We all remember decorating our teenage bedroom with posters and pages torn from magazines. Maybe you still enjoy collaging, or making a vision board for a hobby. Maybe now, instead of boy bands, you collect antique prints.

I stumbled upon this site, and it struck me that this collection of public domain advertising posters could actually be a simple, sophisticated solution for decorating.

Here's how:

Go to FreeVintagePosters.com. Print out a group of posters on your home printer, or download them to a thumb drive and head to your nearest print & copy shop to get different sizes and papers.

Gallery wall

Print out a group on your home printer, or download them to a thumb drive and head to your nearest print & copy shop to get different sizes and papers.

Monochrome

Create your gallery grouping based on a common color palette.

For something a bit edgier, try a grouping printed in black & white on gray or ivory paper.

Non-traditional display 

Tape them directly to the wall with an outline of black or metallic washi tape.

I have a collection of vintage wooden hangers, including some skirt hangers that I use to clip and hang medium sized prints.

Of course you can repurpose old frames you already have, or pick some up at a thrift store. You can spraypaint the frames first in matte black, or another bold color to work with the palette of your posters.

Lifecycle

When you're ready to change your decor, you can reuse the prints as wrapping paper for small gifts.

Here's a similar display I created using color copies of vintage book covers. 

Need to refresh your walls, or make an impression on guests?

This collection of free, printable vintage advertising posters will create a unique graphic element for any room.

It's the perfect way to create a point of interest in a breakfast nook or a guest room, or add color to a hallway or entry way.

 

If you try this idea, please let us know:

• Leave a comment below,
• or post a photo to our Facebook page,
• or tag us on Instagram!