Rustic Doorpost Sign for the Entryway Gallery Wall

Over the past few days I shared six different wall art projects I used to create our entryway gallery wall. Each piece added character, but my favorite came last: a rustic doorpost sign placed above the entrance to the dining room. It balanced the wall and became a meaningful focal point the moment you step through the front door.

The full gallery includes:

1. Light Reflector Arrow Sign, 2. Striped & Layered Photo Frame, 3. Beach Cottage {faux} Photo Frames, 4. Monogram Family Letter Sign, 5. Pattern Play Display Frame, and 6. Ikea’s Mirrors Go Coastal Fun!

I originally planned only a gallery up the stairway, but once it was in place the composition felt out of balance. I stepped back, evaluated the space, and realized the wall needed something substantial above the dining room doorway to anchor the arrangement.

From a pile of reclaimed wood salvaged from a carpenter’s discard heap, I selected several boards that already had layers of old paint. They were dirty and weathered—perfect for the rustic look I wanted.

I cleaned the boards thoroughly, then sanded them outdoors with a random orbital sander. Working outdoors helped with ventilation and removed loose paint and grime. After sanding, latex paint adhered well to the surface.

Before assembling the sign I painted each board individually. I alternated an aqua-blue coat with a white wash over previously yellowed boards to create layered color and texture. Once the paint dried, I used a stain on the edges and front faces—avoiding the inner edges where the boards would be glued—because glue bonds best to raw wood.

To form the sign base, I glued the boards together with wood glue and clamped them tightly to dry overnight. For extra strength I nailed on three strapping pieces across the back. This made the sign rigid and sturdy enough to hang above a doorway.

As I assembled the base, I considered what message to display. I thought about Deuteronomy 6:5–9, which talks about writing commandments on the doorframes of your house, and I wanted a verse that felt right for our home.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

I chose Joshua 24:15 for the sign: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” I painted the lettering in a Book Antique-style font using the same hand-painted technique mentioned in my other projects. The contrast of the rustic background and crisp lettering makes the message legible and heartfelt.

I love that this sign is the first thing I notice when I walk in the door. It anchors the gallery, adds a warm rustic touch, and serves as a simple daily reminder of what our home stands for.

Linking to: Life is a Trip Worth Taking, A Living Sacrifice, Funky Junk