25+ Driftwood DIY Ideas For That Coastal Vibe

If you love the beach and all things coastal, you may be looking for ways to incorporate the ocean into your home in a natural way. If you have a collection of driftwood, these DIY driftwood crafts will get you inspired to create some art.

Driftwood is eco-friendly, using reclaimed wood from beaches, making it a sustainable choice. Budget-friendly and often free, driftwood projects save money and add a unique touch to your space.

On a personal level, driftwood can carry sentimental value, reminding you of special places or trips. Crafting with driftwood can be a therapeutic, mindful activity, offering a relaxing escape from daily stress.

Taking driftwood from the beach usually has minimal environmental impact, but it’s important to know that some beaches have regulations against removing natural items like rocks, shells, or driftwood. Before you start collecting, check for any signs or local rules about what can be taken. It’s a good idea to ensure you’re allowed to gather driftwood to avoid any issues and respect local guidelines.

Here are some amazing DIY driftwood projects.

1. DIY driftwood wreath

This driftwood DIY is super simple and a perfect way to showcase your air plants!

What you’ll need:

• Nail gun
• Hot glue gun

Check out the Happy Housie to learn how to make this DIY driftwood wreath.

2. DIY driftwood lamp

Upcycle a lamp using driftwood to give it an amazing coastal makeover!

What you’ll need:

• Drill

Go see Just Call Me Home Girl to learn how to make this DIY driftwood lamp.

3. Driftwood shell-hanging art

Hang some seashells from a piece of wood for a beautiful coastal display.

What you’ll need:

• Shells
• String
• Super glue
• Thread

Read the tutorial over at Eskaa Makes to learn how to make this driftwood shell-hanging art.

4. DIY driftwood crab art

This crab made out of driftwood is so adorable, and the perfect coastal decoration for a wall or mantle!

What you’ll need:

• Crab template
• Pine boards
• Wood trim
• Chalk paint + paintbrush
• Cotton rag
• Nailgun
• Wood glue

Learn how to make this driftwood crab wall art by Crafts by Amanda.

5. DIY driftwood rope shelf

For some extra beachy vibes in your home, make a shelf using driftwood and rope!

What you’ll need:

• Jute rope
• Screwdriver
• Scissors
• Polyurethane
• Boat cleat (optional)

Learn how to make this driftwood hanging rope shelf courtesy of Sustain my Craft Habit.

6. Driftwood heart DIY

Showcase your love for driftwood and all things coastal with this heart decoration! This DIY is the perfect way to use up small pieces of driftwood.

What you’ll need:

• Cardboard
• Hot glue gun
• Twine

Learn how to make this driftwood heart project by Simplicity in the South.

7. Driftwood jewelry hanger

Display your jewelry with coastal style with this cheap and easy DIY.

What you’ll need:

• Drill + drill bit
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Marker
• Hooks
• Rope
• Super glue

Check out the tutorial for this driftwood jewelry holder over at DIY Huntress.

8. Painted driftwood jewelry hanger

For another idea for creating a jewelry holder out of driftwood, give it some acrylic paint! This is one of the best ways and easiest ways to use a long piece of driftwood.

What you’ll need:

• Hooks
• Twine
• Paint + paintbrush (optional)
• Painter’s tape (optional)

Read the tutorial from the Sweetest Digs to learn how to make this pretty painted driftwood jewelry hanger.

9. DIY driftwood sign

This sign made from driftwood is super simple and cheap to make! All you need is jute twine and your wood of course.

What you’ll need:

• Paint + paintbrush
• Paper
• Pencil
• Hooks
• Twine
• Thumbtack / mounting hardware

Read the tutorial for this DIY driftwood sign over at Crafts by Amanda.

10. DIY Driftwood pumpkins

For a coastal spin for Halloween and fall decor, make a pumpkin out of pieces of driftwood.

What you’ll need:

• Balloon
• Hot glue

Check out Life is a Party for the tutorial for these DIY driftwood pumpkins!

11. DIY driftwood clock

How awesome is this coastal clock made using a piece of driftwood?

What you’ll need:

• Clock making kit
• Chisel
• Drill

Read the tutorial for this DIY driftwood clock by Sustain My Craft Habit.

12. Driftwood mirror

Frame your mirror with some driftwood to give it an amazing coastal vibe.

