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Writer's pictureJennifer Laura

DIY Antique Distressed Flag

Updated: Sep 10, 2021


antique distressed flag DIY

As I was looking to finish up Phoenix's room, I realized there was one big empty wall that needed filling...

If you remember, we have a very subtle pirate theme going on in there so I thought a nautical inspired flag might be cool. I remembered this flag that Emily Henderson had hung over the console in her living room at her old house.

antique distressed flag DIY

I immediately knew that something like that would be perfect for this wall. I spent a few months searching for an old worn and tattered flag at antique and thrift stores with no success so I started looking online. That's when I found this baby at Pottery Barn Kids.

antique distressed flag DIY, pottery barn kids flag

It was perfect except for the fact that it wasn't old or tattered, but I thought maybe I could do something about that!

antique distressed flag DIY

The first step was to give the flag a good tea stain to make it look old. I filled up a tall trash can with warm water and dumped a bunch of tea leaves in, I only had k-pod tea which was a bit messier than tea bags would have been, but it all worked out ok!

antique distressed flag DIY
antique distressed flag DIY

I let the flag soak in the trash can for about 2-3 hours before pulling it out and I was left with some awesome old worn in color!

antique distressed flag DIY
antique distressed flag DIY

I spread the flag out on the lawn and then splattered it with a bit of bleach to mimic the bleach stains on Emily's flag. Then I threw it in the dryer for about 30 minutes. Next, it was time to hang. I found these cool antiqued brass hooks from Lowe's to tie the ropes at the top of the flag to (I couldn't find them online, but these are similar).

antique brass hook

At the last second I decided to shred up the bottom of the flag a bit- this thing was so big that even when I hung it from the ceiling it was draping onto the floor.

antique distressed flag DIY

I cut the ends off and ripped them up a bit and was left with this!

antique distressed flag DIY

I love how it fills the space and it seems to chat with the ship mural in the closet. And the rope tied to the brass hooks is such a fun detail!

antique brass hook with rope

It hangs right over Phoenix's toy chest which is old and beaten up as well and it feels like it was always supposed to be here! I love it!

antique distressed flag DIY

Need to catch up on Phoenix's room?

Jennifer Laura Living.jpg

ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Jennifer Laura- you can call me Jenn. My husband and I just bought a house in our dream neighborhood and we are so excited to be here! The house, while already beautiful, NEEDS A LOT OF LOVE and STYLE. Join me, a past interior designer and wedding planner, as I work to make over each room and share the process along the way. 

© 2020 by JENNIFER LAURA. No animals were harmed in the making of this website.

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