10 DIY Wood Sign Ideas for Your Home

Wood signs are an easy way to share your inner voice at your business, home, or event.

Wood sign ideas run the gamut from refined to rustic. Farmhouse style practically requires the presence of at least one rustic wood sign in each room.

Wood signs are available nearly everywhere these days, but it is also fun to make your own DIY sign. In fact, making a reclaimed wood sign is the perfect way to use scrap wood from another DIY project.

We’ve collected 39 images of the best wood sign décor options available today. Check them out to see how your home décor can be heightened with a wood sign.

1. Boost Your Business with Creative Wood Signs

When creating a wood sign for a business, consider the needs of the people who will read it. Make simple positive declarations, such as “Dream Big” or “Choose Joy.”

You can also share a longer inspirational quote on your signs, to encourage your coworkers or customers. Funny signs add a bit of levity to your place of business, and are particularly welcome in dentists’ offices and other high-stress locations.

Colorful craft shelf with rainbow-themed wood signs reading 'Choose Joy' and 'Dream Big,' surrounded by jars of yarn and art supplies — Source: @justaddsunshineinc via Instagram

A wooden sign on grass reads "Scents of Bliss Handmade Soy Candles — Source: @the_purple_peanut via Instagram

A handmade wood sign is a personal way to label different areas at work, such as the break room and restrooms.

Combine a reclaimed wood sign with a decorative wreath for a warm front-door welcome to your hair salon, restaurant, or boutique. A friendly, rustic wood sign can soften up décor that seems too formal or impersonal.

2. Perk Up Spaces with Coffee-Themed Signs

Coffee is one of the most popular themes for wood sign décor. Whether you hang the sign in your kitchen or over the coffee bar at work, a coffee-themed rustic wood sign helps lead coffeeholics to their brew.

Brown wood tones already go well with the idea of coffee, and a little black or white paint might be all you need to finish the job.

Wooden "Coffee Bar" sign with hooks holding two white mugs — Source: @eminicreations via Instagram

Framed wooden sign reading "Coffee: a hug in a mug" next to a green plant and a glass jar with mint packets — Source: @kb.hdecorco via Instagram

A wooden sign with "but first, coffee" in white next to a white coffee cup and sugar packets on a white background — Source: @koogskrafts via Instagram

Wood-framed sign on a marble surface reads "But First... Coffee" with a small coffee cup illustration — Source: @sabsigns via Instagram

If one person at work or home always makes the coffee, stencil his or her name on the sign. In addition to artwork depicting a steaming cup of joe, catchy phrases help your coffee painted sign stand out. Clever coffee text ideas include:

Perk up!
But first, coffee
Espresso yourself
Better latte than never
Take time to smell the coffee
Coffee is always a good idea!
Coffee – the breakfast of champions
Keep calm and make coffee
Life begins after coffee
Depresso: the feeling you get when you’re out of coffee.

3. Make Your Own Unique DIY Wood Signs

One of the most beautiful things about wood sign décor is that it’s fairly easy for any DIYer to make their own modern or rustic signs.

Even though thousands of pre-made signs abound, letter stencils, vinyl letters, and other simple craft supplies make it possible to create a sign that says exactly what you want it to say. The availability of free or cheap pallet wood also makes rustic wood sign art a budget-friendly DIY project.

Wooden sign with a large white letter "R," adorned with yellow and orange flowers and leaves at the top, hanging on a stone wall — Source: @kelly_romine_design via Instagram

Colorful, eclectic bookshelf with plants, fabric rolls, a striped stool, craft supplies, and a red typewriter: "Create [Pause] Repeat" text — Source: @mr.ministryofhandmade via Instagram

Once your wooden sign has its lettering in place, embellish your sign with ribbon, flowers, shells, tacks, or other decorations. Use wood glue to add a frame or attach a rope hanger with a brad nailer. Paint a portion of the sign with chalk paint if you plan to change what it says on a regular basis.

4. Personalize Your Home with Family-Inspired Wood Signs

Rustic wood signs are a staple in today’s home décor. Whether it’s a big welcome sign on the front porch, or a tiny pallet sign reminding bathroom-users to wash up, signs add a lot of personality to your décor.

Some simple rustic wood signs for the home simply have one vinyl or stencil drawn word: family.

Wooden sign with the quote: "Family, a little bit of crazy, a little bit of loud & a whole lot of love" on a stone wall background — Source: @fivemooredesigns via Instagram

A rustic wooden sign with a small green wreath reads: "Family, a little bit of loud, a little bit of crazy, and a whole lot of love — Source: @thedistressedprincessblog via Instagram

Unless you have a vinyl cutting machine and transfer tape, it’s probably best keep sentiments short when creating a custom sign for the family.

If you have a steady hand, use a long-bristled round paint brush to paint the family’s last name or monogram on a pre-cut wooden board.

