’s a playful addition to your dining table. My guests always smile when reaching for a napkin from this quirky holder.

Check if these fit your needs:

  • Metal Bending Tool: A versatile metal bending tool, perfect for shaping license plates into customized designs like a napkin holder.
  • Decorative Napkins: Add some charm to your napkin holder with a set of colorful, decorative napkins.
  • Protective Gloves: Ensure safety while working with metal using durable protective gloves.

10. License Plate Mail Organizer

Stay organized with a DIY mail organizer featuring vintage charm.
Stay organized with a DIY mail organizer featuring vintage charm.

Keep your mail sorted with a mail organizer crafted from license plates. Attach them to a wooden board with slots for different categories. This piece keeps my entryway tidy and organized.

You might give these a try:

  • Vintage License Plates Set: Authentic vintage-style license plates for crafting projects. Perfect for creating a distinctive mail organizer.
  • Wooden Board for DIY Projects: Sturdy wooden board ideal for attaching license plates and creating a mail organizer.
  • Wall Mounting Hardware Kit: Hardware kit with screws and anchors for securely mounting your mail organizer on the wall.

11. License Plate Wind Chime

A DIY wind chime that adds a delightful sound to your outdoor space.
A DIY wind chime that adds a delightful sound to your outdoor space.

Create a musical wind chime by hanging metal pieces from a license plate. Experiment with different objects for varied sounds. Mine sings beautifully in the breeze, adding a serene vibe to my garden.

A few relevant products:

  • Set of Metal Rods for Wind Chimes: These metal rods can be used to create varied musical sounds for your wind chime. Perfect for adding a harmonic tone to your garden.
  • Sturdy Drill and Bit Set: A versatile drill and bit set that can make precise holes in metal license plates for assembling your wind chime.
  • Durable Nylon String: Strong and weather-resistant nylon string suitable for hanging your wind chime pieces securely.

12. License Plate Candle Holder

Create a warm ambiance with a DIY candle holder from a license plate.
Create a warm ambiance with a DIY candle holder from a license plate.

Fashion a unique candle holder by bending a license plate into a circular base. Add some candles for a cozy glow. I often use mine during dinner parties for a touch of vintage elegance.

Give these a look:

  • Vintage License Plates: A variety of vintage license plates to create a unique and rustic candle holder design.
  • Metal Bending Tool: Tool for bending metal, perfect for shaping license plates into a circular base for the candle holder.
  • Decorative Pillar Candles: Elegant decorative pillar candles, ideal for providing a cozy glow in your finished candle holder.

13. License Plate Bookends

Keep your books in place with these unique DIY bookends.
Keep your books in place with these unique DIY bookends.

Support your books with sturdy bookends made from bent license plates. They’re both functional and decorative. My bookshelf has never looked cooler with these eye-catching bookends.

Check these products out:

  • License Plate Blanks: Blank license plates that can be bent and used to create customized bookends.
  • Metal Bending Tool: A tool to help bend metal plates smoothly and accurately for your DIY bookends.
  • Protective Gloves: Safety gloves to protect your hands while working with metal.

14. License Plate Jewelry Holder

A chic way to display and organize your jewelry collection.
A chic way to display and organize your jewelry collection.

Organize your accessories with a jewelry holder crafted from a license plate. Attach small hooks for necklaces and earrings. It’s a stylish way to keep my jewelry tidy and tangle-free.

Consider these options:

  • Metal Hook Set: A set of small, sturdy hooks perfect for hanging necklaces and earrings on your license plate jewelry holder.
  • Adhesive Mounting Strips: Strong adhesive strips to securely attach your license plate to the wall without damage.
  • Drill with Assorted Bits: A versatile drill set ideal for creating holes in the license plate for attaching hooks.

15. License Plate Drawer Pulls

Transform your furniture with these creative DIY drawer pulls.
Transform your furniture with these creative DIY drawer pulls.

Give your furniture a makeover with drawer pulls made from license plates. Cut them into strips and attach them to drawer fronts. My dresser now boasts a unique industrial look that I adore.

Explore these options:

  • Metal Cutting Shears: Durable metal cutting shears perfect for easily cutting through license plates, ensuring clean and precise strips for your drawer pulls.
  • Drawer Pull Screws and Fasteners: A set of screws and fasteners to securely attach your license plate strips to drawer fronts, providing stability and functionality.
  • License Plate Blanks: Blank license plates for crafts allow customization and easy cutting, ideal for creating a uniform and professional look.

16. License Plate Tray

Serve your guests with a uniquely crafted DIY tray.
Serve your guests with a uniquely crafted DIY tray.

Serve in style with a tray crafted from a license plate. Add handles for easy carrying. This tray is perfect for breakfast in bed or serving drinks on the patio.

Some handy options:

  • Decorative Tray Handles: Stylish and sturdy handles to attach to your license plate tray. They provide a comfortable grip for carrying.
  • Wooden Tray Base: A solid wooden base to support the license plate, ensuring durability and stability for your tray.
  • Protective Clear Finish Spray: A protective finish spray to keep your license plate looking new and protect it from scratches or stains.

17. License Plate Coat Rack

Hang your coats in style with this creative DIY coat rack.
Hang your coats in style with this creative DIY coat rack.

Combine function and flair with a coat rack made from a license plate. Attach hooks and mount it near your entryway. It’s become a practical and stylish addition to my home.

