20+ Creative Decoupage Ideas Anyone Can Do
Do you love craft or DIY projects? Do you enjoy working with your hands? If so, then decoupage might just be the perfect medium for you. Decoupage is the art of decorating objects with paper cut-outs, glue, and varnish. And there is a reason the art of decoupage has been around for centuries and is still super popular–it’s a great way to breathe new life into old items or to create unique, personalized gifts for friends and family. In this post, I'm sharing some of the most creative decoupage ideas I've seen–everything from upcycling old furniture to creating small giftable treasures.
Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, there’s a decoupage project on this list you can tackle. But first, learn a little about decoupage and what you need to do it!
What is Decoupage?
Decoupage is a crafting technique that involves using a decoupage medium (similar to glue or varnish) to layer paper or fabric onto the surface of an object and then using more of the medium as a sealer on top. The results are a unique and totally customized piece! It is simple to decoupage and it can be done on almost anything from furniture to picture frames to flower pots. Decoupage has been around for centuries and is still a popular craft today, with endless possibilities.
What is Mod Podge?
Mod Podge is a brand of decoupage glue. It is often called “Modge Podge,” but I promise the correct name (and pronunciation) is MOD Podge! The most popular brand of decoupage medium, it is a water-based formula that dries clear and provides a strong, durable bond between 2 materials. Usually, it is for decoupaging paper or a similar material onto another object.
Mod Podge can be used as both an adhesive and a sealer, making it an ideal choice for decoupage projects. It is available in a variety of finishes, including gloss, matte, satin, and more, allowing you to choose the perfect look for your project. You can buy Mod Podge virtually any place craft supplies are sold. Ask any DIYer what one of the best and most versatile craft mediums is on earth…”Mod Podge” will be the answer!
What Can You Decoupage?
You’ll see from the decoupage ideas below that almost any surface can be decoupaged, including wood, ceramic, glass, metal, terra cotta, and more! You can use tons of different materials to decoupage onto surfaces, including napkins, fabric, newsprint, magazine cutouts and scrapbook paper. The possibilities with decoupage are nearly endless and if I tried to list them all we would be here all day. That is what makes it one of the most popular craft projects out there! I love that you can make old pieces feel totally new and change things to match your style and decor.
The Best DIY Decoupage & Mod Podge Projects
Napkin Decoupage Technique
With colorful paper napkins and a bottle of Mod Podge, I totally changed the style of an old mirror. It went from boring to a total wow piece!
Washi Tape Desk
Decoupaged washi tape and a new paint job give this old desk an awesome transformation. I love a good upcycle project like this!
IKEA Kid's Chair Makeover
Don't love the bright, primary color of most kids furniture? Update it with some paint, Mod Podge and fabric. This simple decoupage project transformed a basic IKEA kid's set with fabric and gave it a much more sophisticated look.
Coiled Magazine Basket
Create a cute little paper basket with magazine pages and Mod Podge! Leave off the top if you just want a trinket dish.
Design Detail on Drawers
Give your dresser a major upgrade by adding beautiful paper to the sides of the drawers. This quick and easy decoupage tutorial shows exactly how to achieve this look!
Decoupage Furniture With Fabric
Transform a wood chair into a fun and funky desk chair using a beautiful fabric. This will forever be one of my most popular and easiest DIY's!
Custom Bracelets
These amazing DIY decoupage bracelets are so simple to make and you can literally customize them any way you want! What an easy way to make fun accessories.
DIY Custom Wall Decals
Use your favorite fabric decoupaged on letters for a wow statement on your walls! I cut out this quote for our girls' room with a cutting machine and added fabric to create interest.
Tabletop Orange Tree
This tutorial shows you how to DIY an orange tree with crepe paper and Mod Podge. A faux floral stem like this is the perfect pop of color when you can't use a real plant!
Durable DIY Rug
Fabric and a drop cloth come together in this high-impact, low-cost project. Finishing it with a few coats of poly varnish makes this floor covering durable and easy to clean!
Oyster Trinket Dish
These sweet trinket dishes are a simple DIY, perfect for gifting. You can customize them easily with any tissue paper or napkin and anyone can do this easy decoupage idea!
Decoupage Dresser with Fabric
This incredible project shows that you can create magic with decoupaged fabric. By using fabric and coordinating paint, this old piece of furniture almost looks like the fox design was hand-painted. Gorgeous.
DIY Photo Canvas with Texture
Add any photo to a canvas to make your own DIY photo canvas with authentic canvas texture with this easy tutorial.
Large Storybook Art
Create big storybook art for less than $30! This is an awesome decoupage craft that is a big-impact, low-budget project and the finished product is so cute.
Colorful Chair Backs
Add fabric to the backs of chairs for a fun and unexpected pop of color in your kitchen or dining room! This is a great way to add interest and style in a budget-friendly way.
Garden Bench Makeover
You can decoupage outdoor projects! Instead of heading to the trash, this garden bench was given a new life with decoupaged napkins for a Marimekko-inspired makeover.
Watercolor Style Lampshade
Create a designer look on a budget (and with zero watercolor skills!) with this decoupage idea. This beautiful lampshade looks high-end and handpainted!
Colorful Typography Wall Art
This decoupaged typography art brings lots of personality and color into the room! Use this as inspiration for any phrase that works for your style and family.
Decoupage Behind Shelves
Geometric print fabric decoupaged to the back of this hutch is the perfect finishing touch with the green paint. This would also work on built-ins or bookshelves!
Glitter Candles
Perfect for the holidays, this is another crazy easy DIY project! Add your favorite glitter to any candle.
Mod Podge Confetti Tray
Created with Mod Podge and confetti, these trays are a showstopper. The tutorial gives specific instructions to get the best results and avoid bubbles!
Mason Jar Vases
This simple project is easy to customize with any fabric for the season or holiday. Keep them on hand and add a bouquet for an easy last-minute gift anytime you need something!
Craft Paper Coasters
This is a great beginner decoupage project. Decoupage paper from the craft store (or your personal stash of craft paper, wallpaper, or napkins) dresses up tiles to make simple coasters for a bright pop of color.
Collage Graphic Art
You don't have to be able to draw or use a paintbrush to create art! Use collage to decoupage your own raindrop art. Or get more adventurous and choose any shape and create more intricate designs.
I hope after seeing these incredible ideas you are convinced that decoupage is a wonderful way to express your creativity and breathe new life into old items. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, there’s no limit to what you can create with a little Mod Podge, paper, and imagination. So go ahead and try out one (or all!) of these 20+ creative decoupage ideas. You’ll be amazed at what you can do!
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Love the planters and the raindrop art. Great round up good ideas! Thanks for including my bench and mats.