• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Start Here
  • Shop Favorites
  • About
    • Welcome To My Repurposed Life Home of Repurposed Furniture
    • More About Gail
    • Disclosure
    • Privacy Information
  • Gallery
    • Repurposed Furniture
  • Repurposed Items
    • Building Supplies
    • Miscellaneous Household Items
    • Picture Frame/Chalk Board
  • DIY
    • Home Reno
    • outdoor living
    • Painting
    • Shop Talk
    • Tips for Around the House
    • Build It
      • Furniture
      • Home Decor
      • Storage
    • Crafts
      • Dollar Store
      • Easy
      • Holidays Seasonal
  • Furniture
    • Chair
    • Desk
    • Dresser/Chest
    • Headboard | Bed Parts | Cribs
    • Kids Furniture
    • Table
    • Kids Furniture
My Repurposed Life® Rescue Re-imagine Repeat
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Project Index
  • Furniture
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » DIY » Build It » Rustic Fence as Mantel Decor

    Rustic Fence as Mantel Decor

    Published by Gail | Published September 5, 2013 | Updated July 12, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet

    rustic fence mantel decor ideas

     

    When I blogged about the easy rustic trays, I put it out there that I was looking for more great uses for all the fence. Holly from Full Circle Creations wrote me an email--You could take some of that rough stuff and make small faux barn doors that would have been used in a barn loft...and add hardware to it and sell at your shows. People love to use those on their mantles...add a wreath to them or bunting. You could even attach and drape wire across then attach little clips or clothespins to it when you sell them. Just an idea.

    faux garden gateWhen I started cutting the boards, I decided to keep the dog eared look. This was so simple, I cut 6 boards 30 inches long, put them together, measured the width and cut two boards 20.5. the cross board was the most difficult, but still very easy. I laid it under the cross boards and drew a line to get the right angle. A little Gorilla Glue Wood Glue and a nail gun going pop pop pop, and voila—it’s done.

     

    rustic fence gateWhen I sent the picture to Holly, she commented it looked like a gate… duh! she had mentioned barn door, and I made a gate. lol

     

    rustic mantel decorI brought it into the house to test it on my mantel to see if the size was right.

     

     

    staging a mantelA pitiful attempt to stage it. I really like rustic, but I just don’t know how to pull it all together.

     

    funky junk interiors mantelI remember when Donna blogged this years ago, do you? She whitewashed hers because she has a dark mantel. On my mantel, I would need to leave it natural, or stain it with a dark stain.

     

    barn door mantel decorAfter reading Holly’s email, I decided to do the faux barn door. For this piece I only used 5 boards and I cut them at 30 inches. I used the wood glue and nail gun to secure the boards, placing the top an bottom board one bard length from the top and bottom. I then measured the cross board just like I did with the faux gate.

     

    rustic faux shuttersNext up—this pair of faux shutters. You can see I used 3 boards for each, measuring 24 inches.

     

     

    faux barn door collage

     

    Faux Gate collageI made a feeble attempt to stage the faux barn door and faux garden gate….

    But--I went shopping to pick up a few items, then, I spent about an hour a DAY styling-staging these items on my mantel…..

     

    rustic mantel decorI picked up some polka-dot burlap ribbon and a grapevine wreath at Hobby Lobby. This is what I’m calling a faux barn door because the boards are straight across on the top.

    Rustic Wooden Gate Mantel DecorThis is what I’m calling a faux gate, because it reminds me of a garden gate. The photo on the bottom right is pretty much how it sits on my mantel right now. Although the polka dots are cute, They really aren’t me. You can see I switched out the red book for a more deeper toned plain book.

    rustic faux shutters mantel decorLast, but not least are some cute rustic faux shutters. This multi color polka dot ribbon was found at JoAnn’s.

    I really am loving the new look of my mantel. I plan to make some of these for Glendale out of the fence that is too rough to use for the directional wedding signs in my Etsy shop.

    rustic fence projectsYou can check out my other rustic fence projects – easy rustic trays, planter koozies to cover up your plastic pots.

    EDITED to ADD:

    Welcome SignI made a little sign for my wreath.

