Vintage yardsticks aren't just used as mere measuring tools or straight edges today. With their great markings, color and repetition they make for incredible upcycling tools and can be seen throughout contemporary DIY decor.
I love the look of a used, marked up, vintage yardstick; they just hold so much character. Here are some ways that they have been used to enhance decor in interesting and nostalgic ways.
Top Row
1. Sew Dang Cute Crafts brings us a pretty impressive before/after yardstick buffet table.
2. This sweet little yardstick organizer was originally sold at Pottery Barn a while back, but Gina replicates it a little differently at Lady Goats.
3. Inoui Design Collective created these great stair risers for their studio in Canada.
4. HGTV shows us how to re-create this easy yardstick clip-art rail.
5. Here is a great DIY yardstick backsplash via Ashley Ann Photography.
Bottom Row
1. Check out this thrift store side-table before/after via Patina White.
2. This DIY Starburst Mirror comes with a step-by-step tutorial via Made By Stephie.
3. This pendant lamp is available through Roost Living or as a fairly straight forward DIY project as presented via Design Sponge.
Images: As linked above
Smart & Simple Small Space Solution: Angela & Tania's "Murphy Table"
Monica & Austin's Charming Bungalow
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Ercol Bar Stool
Why I Became a 1-Gallon Homebrewer
True Greek Recipe: Paximadi Bread Salad with Tomatoes, Feta and Capers
I use an old yardstick as a chair rail on the aubergine wall in my entry. Love it.
We used them on our basement stair risers after seeing that idea here--they look awesome!
This is the coolest ever, need to start finding more yardsticks.
I love this!
Okay, these are fantastic ideas but where do we get that quantity of yardsticks in a decent amount of time without spending a fortune? The ones I've seen in vintage shops are way overpriced and few and far between. *sigh* They sure do have eye appeal!
I love these! I have been wanting to do this on a desk that has been sitting in my garage for months now. Can't find a good assortment of vintage yardsticks to do the job. I was thinking about using flat trim instead but I don't think it will produce the same WOW! factor.
YES! I just bought several vintage rulers from the 1930's at the thrift store because of the beautiful typography and had no idea what to do with them! Thanks AT!
The vintage ones are the nicest. Something about that patina... In photo #1 I would have sanded off the advertising on that one yard stick or cut it in half. It ruins the look.