Ever get your keys mixed up on your key ring?
You know how it is. You have multiple keys that all look the same and it’s impossible to tell them apart. You could separate them on your key ring, but does that really work?
I used to have 3 keys for our house, with one being the main key for our front door. But they all looked the same and I’d have to try all three before finding the correct key. That gets really frustrating, especially if you’re balancing your purse, a couple bags of groceries, and a squirming toddler who wants to run away.
And sure, we could go to the hardware store and get fancy decorative keys there, but who has time to wait around for an associate to finally appear and copy your key?
Say good-bye to boring, look-alike keys that get mixed up. From drab to fab, here’s a simple DIY trick to make decorative keys right at home!
DIY Decorative Keys:
It’s so easy. Just use nail polish to decorate your keys. You don’t have to go fancy, although you can bling out your keys to your heart’s desire if you want.
Simply paint a coat of nail polish onto the top of the key and let it dry. Then flip it over and do the same thing. Use multiple coats for a more uniform appearance.
You can even have your older kids help. Give a girl an excuse to use nail polish and let her have at it!
I didn’t have to ask twice for Emily to help me with this project!
Don’t paint on the part of the key that inserts into the lock – it could interfere with the key’s ability to unlock your door.
(I forgot to tell Emily that little detail and came back to find her painting the entire key. Oops!)
If you want to go fancier, try making little polka dots with white nail polish. I used a q-tip since the nail polish brush was a little too big for neat circles. I’m not artsy at all, but this was super easy.
Try making your own decorative keys, then send me a picture at musingssahm at gmail dot com. I’ll feature my favorites in a post later!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Those are super cute. What a fun idea.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
Oh wow, I never thought of doing this! How cute! Running for my nail polish … 😉
Jennifer says
That is super adorable, AND it’s a great way to remember what key goes to what door. I love it!
Dawn says
What a cute idea! I can’t believe I never thought of this!
Kelly Hutchinson says
Oh boy is this a face palm moment. I cannot believe I didn’t think of this before!
Amber Edwards says
That is such a brilliant way to keep the keys straight as to what goes to which lock! And they look great too! Love it.
Chrysa says
I have put a dot of nail polish on a key to mark it before, but never all out painted them. They look cute this way!
Brett says
I have so many keys to keep track of anymore. This is such a great idea! I have lots of nail polishes to use too. Thanks for the rainy day project!
Aubrey says
What a cute Idea to help organize your keys and make them look pretty.
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) says
My daughter does this to her keys she’s a nail-polish fanatic and always color coordinated. It’s nice to see your daughter doing it too.
Meagan says
LOVE this idea! What a cute way to make your keys recognizable!
LauraOinAK says
I so totally love this idea!! I’ve had the same problem in the past and don’t want to spend a long time finding the right key when it is super cold outside.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a great idea. .Definitely a good way to identify keys and stay organized.
Ann BAcciaglia says
I like this idea. I have a bunch of really pretty nail polish colours at home and I think they would be great for this project. I am sure my daughter will want to paint her keys with me.
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
Totally just face palmed myself! I am forever forgetting which order my keys go in for the doors- I need to color code them!!!! I’m off to paint now!
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
So cute! My sister told me to do this to my keys. I love the colors you chose.
Sarah @ Must Have Mom says
What a great idea! I’m disappointed that I never thought of this before! Would have saved me tons of time!