If you’ve ever walked into the mall and felt the sticker shock of realizing a single ceramic ornament costs $25 and a simple mantel set costs upwards of $300, you are not alone! As a Mom of 3, I want that cozy, “Old Money” holiday aesthetic, but I simply cannot justify spending my entire Christmas budget on a few decorations.
That is exactly why I compiled this list of Pottery Barn Dupes. By using clever “The Magic of Paint & Texture” techniques—like mixing baking soda into paint or using specific wax finishes—we can transform cheap Dollar Tree plastics and thrifted finds into Rustic Luxe treasures. These Pottery Barn Christmas Hacks are the ultimate savior for your wallet, giving you that high-end designer look for pennies on the dollar. 🎄✨
Get ready to create some serious holiday magic. We are going to take simple materials and give them High-End Finishes that will trick the eye and warm your home. Whether you love Scandi-Minimalist vibes or Cozy Nostalgia, there is a project here for you to tackle during a weekend nap time! ✂️
🎄 My Top 3 Favorites
- Lowest Mess: Velvet Ribbon & Antique Bell Garland
- Most “High-End” Look: Faux Antique “Gold” Bells (The Rub ‘n Buff Hack)
- Best for Little Kids: DIY Textured “Terra Cotta” Ornaments
10 Pottery Barn Dupes You Can DIY This Weekend
1. Faux Antique “Gold” Bells (The Rub ‘n Buff Hack) ❄️
This is hands down my favorite way to get that designer look for less. By taking cheap, shiny plastic bells and applying a specific wax, you transform them into heavy-looking, antique brass vintage bells that look like they cost a fortune.
[Image-1: Split screen. Left: Shiny cheap red plastic bells. Right: The finished “brass” bells hanging on a velvet ribbon with a soft glow.]
2. DIY Textured “Terra Cotta” Ornaments ❄️
If you are wondering how to make DIY textured ornaments that look like expensive earthenware, the secret ingredient is in your kitchen! This baking soda hack creates a gritty, matte finish that completely hides the fact that the ornament underneath is cheap plastic.
[Image-2: Close up macro shot showing the gritty, stone-like texture of the DIY ornament next to a smooth plastic one for contrast.]
3. Cardboard “Puff Paint” Gingerbread Village ❄️
Can you DIY the Pottery Barn gingerbread houses? Absolutely, and you can do it using recycled deliveries! This project mimics those stunning ceramic houses using cardboard and dimensional paint to create the raised “icing” look.
[Image-3: A lit-up village scene at night (using battery tea lights inside the cardboard) showing the silhouette and white “icing” details.]
4. Faux Mercury Glass Votives (The Vinegar Method) ❄️
This project creates that speckled, vintage silvered glass look using a simple spray paint reaction. It is one of the best spray paint holiday hacks for turning dollar store cylinder vases into glowing, high-end candle holders.
[Image-4: Dark room shot with a candle inside the vase, showing the light peeking through the “mercury” speckles.]
5. Velvet Ribbon & Antique Bell Garland ❄️
This is a simple assembly project that mimics the luxury holiday DIYs seen in catalogs for $60 or more. The combination of deep, plush velvet and rustic bells adds instant Old Money charm to your staircase.
[Image-5: A “drape” shot showing the garland hanging loosely on a white banister, emphasizing the plush texture of the velvet.]
🎅 Quick Question!
Real tree or Artificial tree? Tell me in the comments!
6. DIY “Sherpa” Boucle Christmas Trees ❄️
If you love Scandi-Minimalist decor, you will adore these. By wrapping simple cones in chunky, textured yarn, you can replicate those cozy “Boucle” wool trees that are so trendy right now.
[Image-6: A trio of trees in varying heights on a wooden tray, showing the nubby texture of the yarn.]
7. Faux Stone/Cement Vase Update ❄️
This is the ultimate Farmhouse Christmas DIY. Take a thrifted glass vase with a nice shape and coat it to look like a heavy, aged limestone pot. It gives incredible weight and texture to your winter greenery.
[Image-7: Side-by-Side. Left: A dated clear glass florist vase. Right: The same vase looking like a heavy, grey stone antique pot filled with pine.]
8. “Lit” Birch Branch Bundle ❄️
Create a Rustic Luxe focal point for your hearth using just sticks (or PVC pipe) and paint. These look incredible next to a fireplace, providing a warm, woodsy glow that feels very high-end.
[Image-8: A bundle of “birch” logs tied with a red ribbon sitting next to a fireplace, glowing with warm fairy lights wrapped around them.]
9. Oversized “Vintage” Paper Mache Sleigh Bells ❄️
If you have asked yourself, “How do you make plastic Christmas bells look like metal?”—take it a step further and make massive ones! These recreate those giant $80+ rustic sleigh bells using balloons and paper mache.
[Image-9: Large scale bell hanging on a front door, showing the rough texture that makes it look like heavy metal.]
10. DIY Flocked Wreath (The “Snow” Hack) ❄️
Turn a cheap, skinny green wreath into a High-End Christmas Decor on a Budget masterpiece. This flocking method creates a thick, durable snowy look that rivals the expensive “Flocked Pine” collections at Pottery Barn.
[Image-10: Macro shot of the pine needles heavily coated in thick, realistic-looking artificial snow.]
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I hope these DIY Christmas Decor ideas help you fill your home with warmth and style without stressing your bank account! It is truly amazing what a little paint and texture can do.
What is the best gold spray paint for a Pottery Barn dupe? In my experience, skipping the spray and using the Rub ‘n Buff wax mentioned in Tip #1 gives a much more realistic metal finish than any aerosol can!
If you try any of these, please tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations! Happy Crafting! 🎄❤️
