How to Decorate Using Old Wood Planks for Walls

Turn old wood planks into wall art.

Create a rustic setting in your home using old wood planks as a decorative accent. Gather a collection of old wood planks from an old construction job or use planks that have been reclaimed from an old building. Display the planks on the walls of any room in your home to create an eye-catching look that is sure to be the source of a conversation or two.

Things You'll Need

• Hammer
• Nails
• L-brackets
• Screws
• Level
• Decorative accessories

Instructions

1. Use wood planks to create the look of paneling on your walls. Hang the planks vertically or horizontally on a wall. Hammer nails into the planks every 6 to 8 inches along each plank. Hang the planks so that the sides touch, or hang them so that there is a gap between each one, allowing the color of the wall behind them to show through. Cover one or all of the walls in the room.

2. Create a headboard from old wood planks. Determine where the top of the mattress will touch the wall. Hang the planks, either vertically or horizontally, so that they begin just above where the top of the mattress will touch the wall. Hammer a nail every 6 to 8 inches along each of the planks. Make the headboard as short or tall as you'd like.

3. Turn old wooden planks into wall shelves. Screw two decorative L-brackets into the wall where you want to hang the shelf. Measure the length of the wood plank. Hang the brackets so that they will be 3 to 5 inches from either side of the plank. Use a level to ensure the brackets are hung evenly. Place the wood plank on the brackets so that one of the thinner edges is touching the wall; the wider edge of the plank should be pointing up to create a useable shelf space. Arrange decorative accessories on the wood plank shelves, such as pictures and collectibles.