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Friday, August 22, 2025

DIY Match Holder Makeover

Upcycled Vintage Match Holder: From Matches to Flowers



Match holders aren’t just for matches anymore. These little vintage relics of the past often get tucked away in drawers, hung in kitchens as decoration, or forgotten completely. With a little creativity, a match holder can have a whole new purpose in today’s home—one that’s both practical and charming.



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I’ll admit, I do love a good upcycle. When I spotted this vintage match holder, it was practically begging me to give it a makeover. I only wish it still had the original red paint and cheerful flowers stamped across the front—like so many of these kitchen staples did back in the day. Unfortunately, my grandfather had painted over it long ago.



And yet, I think that’s part of the charm. My grandfather was an upcycler before “upcycling” was even a word people tossed around. He couldn’t leave much alone—always tinkering, painting, and reinventing. Gifts, keepsakes, and everyday household items got makeovers often in their home. I like to think that’s where I inherited my own flair for seeing old objects with fresh eyes.



Sometimes, like with this match holder, I catch myself wishing he had left it as it was. But then again—if he hadn’t painted over it, maybe I wouldn’t have felt free to experiment with it myself. And that’s the fun of these things, isn’t it? They evolve with us.



When I looked at this humble little match holder, I didn’t see matches at all. Instead, I saw a flower holder. A touch of greenery peeking out from the top, maybe a few delicate blossoms spilling from the sides. I pictured it refreshed with a coat of paint, perhaps a transfer image, and just a kiss of aged gold along the edges.



And that’s exactly what I created.



How to Give a Match Holder a New Look


Materials You’ll Need:

  • Vintage match holder (metal, tin, or wood)

  • Paint (I used Ivory Chalk Paint by Waverly)

  • Chip brush

  • Rub-on transfers of your choice (mine are IOD brand)

  • Antique Gold Rub ‘n Buff


Instructions:

  1. Clean the match holder – Remove any dust, grease, or debris. A damp cloth usually works, but if it’s really grimy, a mild soap helps.

  2. Paint with chalk paint – Using a chip brush, apply paint evenly. Chip brushes are my favorite because they provide good coverage while leaving just enough texture for character. Allow it to dry completely.

  3. Apply your transfer – Cut out the rub-on transfer you’d like, place it on the painted surface, and secure it. Using the included stick, rub firmly back and forth until the design releases.

  4. Check as you go and burnish after – Lift a corner of the plastic sheet carefully. If the image hasn’t transferred fully, keep rubbing before peeling it away completely. Once the transfer has completely adhered to the piece, burnish the transfer by rubbing over it with the plastic sheet it was on. 

  5. Add antique touches – Use Rub ‘n Buff along the edges to mimic a naturally aged patina. A little goes a long way!

  6. Style and enjoy – Fill with faux flowers, greenery, or even use it as quirky storage.



hand holding vintage match holder painted ivory with stains on it

chip brush painting vintage match holder ivory

chip brush painting match holder bottom ivory

open pages of IOD rub on transfers

swan hair oil rub on transfer placed on front of vintage match holder

finger pulling back rub on transfer sheet to ensure it is sticking to the match holder

fingers burnishing the rub on transfer to the vintage match holder

finger applying antique gold rub n buff to the edge of the match holder

finger applying antique gold rub-n-buff to the sides of the antique match holder



A Playful Twist: From Hair Oil to Flowers



For my design, I chose a vintage-style hair oil transfer. Now, would anyone have actually stored hair oil in a match holder? Absolutely not. But that’s the beauty of upcycling—you get to play. I wasn’t worried about practicality here; I just wanted something that looked whimsical and fun. Plus, swans are so majestic, and I really liked the arch on the transfer. It mirrored the arch at the bottom where the matches would have laid for easy access. 



Creating with vintage pieces—there are no rules, only the rules you set for yourself. Personally, I rather like the freedom of just being in the moment. There’s no DIY police standing over your shoulder. Sometimes you just want a little beauty for beauty’s sake.



This match holder found its new home in our bathroom, hanging off the side of a cabinet. Normally, I shy away from hammering nails into furniture, but I figured if I ever changed my mind, I could patch the hole easily enough.



And oh, how I love the result. The little splash of whimsy makes me smile every time I see it. Instead of sitting in a drawer or collecting dust in storage, it now has a second chance as a flower holder. 



close up of made over match holder hanging on side of white cabinet with roses and boxwood leaves in the match holder



Why Upcycle Vintage Match Holders?



If you’ve ever come across a vintage match holder at a thrift store, flea market, or tucked away in your own family’s belongings, you know they can be charming little pieces of history. Once essential in kitchens for keeping matches handy for stoves and lamps, they’ve now become more of a novelty.



But here’s why they’re worth saving:



  • Unique charm – No two are alike - my version won't be like another's. Whether they’re metal, ceramic, or wood, they each carry a story.

  • Functional décor – They can hold flowers, pens, keys, or even be used as a place to hold your stamps near your bill paying station.

  • Affordable finds – You can usually snag them for under $10, making them budget-friendly vintage décor.

  • Small project size – Unlike furniture flips, these little projects are manageable, quick, and still give you that “I made something beautiful” satisfaction.



More Creative Ideas for Repurposing Match Holders



Not into flowers? Here are a few other ways you could repurpose a vintage match holder:



  • Mini planter – Add a plastic liner and plant succulents.

  • Bathroom organizer – Perfect for cotton balls, Q-tips, or makeup sponges.

  • Key holder – Keep it by the door as a quirky drop spot for keys.

  • Craft storage – Great for scissors, washi tape, or small paintbrushes.

  • Utensil holder – In the kitchen, it could hold small spoons, spatulas, or measuring cups.



The best part is that you get to tailor it to your home and style.



made over vintage match holder hanging on white cabinet inside a bathroom decorated with vintage finds



Decorating with Sentiment



Part of why I adore this project is because it connects me to my grandfather. He may have covered up the original flowers decades ago, but his hands were the last to paint this piece before mine. That matters to me.



When we choose to upcycle, we’re not just saving money or rescuing something from a landfill. Sometimes, we’re preserving stories, keeping little threads of family history alive. Every time I walk past this whimsical flower holder in my bathroom, I feel like my grandfather would nod in approval—probably amused that I couldn’t leave it alone either.



What Would You Do?



Sometimes all it takes is a second glance to see a forgotten object in a new way. This vintage match holder could have stayed in storage or collected dust on a shelf. Instead, it’s now a sweet little piece of functional décor, bringing both beauty and memory into my daily life.



So tell me—would you have filled it with matches like its original purpose? Or do you see it, like I did, as a perfect little flower holder waiting for its moment to shine?



If you’ve got a match holder tucked away or stumble across one at the thrift store, don’t pass it by. These vintage pieces may be small, but they’re bursting with potential.



Ciao,

Cara

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