As promised, here are clear, easy steps anyone can follow to make chic, inexpensive vintage-style wooden signs. We first showed these in our big bathroom reveal, and now we’ll walk you through the process so you can recreate them at home. We may have sung “I Saw the Sign” by Ace of Base while making ours—feel free to do the same.
John came up with the idea for one-plane wooden signs after we realized square frames might compete with our rounded mirror. We wanted something simple and flat, without glass reflections or raised edges. His one-layer wood sign was the perfect fit.
To figure out size and arrangement, we cut sheets of white paper to various dimensions and taped them to the wall until we found a layout that felt balanced. Two stacked rectangles subtly echoed the window shape and complemented the mirror without competing with it. Once we settled on the composition, we measured the paper templates (each was 16″ x 13″) and moved on to design.
We drew inspiration from classic New York City subway signage to give the pieces a timeless, urban vibe. We adapted the look to be horizontal and lighter in tone to match the bathroom’s neutral palette. To personalize the signs, we used two subway stops that have meaning to us — places connected to where we met and lived — and added small details like an arrow and thin horizontal rules for authenticity. We designed the graphics on a computer; any program that allows basic type editing will work. For reference, the condensed typeface we used was Abadi MT Condensed Light.
After printing test copies on standard printer paper, we headed to the hardware store and bought one inexpensive 1″ thick plywood sheet for about $6. The sheet was 16″ x 30″, and the staff at the wood cutting counter cut it into two 16″ x 13″ rectangles for us. That meant two signs from one affordable plank.
Back home, we painted the boards with white craft paint. Craft paint is thinner than wall paint, so some wood grain still shows through, which adds to the vintage feel. Next we experimented with aging techniques to make the modern prints look worn and weathered without becoming overly yellowed or losing contrast.
We tried tea staining on a test print but decided against it because it made the paper too yellow and reduced the crispness we wanted for the design. Instead, we focused on mechanical distressing. We placed a print on a textured plastic cutting board, dampened it lightly with a sponge, and rubbed the surface to wear away the perfectly smooth printed finish. Then we rubbed a paper towel across the damp paper to further distress the surface without tearing it.
After drying the print with a hairdryer, the paper looked puckered in spots, which initially seemed concerning but turned out to be desirable. Those small wrinkles and rubbed areas would contribute to the aged, timeworn look once the print was adhered to wood.
For mounting, we used Mod Podge. We applied a semi-thick coat to the back of the print, centered it on the painted wood, and smoothed it in place. Then we brushed a generous layer of Mod Podge over the front to seal and protect the surface. Mod Podge goes on cloudy but dries clear and creates a hard, slightly glossy finish — ideal for a bathroom because it helps protect against moisture.
When everything was fully dry, we flipped each sign over and hammered two small nails to secure inexpensive picture hangers we already had on hand. This provided an easy, inexpensive way to hang the signs. If you need materials, white craft paint, Mod Podge, and picture hangers are widely available at craft stores for a modest cost.
The slight wrinkles that formed during the distressing process became charming details once sealed. Small areas of wear around letters and tiny imperfections gave the signs an authentic aged character while still reading clearly from a distance. The finish lay flat and smooth on the wood, so the signs looked professional and intentionally imperfect.
In short: for about six dollars and a little time, you can create custom vintage-style wooden signs that fit your space and tell a personal story. You can adapt this method to recreate subway-style graphics, replicate a beloved shop sign from your hometown, make a practical sign for a mudroom, or craft a personalized name sign for a child’s room. The technique is flexible and easy to customize.
We hope this inspires you to try a similar DIY project. What handmade art have you been creating lately? Whether it’s painted canvases, framed small collections, or personalized signs, we’d love to hear what you’ve been making and hanging on your walls.
Psst — other easy homemade art ideas you might enjoy include magazine monograms, custom pet portraits, free print inspiration, chalkboard decor, repurposing old art with pop colors, and a variety of low-cost wall displays.