How to Frame a Vintage Swimsuit for Unique Coastal Wall Decor Ideas

Looking for creative coastal wall decor ideas that tell a story? I framed this charming 1920s bathing suit to create one-of-a-kind vintage wall art in our Maine beach home. It’s a simple project with major impact, equal parts nostalgic, grandmillennial, and coastal chic.

Creative Vintage Coastal Wall Decorating Ideas

Looking for a great way to bring coastal vibes into your home?

Instead of the usual seashells and driftwood, why not get creative with unique vintage finds?

A 1920s women’s bathing suit, an antique beach umbrella, a classic woven beach bag, or even a weathered buoy can become the perfect wall hangings to showcase your decorating style. These unexpected pieces tell a story, create a stunning focal point, and add timeless charm to any beach house.

What are some inspirational Coastal wall decor ideas for a beach home?

The 1920s Swimwear Trend That’s Now Elegant Coastal Wall Decor

The Charm of a 1920s Wool Women’s Bathing Suit

Walking into an antique shop in Maine, I never expected to stumble upon a 1920s women’s wool bathing suit—an authentic relic of a bygone era.

Unlike today’s sleek swimwear, these modest, sailor-inspired swimsuits were designed for a time when beach culture was just beginning to flourish.

Made from thick, often itchy wool, these suits were surprisingly practical for the era, as the fabric provided warmth in chilly coastal waters. However, wool wasn’t exactly quick-drying, and let’s just say swimming in one of these was no easy feat!

Did People Really Go to the Beach Back Then?

Absolutely! While coastal living spaces and beach vacations weren’t as mainstream as they are today, the 1920s saw the rise of seaside leisure. As cars became more accessible, families traveled to beach towns and coastal destinations to enjoy the fresh ocean air, picnics on the sand, and even early versions of sunbathing (though fair skin was still fashionable at the time).

Boardwalks, beach pavilions, and grand bathing houses made the beach a desirable retreat, though swimming remained a modest affair—no bikinis in sight!

This shift in beach culture also led to a demand for stylish yet functional swimwear.

Fashion magazines and department stores began advertising bathing suits as part of a woman’s wardrobe, and interior designers today love incorporating these vintage pieces into elegant coastal wall decor.

Bette Davis & Her Start in Ogunquit, Maine

One woman who certainly embraced the beach life of the Roaring Twenties was Bette Davis.

Before becoming an Academy Award-winning actress, a young Bette trained as a lifeguard in Ogunquit, Maine, making history in 1926 as the town’s first female lifeguard.

At just 18 years old, she patrolled the shores in a wool swimsuit much like the one I found, proving that these suits were made for both function and fashion.

It’s fascinating to think about how an iconic Hollywood legend once spent her summers along the same coastal waters where I found this piece of history.

Bringing Vintage Swimwear into Coastal Wall Decor Ideas

Finding a 1920s bathing suit like this is a rare and exciting discovery, but the best part?

It makes an incredible piece of coastal wall art!

Whether displayed in a vintage frame, draped over a dress form, or hung elegantly on a wooden hanger against a crisp white door, this kind of natural element brings timeless character into a living space.

Imagine walking into a room and seeing this charming relic of history—a true conversation starter and a stunning focal point in elegant coastal wall decor.

It’s these kinds of unique finds that transform a house into a home with a story.

Whether it’s a vintage beach umbrella, an antique woven beach bag, or a well-worn pair of wooden oars, incorporating historic beach treasures into coastal decor gives a space an authentic, collected-over-time charm—one that even the best interior designers can’t replicate with new decor.

The only options I could find were oversized, cheap-looking shadow boxes that just weren’t going to do this beautiful vintage piece—or the coastal wall decor vibe I was going for—any justice.

And then—enter the most helpful Michael’s employee ever. She took one look at my bathing suit and walked me through all the custom framing options, laying out different frame styles and mats right on the counter.

Then came the coolest part: she had a camera projecting the whole layout onto a computer screen so I could see exactly how each option would look once framed. Game changer!

The choices were fantastic, the turnaround time was only two weeks (way better than the 4-6 week wait at local framers), and the best part? She’s doing the framing herself, in-house—no outsourcing, no complicated process, just a knowledgeable expert bringing my vision to life.

I knew this was the right call. This bathing suit is going to pop in our coastal Maine home, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Nautical Decor: Coastal Wall Art with Vintage Charm

Bringing coastal style into your own home is all about blending timeless charm with seaside-inspired elements, and this framed antique bathing suit is the perfect example of beach wall decor with character.

Now set in a beautiful brass ornate frame that complements the antique style of our home, this unique piece transforms a vintage treasure into coastal art that any beach lover would adore.

More than just coastal wall decor, it’s a statement piece—one that captures the nostalgia of seaside days gone by while adding a distinctive nautical touch to our walls.

Would you decorate with a 1920s bathing suit? Or have you found a vintage beach treasure of your own? Let me know—I’d love to hear how you incorporate history into your coastal wall decor ideas!

How to Hang Coastal Wall Hangings

Tips from Michael’s Framing Experts

When it comes to coastal wall decor, beach prints and vintage finds like this 1920s bathing suit offer endless possibilities for adding a touch of whimsy to your walls.

This framed piece is not only a conversation starter but also the perfect addition to our coastal Maine home—and thanks to Michael’s framing experts, hanging it was easier than ever.

“No-Wire” Hanging System

The Fletcher No-Wire Hanging System used by Michael’s is perfect for larger coastal wall decor pieces—it can hold up to 50 pounds and offers a secure fit for spaces filled with casual furnishings and coastal inspiration.

While I was initially hesitant (give me a wire and one nail any day!), this system was surprisingly simple to install—and I did it all by myself.

And although mine was provided by Michael’s for my custom wall hanging, you can also find the same system here on Amazon.

Beach Wall Decor That Reflects Your Unique Decorating Style

Framing an antique bathing suit is such a fun and unexpected way to bring beachy vibes and coastal elements into your home.

Whether your decorating style leans toward cottage and colorful, vintage and moody, or classic coastal grandmother, there’s a suit to match—like the iconic Janzten designs worn by Bette Davis in bold reds, bright greens, deep navy blues, and even charming sailor stripes.

These make a fabulous coastal wall decor statement in a bathroom, bedroom, or even a sunny entire wall in your sunroom, adding instant character and a nod to the serene beauty of the seaside.

I genuinely believe this is one of those timeless pieces you’ll treasure forever—a conversation starter that reflects your unique style and brings a wave of nostalgia to any space, especially if you’re working with blue hues or a coastal palette.

I’ve gathered a collection of antique bathing suits for you to explore—just scroll down to the Shop This Post section below.

Then head to your local Michael’s store to frame your own unique piece, and don’t forget—I’d love to see what you create! Send me photos and a little write-up, and I just might feature you in my Reader’s Showcase series!

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