Add metal clips to a long plywood plank or pallet and paint your kids’ names on it to make a sign that doubles as a children’s art gallery.

5. Enhance Your Home with Stylish Farmhouse Wood Signs

Farmhouse sign options usually incorporate white or black paint onto rustic wood surfaces.

Often, a farmhouse wood sign has a white background with black stencil or wood letters, surrounded by a natural wood frame.

This favored form of wall art is at once classic and rustic, conveying a glimpse into the homeowners’ personalities.

Cozy farmhouse bedroom with a 'Stay Awhile' wood sign, wreath decor, a chunky knit blanket, and a neutral color palette — Source: @designs_inspired_by_you via Instagram

Compact laundry room with washer and dryer, teal wall, shelves, baskets, detergent, and a "Laundry Sucks" sign; cozy setup — Source: @handmadeafco via Instagram

Decorative wooden-framed signs with quotes, arranged on a table, surrounded by small potted plants — Source: @katerynaskreations via Instagram

Bathroom wall with farmhouse-style wood signs reading 'Relax, Soak, Unwind' and 'Save Water, Shower Together,' accented by hanging plants — Source: @lovelydesignsandsigns.ca_ via Instagram

Cozy laundry room with a farmhouse-style 'Laundry Co. Wash, Dry, Fold' wood sign, vintage quilts, and rustic decor on a wall shelf — Source: @mendytexasartworks via Instagram

Wall with framed inspirational quotes in various fonts, including "welcome to our home" and "blessed," next to a floor lamp and basket — Source: @merefineddesigns via Instagram

Bathroom corner with a floating shelf holding decor items and a sign reading "Nice Butt," a plant on top of the toilet, and a toilet paper holder — Source: @ourlittlewhitecottage via Instagram

Farmhouse sign groupings are popular on kitchen, laundry room, living room, bedroom, and bathroom walls.

Intersperse your signs with other forms of wall art, such as planters, wreaths, or paintings. Holiday farmhouse and pallet signs add a country flair to your holiday home décor.

Hang up a pumpkin-painted pallet sign for fall. Display a wood stain board painted with a line from your favorite Christmas carol over the fireplace in December.

6. Spice Up Your Kitchen with Fun Wood Signs

Assorted signs and statements have long been a part of kitchen décor, from antique tin advertisement signs to today’s pallet sign designs.

Many kitchen wood signs convey humorous statements, such as, “Keep this kitchen clean—eat out” or “Today’s menu: eat it or starve.”

Other signs may simply refer to favorite herbs or carry short-but-sweet sentiments about gathering together with friends and family.

Rustic farmhouse kitchen with a 'CC Acres Campfires & Good Times' wood sign, brick accents, white cabinets, and a wooden island — Source: @andreadanielledesigns via Instagram

A wooden sign by a window reads, "If it doesn't taste good blame, Pinterest!" — Source: @emcocraftdesigns via Instagram

Wooden sign with a cactus and a pink flower, reads "DON'T BE A PRICK," placed on a stone surface — Source: @handmadebystarr via Instagram

Wooden kitchen wall decorated with black and white farmhouse-style signs, including 'Bless This Kitchen' and 'Cooking is Love,' with utensil designs — Source: @masalsiyum via Instagram

A wooden-framed sign reads, "meals and memories are made here" with a small heart, set against a white paneled wall — Source: @masedesignsnj via Instagram

Wine-themed wood signs also look great in the kitchen. Use decoupage to affix wine labels to a pallet wood sign or turn a smooth cutting board into a simple wooden sign.

Although black, white, and natural wood tones work best with farmhouse style, you can use any color of paint that coordinates with your kitchen.

Chickens, roosters, pigs, cows, and other farm animals often appear on country kitchen signs.

7. Inspire with Quotable Wood Sign Décor

Quote options for your farmhouse sign or pallet sign are unlimited. Think about what words or phrases capture the spirit of the room and its occupants, then let your imagination go wild.

Framed sign reads "Wash your hands you filthy animal" on a shelf next to a pot of grass against a geometric patterned wall — Source: @athomewithdallasdenver via Instagram

Bright farmhouse living room with a cozy white sofa, soft pastel accents, and a wood sign reading 'I am happy and blessed' above framed decor — Source: @heatherbuglane via Instagram

A wall with a "Create the things you wish existed" sign, fruit artwork, corner cabinet, lamp, and a small plant — Source: @ihaveaprojectforthat via Instagram

Decorative sign reading "Home is where mom is" beside a small plant on a shelf with dishes in the background — Source: @mistyhollowstudio via Instagram

Sign reads "The world is changed by your example, not your opinion" and includes a unicorn plant holder, rainbow, and a figurine — Source: @mrs.pfeiff via Instagram

Cozy living room with a gallery wall of inspiring wood signs, including 'Breathe... you're home' and 'Always stay humble and kind,' with neutral decor — Source: @to_mimishousewego via Instagram

Fun or meaningful quote options include:

Home Sweet Home.
Grateful, thankful, blessed.
This is our happy place.
Family: Where life begins and love never ends.
I have found the one whom my soul loves. (Solomon 3:4)

8. Add Charm with Rustic Wood Sign Designs

The word “rustic” can refer to things made in simple fashion, or to things that hail from rural or country areas. This type of décor may not be fancy or elaborate, but it carries a welcoming warmth that is devoid from more formal settings.

