Looking for an easy, patriotic DIY to hold your small stick flags? Then stick around, we have a fun project for you.
This DIY patriotic finial flag stand is one of those projects that cost almost nothing, take less than an afternoon, and end up looking like something you paid good money for.
And the best part?
You can display it all summer long — or honestly, all year long.
The DIY Patriotic Finial Flag Stand That Stopped Me in My Tracks
I spotted this idea on Pinterest and immediately thought of the old finials I had tucked away in my garage.
Some of them I thrifted years ago. Some were leftovers from old decorating projects. Either way, they had been sitting there doing absolutely nothing — and that felt like a waste.
So I put them to work.
This DIY patriotic finial flag stand is beginner-friendly, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you use old finials you already own or pick up new supplies at the hardware store, this is a project anyone can pull off.
What You Need to Make This DIY Flag Stand
Here is everything you need to get started. I am giving you two versions — the thrifted vintage version I made for myself, and the all-new version I made as a gift for my neighbor.
For the Vintage Thrifted Version
- Old wood finials (check your garage, a thrift store, or an antique shop)
- Square wood base (I bought mine from Hobby Lobby — they carry two sizes, so match the size to your finial)
- Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Savannah Mist (you can easily use acrylic paint too)
- Small chip brush
- Tiny artist brush for getting into the nooks and crannies
- Drill with a 3/16 drill bit or the size needed for your finial screw
- Nail and hammer (for creating a pilot hole)
- Ruler and pencil
- Sandpaper block
- Small stick flags — I highly recommend these Betsy Ross flags from Amazon because they have plastic sticks you can bend slightly. More on why that matters in a minute.
For the All-New Lowe's Version
No thrifted finials? No problem. Head to Lowe's and look past the finial section (those can get pricey). Instead, head to the wood trim aisle and pick up these two pieces:
- Lowe's Wood Rosette — this acts as your base
- Lowe's Wood Foot / Chair Leg — this sits right on top of the rosette beautifully and costs much less than a traditional finial
- Dixie Belle Chalk Paint (we used Rustic Red on this version. Sherwin Williams sample cans at Lowes work great too. Their Rustic Red is a perfect match)
- Small chip brush
- Tiny artist brush for getting into the nooks and crannies
- Drill with a 3/16 drill bit or the size needed for your finial screw
- Nail and hammer (for creating a pilot hole)
- Ruler and pencil
- Sandpaper block
- Small stick flags — I highly recommend these Betsy Ross flags from Amazon because they have plastic sticks you can bend slightly. More on why that matters in a minute.
The chair leg fits perfectly over the rosette, and once it is painted, it looks just as charming as the vintage version. From there, follow all the same steps below.
Pro tip: I have included a Lowe's Storefront link so you can shop all the items in one place and order online. Grab your supplies here.
How to Make a Patriotic Finial Flag Stand Step by Step
Step 1 — Attach the Finial to the Wood Base
Use a measuring tape to find the dead center of your wood base. Then drill a hole to match the screw size at the bottom of your finial.
Once you screw the finial into the base, flip the whole thing upside down and check if the screw is poking through the bottom. On mine, the screw was poking through a little.
The fix is simple.
First, back the screw out of the base until it is no longer visible beneath the base. Then flip your second base upside down and line it up against the bottom of the first base. Once they are lined up together, screw the finial back in. As it tightens, the screw will pull the two bases together and secure them as one.
Pro tip: If your screw is not quite long enough to reach through both bases, just bond them together with hot glue, wood glue, or Gorilla tape and you are good to go.
Step 2 — Drill the Hole in the Top of the Finial First
Learn from me on this one, friend. Drill your hole before you paint. I drilled one of mine after painting and had to touch up the paint. Save yourself the extra step.
Use a nail and hammer to tap a small pilot hole right in the center of the top of the finial. Then hold the finial up and look at it from a few angles to make sure your nail is going straight up and down.
Once your pilot hole looks good, use your 3/16 drill bit and drill straight down into the top of the finial. Go as deep as you need to so your flag stick sits securely.
