10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans

The Latest Decorating Trend for Color Enthusiasts

If you have old afghans that are no longer being used, don’t throw them away! Instead, consider repurposing them into new and useful items. Afghans can be a great source of fabric for a variety of projects, from creating pillow covers to making tote bags.

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

To start, take a look at your afghan and determine how you can repurpose it. If it’s still in good condition but no longer matches your decor, consider using it as a throw blanket in a different room. You can also turn it into a cozy shawl or wrap to wear on chilly evenings.

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So why not get creative and give your old afghans a new lease on life? Here are 10 inspiring ways to use your stash of afghans. 

Use them as upholstery or chair covers – a great idea for remnants.

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans

In My House

Decorate with them: The most obvious of all ways to use these blankets it to, well…use them! I’m seeing more and more of these popping up in both contemporary and vintage chic bedrooms on Pinterest and I love the color and personality they bring to all different types of decor.

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

Inside Out

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

Smile Rynker

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

The Design Files

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

Pourmesjolismomes.com

Display them on an open shelf or cupboard.

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

Lykkeoglykkeliten.blogspot.co.uk

Photography Props – I’m also so inspired by the way photographers use vintage afghans to draw your eye to their subject. I have some very talented photographer friends and relatives, and  their use of these vintage beauties are what gave me an eye for them in my own home.

They work great to add color to outdoor family and senior sessions…10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

Photo: Lunaria Photography

I also love the way they help capture the innocence of newborns and toddlers, while featuring precious family heirlooms.

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

Photo: Erin Farrell Photography

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

Photo: Erin Farrell Photography

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

Photo: Lunaria Photography

10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans | Five Marigolds

If you liked this article, you might also like to see my favorite ideas for upcycling vintage sheets and fabric

Are you inspired yet? I have accumulated my own stash of beautiful vintage afgans that I’ve been de-stashing at prop shows, and online in my Etsy shop and on ebay. Check them out and let me know what you think!How I make an extra $500 per month in my spare time. | Five Marigolds

Do you have more inspiring ideas for vintage afghans? Please share them in the comments below!

A big thank you to my friends at Lunaria Photography and Erin Farrell Photography for allowing me to share their images. Please hop over to their sites to see more of their beautiful work!

12 thoughts on “10 Inspiring Ways to Use Vintage Afghans

  1. itsahero says:

    These are super cute ideas. I was just thinking the other day how growing up, I thought afghans were horrid. Now? I LOVE THEM!

  2. One Mile Smile says:

    Beautiful photos. I have an afghan my grandmother made me as a child. It used to be displayed on the rocker in my daughter’s nursery. Now that she is five, it is her favorite blanket for her baby dolls! 🙂

  3. Jennifer Perkins says:

    Great ideas. I have SO MANY, I kinda hoard them. I just used them as the walls on a trampoline tent this week. Typically they live on my covered porch during the winter months. I’ve also cut them up, stretched them in embroidery hoops and used them to decorate a Christmas tree.

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