Palm Springs is the ultimate icon of vintage summer style—sun-soaked patios, breezy cabanas, bold colors, and that unmistakable mid-century flair. And nothing brings that retro resort charm to your backyard quite like a nostalgic poolside sign.

Whether you want to set the vibe with a cheeky “Cabana Club” welcome, lay down some playful “Pool Rules,” or just add a pop of personality with a custom design, this Palm Springs-inspired DIY project is the perfect weekend creative fix.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make three different retro-style pool signs using basic materials and a bit of paint (or print magic). Let’s dive in!

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SIGN 1: “Cabana Club” Welcome Sign

Vibe:

Playful, mid-century, slightly glam. Think breezy cocktails and striped towels under a scalloped umbrella.

Supply List:

• Wooden plaque or MDF board (approx. 12×18 inches)
• Acrylic paints in pastel pink, white, and teal
• Fine paintbrush + foam brush
• Pencil + ruler
• Painter’s tape
• Optional: gold paint pen or metallic vinyl for extra flair
• Hanging hardware or twine

Instructions:

1. Prep your surface: Lightly sand the wood and paint the background in your base color (we used a Palm Springs pink). Let dry fully.
2. Tape your border: Use painter’s tape to create a clean, thick border in white. Add a thinner accent line in teal if desired. Let dry and remove tape.
3. Sketch your design: Lightly draw “Cabana Club” in your chosen retro font. Think playful curves or a 1950s diner-style typeface.
4. Paint the text: Use a fine brush for the letters. Go slowly and add two coats for a bold, clean finish.
5. Add sparkle (optional): Use a gold paint pen to outline the lettering or add stars/sparkles for that vintage Vegas vibe.
6. Seal and hang: Once dry, spray with a clear acrylic sealant for outdoor use, and attach hanging hardware or twine.

Shop Supplies Here:

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SIGN 2: “Pool Rules” Vintage Poster-Style Sign

Vibe:

Humorous and nostalgic, like something you’d see by the diving board at a 1960s motel.

Supply List:

• White foam board or canvas board (16×20 or larger)
• Printable or hand-lettered “Pool Rules” template
• Mod Podge or spray adhesive (for printed version)
• Acrylic paint for hand-painted version
• Black paint pen or marker
• Optional: wooden frame or poster hanger strips

Instructions:

For the printed version:

1. Design your rules list: Use Canva or a word processor to type out cheeky pool rules (e.g., “No Cannonballs After Margaritas,” “Towel Chic Only,” “Sunscreen Mandatory”).
2. Print it: Print on high-quality paper.
3. Mount it: Use Mod Podge or spray adhesive to attach the print to the foam board. Smooth out bubbles with a ruler or credit card.
4. Frame it: For a finished look, place inside a thin wooden frame or use poster hanger strips.

For the hand-painted version:

1. Paint the background: Soft aqua or beige mimics classic motel signs.
2. Sketch and letter: Lightly draw your rule list and use a paint pen or thin brush to write in black or navy.
3. Add icons: Draw a retro sun, umbrella, or waves to decorate the corners.
4. Seal & display: Use a protective spray if placing outdoors.

Shop Supplies Here:

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SIGN 3: Colorblock Directional Sign

Vibe:

Bold, graphic, and directional—perfect for placing poolside, pointing to “pool,” “cabana,” or “drinks.”

Supply List:

• Wooden arrow sign or pre-cut directional plaque (or cut your own from scrap wood)
• Acrylic paints: coral, mustard, and mint
• White paint or vinyl lettering
• Paintbrushes + painter’s tape
• Screws or outdoor mounting tape
• Optional: stencil or Cricut for lettering

Instructions:

1. Base coat: Paint the entire sign in a base color (coral is our fave for this one). Let dry.
2. Tape & paint blocks: Use painter’s tape to section off colorblock stripes in contrasting shades like mint and mustard. Let each color dry before taping the next.
3. Add lettering:
   • Hand-paint “Dive In,” “Cabana,” or “Drinks This Way” in white, or
   • Apply pre-cut white vinyl letters for a super clean finish.
4. Mount it up: Screw onto a post, lean against a planter, or use outdoor command strips for mounting.

Shop Supplies Here:

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Pro Tips for That Authentic Palm Springs Vibe:

• Font matters: Go for retro, playful typefaces—look up “mid-century fonts” on Canva or Google Fonts.
• Color palette: Stick to soft pastels (blush, mint, aqua), sunny brights (coral, mustard), and crisp white accents.
• Accessories: Style your sign with a woven mat, striped umbrella, or faux palm leaves nearby for a killer photo op.
• Materials: Use sealants or weatherproofing if you’re placing your sign outdoors for the season!

Shop Patio Accessories:

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Final Thoughts

These DIY retro pool signs are the perfect blend of nostalgic charm and sunny creativity. Whether you’re throwing a summer party, updating your backyard, or just dreaming of Palm Springs, these signs bring that vacation energy home.

So grab your paintbrush and let your patio shout “Cabana Club Open!”

Looking for more backyard inspiration?

Then you must read, this blog post, 15 Aesthetic Pool Must Haves for the Ultimate Backyard.

In the mood for another DIY project? These Mid-Century Modern Planters would make the perfect addition to your outdoor oasis.

Click Here to explore my “Outdoor Decor” board on Pinterest.