What you’ll need:

• Foam board
• Super glue

Check out the Learner Observer to learn how to make this DIY driftwood mirror.

13. Driftwood candle holder

For a simple yet pretty coastal decorating idea, wrap your candles with driftwood!

What you’ll need:

• String / yarn
• Candle

Check out this driftwood DIY candle holder tutorial by Live Creatively Inspired to learn how to make it yourself.

14. Driftwood Christmas tree

For an alternative and more sustainable Christmas tree with rustic vibes, make one out of driftwood!

What you’ll need:

• Metal rod
• Log slice
• Drill
• Nail

Check out Threadbare Cloak to learn how to make this driftwood Christmas tree!

Related post: 15 coastal Christmas DIY ideas (trees, ornaments & decor)

15. DIY Driftwood Sailboat

For a super cute nautical decoration for your home, make a sailboat using a piece of driftwood.

What you’ll need:

• Fabric pieces
• Twine
• Wood glue
• Scissors
• Stop fabric fraying liquid
• Hot glue gun
• Eyelets

Check out White Gun Powder for this driftwood sailboat DIY!

16. Driftwood Candle Holder

A large piece of driftwood is beautiful all on its own, but you can also drill some holes to make it a candle holder too!

What you’ll need:

• Drill
• Spade bits
• Sandpaper
• Candle

Check out Kim Power Style to learn how to make this driftwood candle holder.

17. Driftwood orb decoration

The driftwood orb is the perfect coastal accent for your mantle! All you need is a foam ball and a hot glue gun.

What you’ll need:

• Foam ball
• Hot glue gun

Read the tutorial for this DIY driftwood orb over at Made in a Day.

18. DIY driftwood letter

Another great driftwood decoration for your mantle is this driftwood letter art!

What you’ll need:

• Wood letter
• Paint + brushes
• Hot glue gun

Learn how to make your own DIY driftwood letter over at the Happy Housie.

19. DIY driftwood mirror

For another take on a driftwood mirror, this project by The Wood Grain Cottage is gorgeous!

What you’ll need:

• Painters tape
• Hot glue gun

This is a great DIY for anyone who has a lot of driftwood and at different lengths.

20. Driftwood jewelry stand

Here’s another take on a DIY driftwood jewelry hanger but instead of hooks, use knobs.

What you’ll need:

• Knobs
• Screws or eye hooks
• Jute rope
• Sharpie
• Wood glue (optional)

Learn how to make this driftwood jewelry hanger by DIY Candy.

21. Driftwood wind chime

For a beautiful decoration for your backyard, make a driftwood windchime!

What you’ll need:

• Beads
• Pendants
• Twine

Read the tutorial over at Twin Dragonfly Designs to learn how to make your own DIY driftwood wind charm.

22. Driftwood centerpiece

Glue some driftwood together to make a beautiful centrepiece for any table!

What you’ll need:

• Balloon
• Magic marker
• Hot glue gun
• Nail gun (optional)

Check out this driftwood thanksgiving centerpiece tutorial by DIY driftwood.

23. DIY driftwood vase

Give your flowers some coastal design with a vase made from driftwood.

What you’ll need:

• Glass jar
• Measuring tape
• Sandpaper
• Hot glue gun
• Jute twine
• Chop saw or miter box

Check out Simplicity in the South to learn how to make this DIY driftwood vase!

Related post: Ways to reuse glass jars at home

24. Driftwood photo hanger

This driftwood photo hanger is so simple yet easy to fall in love with.

What you’ll need:

• Twine
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Mini clothespins
• Photos

Check out Aerie to learn how to make this awesome DIY driftwood photo hanger yourself.

25. DIY driftwood fish

For a fun little driftwood craft, make a fish out of driftwood. This is another great way to use smaller pieces of wood

What you’ll need:

• String
• Beach rock
• Hot glue gun

Get the tutorial for this DIY driftwood fish over at Picklee.

Final Thoughts on These Driftwood Craft Ideas

As you can see, there are many wonderful ways to appreciate the beauty of driftwood by making driftwood art.

I don’t know about you, but these driftwood DIY tutorials definitely got me itching to tackle them all.

How much driftwood is too much driftwood? Is there even such a thing?

If you want more beach-themed DIY home decor inspiration, check out my roundup of DIY Coastal Home Decor.

Which driftwood DIY is your favorite? Don’t forget to save it!