    I can also see the faux gate/barn doors/shutters  used outdoors by a front door or by the mailbox to greet guests. Where would you use one?

    gail

    more rustic fence projects here:

    [categorythumbnaillist 113 ]

    more projects using bits and pieces:

    [categorythumbnaillist 314]

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email
    Pin
    Share
    Tweet

    Related Content:

    • Patriotic Clothespin Wreath | How to Paint Clothespins
      Patriotic Clothespin Wreath | How to Paint Clothespins
    • How to build: DIY Barn Doors
      How to build: DIY Barn Doors
    • Reclaimed wood projects | Fence | Pallets
      Reclaimed wood projects | Fence | Pallets
    • DIY Rustic Fall Projects Including Thrift Store Ideas
      DIY Rustic Fall Projects Including Thrift Store Ideas
    • how to faux mantel
      how to faux mantel
    • Easy Rustic Frame 3 ways
      Easy Rustic Frame 3 ways

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      See comments Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Laurel Stephens

      September 13, 2013 at 11:49 am

      Who says you can't style? Gorgeous!

      Reply
    2. Erin

      September 09, 2013 at 1:16 pm

      Great idea! I've struggled with what to put on my mantle and have left it empty since we moved in. The size ratio works perfectly

      Reply
    3. Stephanie@cre8tive

      September 07, 2013 at 11:31 am

      Love it! Those are so versatile for any season. And your styling is beautiful!

      Reply
    4. Pat

      September 05, 2013 at 11:19 pm

      Love how all the different elements work on your mantel.
      I don't think I've ever taken you for 'rustic' decorator.
      I always thought you were more of a 'modern country'... either way, this works on your white painted mantel!
      Patricia

      Reply
    5. jo

      September 05, 2013 at 9:39 pm

      I am in awe of your talent and vision. When I looked at that fence in my back yard, it was just an eyesore. You have turned it into something beautiful!

      Reply
    6. Susan

      September 05, 2013 at 9:24 pm

      Great projects Gail!!! Hmmm I have some fence someplace...

      Reply
    7. Susan

      September 05, 2013 at 9:24 pm

      Great projects Gail!!! Hmmm I have some fence someplace...

      Reply
    8. Jacque

      September 05, 2013 at 5:51 pm

      I love this! I want one to put in front of my fireplace when we aren't using it, great idea!

      Reply
    9. Mindi

      September 05, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      These are totally adorable! They can be staged in so many ways for so many seasons! Great job!

      Reply
    10. Sheila Nye

      September 05, 2013 at 11:18 am

      I have to say I love your planter koozies, I would love to get some of those. I wish I were closer to you so I could pop over and take a look!

      Reply
    11. cassie

      September 05, 2013 at 11:07 am

      love these! if i didn't have a big honking tv on my mantel i would be all over it!

      Reply
    12. katie

      September 05, 2013 at 10:56 am

      Super cute project Gail!

      Reply
    13. Julie @ follow your heart woodworking

      September 05, 2013 at 10:09 am

      Those gates/doors are the BEST!!!

      Reply
    14. Adina Johnson

      September 05, 2013 at 9:25 am

      Gail - I love all of the great things you have created with the old fence boards. I'll be on the hunt for falling down fences now 🙂

      Reply
    15. nova

      September 05, 2013 at 8:49 am

      You could also make the gate/door bigger and use it for a rustic headboard.

      Reply
    16. Holly

      September 05, 2013 at 8:16 am

      I really like how all three of your rustic pieces turned out. If I had a mantel I'd want to put one up there. 🙂

      Reply
    17. Debra @ Msmoozysopenhouse

      September 05, 2013 at 7:57 am

      I really like the use of the older wood, it all looks so great! 🙂 Thanks for sharing with us and have a blessed day!

      Reply
    18. Inspire Me Heather

      September 05, 2013 at 7:15 am

      That looks great Gail - it does go with so many looks & seasons too!

      Reply
    19. kirby carespodi

      September 05, 2013 at 5:56 am

      What a great idea! Love the versatility--you'll sell a bunch of them. We actually have a great old gate similar to the one you made, but about 6 feet tall. We had a tree come down on part of our fence and the gate was no longer in use (because the fence was gone.) My husband put hooks on it and it leans up against the garden house, holding our rakes and hoe.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

    More about me →

    Join Our Mailing List

    ​

      Click the topics you're interested in below:

      Subscribing above means you agree to our Privacy Policy​

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      SEEN ON

      Might I Suggest

      • Start Here
      • Furniture Makeovers

      Newsletter

      • Sign Up! for emails and updates

      About

      • Gail's Favorites on Amazon
      • About

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright © 2023 My Repurposed Life · Privacy Policy · Disclosure