Adventure-themed nursery with a dark wood crib, mountain and wildlife wood signs, and rustic decor featuring bears, antlers, and trees — Source: @bohemian_highway_soul via Instagram

Framed sign reads "A Little Bit Yankee. A Little Bit Y'all" next to a potted succulent — Source: @cathyyoung29708 via Instagram

Bathroom corner with ruffled shower curtain, two wooden shelves holding a plant, jars, sign, and a tissue box above a toilet — Source: @letsstayhome_blog via Instagram

A wooden shelf holds a blue spray bottle, a small potted plant, and a framed sign reading "Wash your hands ya filthy animal" — Source: @lilladyblocks via Instagram

Three framed quotes on a wooden wall: "Just breathe," "And so the adventure begins," "And into the forest I go..." — Source: @sawdustacres via Instagram

Bathroom decor with plants, "Hello Sweet Cheeks" sign on shelf, and "Remember to Flush" sign above toilet with a basket of toilet paper — Source: @thecoreyhomestead via Instagram

Rustic wood signs often feature rough-hewn wooden frames and simple fonts. Metal accents include dark bronze, stainless steel, and copper—with or without its classic green patina.

Include wilderness elements, such as bears, pine trees, rivers, and mountain ranges on your rustic cabin signs. Distress any paint finishes to provide a naturally worn look that’s a welcome part of rustic décor.

9. Celebrate Love with Custom Wedding Wood Signs

A somewhat rustic look is welcome at weddings and receptions now. In fact, rustic weddings set inside a barn or warehouse are the ceremony standard in some areas of the country.

Even weddings held in the city usually incorporate a bit of rustic décor. Many a young ringbearer carries a hand-lettered sign down the aisle to announce the bride’s arrival.

Wooden sign on brick wall with "West," "Chloe & Roy," and date "9-21-19" Red flowers are attached at the top — Source: @featheredfontsdesign via Instagram

Wooden wedding sign with "Welcome Anett & David" in white, decorated with pink and white flowers. Date: 27 April 2019 — Source: @rikisworld via Instagram

Decorative sign reads "We decided on forever, myk & cherish, 08-28-2010" next to a pot of white flowers on a textured surface — Source: @shopsignsbycc via Instagram

Outdoor weddings are the perfect settings to showcase beautiful wood signage. From the welcome sign to directional signs, these rustic touches are useful and decorative.

Mix a little country and bling by using shiny metal lettering on reclaimed wood. Accent with dimensional rhinestone gems, sequins, and lace or plenty of fresh flowers.

10. Greet Guests with Welcoming Wood Signs

A wood welcome sign is the perfect way to first greet your guests. Traditionally, a welcome sign hangs on your front door.

However, a newer style is to paint “welcome” on a tall, narrow plank and prop it beside the door.

Use a small seasonal wreath to replace the “o” in “welcome” or embellish the sign with rope, ribbon, or artificial flowers.

A wooden sign with "WELCOME" in white letters stands next to potted plants and decorative teal shells indoors — Source: @deerlylovedhomecreations via Instagram

Round wooden sign on a fence reads "Welcome, mi casa es su casa," decorated with burlap and striped ribbons and greenery — Source: @heartofleaves via Instagram

For a smaller greeting, tuck a hand-painted welcome sign into the middle of a wreath.

Combine a welcome sign with your family name and house number and hang it at eye level on or beside the front door.

If you have a generous and well-furnished front porch, you might want to make a “Welcome to our porch” sign instead of a more generic greeting.

If “Welcome” feels too formal, make a “Hello” sign instead.

What is the best wood for sign making?

The best type of wood for sign making is one that is durable and attractive. Redwood has traditionally been considered the best material to make a custom wood sign. Other good woods for a DIY wood sign include teak, cypress, Spanish cedar, white oak, locust, and Osage orange.

What paint to use for an outdoor wooden sign?

Any type of paint will work for an indoor wooden sign. However, for outdoor durability, latex paint is recommended.

How do you convert handwriting to wood?

Use a copier to enlarge the handwritten font to the size that fits your sign. Print it.
Cover the back with graphite (use a graphite stick or a regular pencil). You can also use a sheet of graphite paper instead.
Tape the paper where you want the words to appear on the sign.
Trace over each letter, pressing hard enough to transfer the lines onto the wood.
Go over the lines if needed, then begin painting.
If you prefer, use paint pens to form each letter.