We’re big proponents of budget-friendly decorating around here, but it’s not often that you find decor that is completely free and still looks chic. However, there’s one accessory we’ve been seeing all over the internet that costs literally $0, and it offers such a personalized feel to any room. Matchbooks, which you can collect for free from local restaurants and hotels, are having a major moment right now. A quick search for “matchbooks” on TikTok, and you’ll see tons of creators showing off their personal collections or sharing their favorite spots to find them.
The idea, however, is nothing new. Restaurants began handing out branded matches as an advertising tool around the beginning of the 20th century. These days, smoking is much less prevalent (good riddance), but matchbooks have remained a nostalgic keepsake that you can collect for free. Plus, thanks to their unique and colorful designs, they make fabulous decor that you can style in tons of different ways.
If you want to hop on this trend, keep reading to learn how to start your own matchbook collection and display it around your home.
Where to Find Matchbooks
The next time you’re dining out at a restaurant or staying in a hotel, take a peek around the hostess stand or front desk to see if they offer branded matchbooks. If you don’t see any in plain sight, it’s worth asking a staff member—some places only offer matchbooks to customers who ask. Not every establishment will have them, but locally-owned restaurants, bars, and hotels are typically your best bet. Although matchbooks are especially popular in big cities like New York and Los Angeles, you can find them at local businesses throughout the U.S.
If you’re not sure where to start—or you live in an area where matchbooks aren’t a thing—there are also tons of Etsy sellers who offer packs of vintage matchbooks. Local thrift stores may also carry matchbooks from former collectors who turned in their finds. Another fun idea? Order custom matchbooks with your name or a personal design (might I suggest a sketch of your pet’s face?) that your guests can collect when they come over.
How to Decorate with Matchbooks
Once you’ve got your collection started, here’s how to show them off around your home:
Display them in a trinket dish
The easiest way to display matchbooks is inside a small decorative bowl or trinket dish. Literally, all you have to do is dump a few into the dish and place it on your coffee table or a side table for an instant conversation starter your guests are bound to ask about.
Fan them out on a tray
If you have a larger collection, you might need something bigger than a trinket dish. In that case, a decorative tray is a great way to display a whole pile of matchbooks. Find one with a vintage feel or choose a timeless material like marble or wood—either option will suit that collected-over-time look.
Frame a few as art
Matchbooks are the perfect candidates for some DIY art. All you need is some poster board, glue or tape, and a shadow box-style frame. Then, simply pick out your favorites and arrange them in a fun grid before securing and framing.
Keep them near your candles
Matchbooks aren’t just for show, after all! If you plan on actually using the matches, stash them near your candle collection so you can easily strike one when needed. Create a whole candle-lighting station by storing your matchbooks in a bowl next to your wick trimmer, snuffer, and other candle care accessories.
Store them in a clear box
If you want to keep your matchbooks protected (say, from little hands or curious pets) but still want to show them off, a clear storage container is the way to go. Place them inside a glass keepsake box or an acrylic organizer with a lid to keep them safe without hiding them away.