Pro tip: Do not stress about getting it perfectly straight. If you buy flags with plastic sticks like, these Betsy Ross flags, you can bend the stick just slightly to compensate for an imperfect hole. This is a total game changer and takes all the pressure off.
Step 3 — Sand and Paint
Take a piece of sandpaper and lightly sand any rough edges on the base. Then paint the entire piece, including the finial and base, so everything matches.
I used Dixie Belle Chalk Paint in Savannah Mist, which is a soft, pretty blue. I chose it because the light blue adds a little character to the piece and helps it stand out. But you have options here. Navy blue, crisp white, or even a warm gold with a brown wax finish would all be gorgeous.
Apply two coats, letting each coat dry for about an hour before adding the next. Use your chip brush on the main surfaces and your small artist brush to reach all the curves and details of the finial.
Step 4 — Add Your Flag
Once everything is dry, simply pop your flag into the drilled hole. If the fit is a little loose, a tiny dab of craft glue will keep it in place.
Stand back and admire your work. You just made something beautiful out of something old.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
- Drill before you paint — I cannot say this enough. Save the touch-up work.
- Use a nail for your pilot hole — it helps you check the angle before you commit to drilling.
- Buy flags with plastic sticks — the flexibility forgives an imperfect drill angle every time.
- Odd numbers display best — I made three flag stands and grouped them together. Three is the magic number for vignettes and tablescapes.
- Seal for outdoor use — if you plan to put these on a porch or patio, finish them with a clear outdoor sealer so the paint holds up to the elements.
Why Vintage Finials Are Perfect for Patriotic Decor
There is something about an old finial that just has character. The curves, the weight, the worn wood, it all adds up to something that feels collected and intentional rather than purchased off a shelf.
That is exactly the look we are going for here.
Thrift Stores and Garage Sales Are Full of Them
Finials show up all the time at antique stores, estate sales, and thrift shops. They are usually inexpensive because most people do not know what to do with them.
Beautiful Ways to Display Your Patriotic Finial Flag Stand
This is where it gets really fun. These little flag stands are incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use them:
- Coffee table — group three together for a simple, festive centerpiece
- Entryway table — tuck one or two in with a lantern and some greenery
- Dining table centerpiece — line three down the center of your table for a patriotic tablescape
- Bookcase — nestle one in between books and other collected pieces
- Fireplace mantel — mix with flags, garlands, and vintage pieces for a layered look
- Your desk at work — a sweet little patriotic touch that sparks conversation
- As a gift — this is one of those handmade gifts that people genuinely love to receive
DIY American Flag Stand Using Lowe's Products
Speaking of gifts — this is exactly why I made the Lowe's version for my neighbor.
She is one of the most patriotic people I know, and when I shared with her my flag stand idea, her eyes lit up. Making her one with all-new materials from Lowe's felt just as special as the vintage version.
To save money, I went with furniture feet instead of finials, and I couldn't believe how inexpensive this project turned out. Tap here to see what I mean.
After I made the flag stand, I asked my neighbor to pick a color, and she went with Rustic Red, which Sherwin Williams also carries.
Display Them All Year Long — Not Just for the 4th of July
Here is something I want you to take away from this post. These flag stands are not just for Independence Day. I recently shared a whole post on Year Round Americana Decor, and these flag stands fit right in with that style of decorating.
So think outside the box—holidays, gifts, events, or everyday decorations. This is a fantastic way to show your patriotism or honor a Veteran.
Final Thoughts
Remember, this is one of those projects that proves you do not need a big budget or to make something you are genuinely proud of. All it takes is a little creativity, a few supplies, and the willingness to see potential in the things already around you.
If this project has you in a patriotic decorating mood, here are a few more posts to keep the inspiration going:
- American Flag Decoration Ideas — a whole post full of creative ways to decorate with flags
- DIY Patriotic Craft Ideas — more handmade patriotic projects you can make at home
Now I would love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and tell me, are you making the thrifted version or the Lowe's version? I cannot wait to see what you create.
Happy Decorating!