Might be a good match:

  • Vintage Metal Hooks: Durable metal hooks perfect for creating a sturdy coat rack. These hooks add a rustic charm to your project.
  • Wooden Backing Board: A solid wooden board to mount your license plate and hooks. Enhances the aesthetic appeal and provides a stable mount.
  • License Plate Frame: A frame to securely hold the license plate in place. Offers both protection and a finished look.

18. License Plate Photo Frame

Display your photos with a unique DIY frame for added character.
Display your photos with a unique DIY frame for added character.

Frame your cherished memories with a photo frame made from license plates. Cut and arrange them to border your photo. It adds a personal and vintage touch to my gallery wall.

These products might help:

  • Metal Cutting Shears: Essential tool for cutting and shaping the license plates to fit your photo frame. Provides precision and ease in crafting.
  • Multi-Purpose Adhesive: Strong adhesive to securely attach the cut license plates to the frame, ensuring durability and a clean finish.
  • Decorative License Plate Pack: A set of vintage or replica license plates for crafting unique and personalized photo frames.

19. License Plate Garden Border

Add a rustic touch to your garden with a license plate border.
Add a rustic touch to your garden with a license plate border.

Define your garden space with a border made from old license plates. Line them up along the edge for a rustic look. My garden now has a vintage edge that complements the flowers beautifully.

Useful items to consider:

  • Decorative License Plates: Set of vintage-style decorative license plates for crafting a rustic garden border.
  • Metal Garden Stakes: Sturdy metal stakes to secure license plates in the ground, ensuring they stay upright.
  • Rustic Garden Landscape Edging: Flexible landscape edging to complement the vintage look of the license plate border.

20. License Plate Light Fixture

Brighten your space with a DIY light fixture that stands out.
Brighten your space with a DIY light fixture that stands out.

Illuminate your space with a light fixture crafted from license plates. Shape them into a lampshade or pendant light. My studio’s lighting now has an industrial chic vibe that I absolutely love.

Products that could assist:

  • Vintage License Plates: A set of vintage license plates perfect for creating a unique and industrial-style lampshade.
  • Pendant Light Kit: A complete pendant light kit that allows you to easily install and customize your license plate light fixture.
  • Industrial Chain for Light Fixture: A sturdy industrial-style chain to hang your custom light fixture, adding an authentic aesthetic to your space.

21. License Plate Garden Art

Bring whimsy to your outdoor space with DIY garden art.
Bring whimsy to your outdoor space with DIY garden art.

Add personality to your garden with art made from license plates. Create shapes like flowers or animals and mount them on stakes. My garden has never looked more whimsical with these playful additions.

Try these:

  • Metal Stakes for Garden Art: Durable metal stakes to securely mount your license plate creations in the garden.
  • License Plate Craft Pack: A collection of vintage or replica license plates, perfect for crafting unique garden art.
  • Metal Cutting Tools: Essential tools for cutting and shaping license plates into creative designs like flowers and animals.

22. License Plate Toolbox

Store your tools in style with a DIY vintage toolbox.
Store your tools in style with a DIY vintage toolbox.

Craft a durable toolbox using old license plates. It’s a sturdy and stylish way to store your tools. My workshop feels more organized and vintage with this handy toolbox.

Possibly helpful picks:

  • Metal Shears: Heavy-duty metal shears are essential for cutting license plates to the desired size and shape.
  • Rivet Gun Kit: A rivet gun kit is perfect for securely attaching license plates together to form a sturdy toolbox.
  • Metal Corner Brackets: These brackets help reinforce the corners of your toolbox, providing extra stability and strength.

23. License Plate Desk Organizer

Keep your office supplies organized with a DIY desk organizer.
Keep your office supplies organized with a DIY desk organizer.

Tidy up your desk with a desk organizer crafted from license plates. Use them to create compartments for office supplies. My workspace has never been more organized or stylish.

Items that may come in handy:

  • Set of Vintage License Plates: A collection of vintage-style license plates perfect for adding a rustic touch to your desk organizer.
  • Wooden Desk Organizer: A versatile wooden organizer base that can be customized with unique license plates for a stylish workspace.
  • Strong Adhesive Glue: Durable adhesive for securely attaching license plates to your wooden organizer base.

24. License Plate Candle Lantern

Set the mood with a DIY candle lantern that adds warmth and style.
Set the mood with a DIY candle lantern that adds warmth and style.

Create a cozy atmosphere with a candle lantern fashioned from a license plate. Cut and fold it into a lantern shape, adding a candle inside. This piece casts a warm glow in my living room, perfect for relaxing evenings.

A few choices to try:

  • Metal Cutting Shears: Essential for cutting license plates to shape your candle lantern with precision.
  • Battery-Powered LED Candle: Creates a safe, flickering glow without the risk of an open flame.
  • Decorative Hinges: Adds a decorative touch while allowing the customization and assembly of your lantern.

25. License Plate Pet Feeder

Elevate your pet's dining experience with a DIY feeder.
Elevate your pet’s dining experience with a DIY feeder.

Spoil your furry friend with a custom pet feeder made from a license plate. Use it as a decorative base for bowls. My pets enjoy their meals in style, thanks to this unique feeder setup.

These products might be useful:

  • Metal License Plate: A vintage-style metal license plate to serve as the decorative base for your pet feeder.
  • Stainless Steel Pet Bowls: Durable and easy-to-clean stainless steel bowls perfect for your pet’s food and water.
  • Wooden Craft Box: A sturdy wooden box that can be used as the base to attach the license plate for stability.