How to turn a toy horse figurine into a designer-inspired concrete equestrian statuette using just paint, wood craft, and glue.
I may have just discovered a new hobby: turning toys into chic home decor. Don’t worry—I asked first… mostly. If you’ve ever loved the look of heavy, minimalist equestrian sculptures but balked at the price, this easy DIY gives you the same designer vibe for a fraction of the cost.
This project transforms a small plastic toy horse into a concrete-look equestrian statuette mounted on a wooden base. It’s budget-friendly, quick, and works well with thrifted finds and inexpensive craft supplies. The finished piece has clean lines and a muted, modern finish that fits entryways, bookshelves, mantels, or office desks.
Why this works
Concrete-look finishes are great for taking inexpensive materials and making them appear heavy and sculptural. A small toy horse already has the shape and proportions you want—so with the right paint technique and a simple wooden base, you can achieve a high-end sculptural accent without the high-end price.
DIY Concrete Equestrian Statuette
Supplies
- Toy horse figurine (thrifted or inexpensive new toy)
- Concrete-look paint (two complementary gray tones—light and dark)
- Two medium craft brushes
- Small wooden plaque or block for the base
- Super glue or strong craft adhesive
Step 1 — Base coat: Start by cleaning the toy and the wooden plaque to remove dust or oils. Apply two light, even coats of the lighter gray concrete-look paint to the horse and the wooden base. Use a dabbing or stippling motion with a brush rather than long brush strokes; this helps create the textured, mineral appearance of concrete.
Step 2 — Add depth: While the second coat of light gray is still slightly tacky, dab small amounts of the darker gray paint in random areas. Blend the two tones gently with the brush tip to avoid harsh lines. This subtle variation gives the piece a realistic concrete texture and keeps the finish from looking flat.
Step 3 — Attach to the base: Once all paint is fully dry, apply a small amount of super glue to each of the horse’s hooves and press it onto the wooden plaque. Hold it in place for about a minute or follow the adhesive manufacturer’s directions until it sets. If you prefer, use a two-part epoxy for a stronger, longer-lasting bond.
That’s it. The whole project takes only an hour or two (including drying time) and costs under twenty dollars when you use thrifted or budget supplies. The final piece has a restrained, contemporary look—similar in feel to higher-priced concrete statuettes but uniquely yours.
If you want to vary the look, try a wooden stain on the base before painting for a mixed-material effect, or seal the painted surface with a matte clear coat to protect it from scuffs. A lightly distressed finish adds character if you prefer a more rustic appearance.
We’ve put our little statue in the foyer to welcome guests; it’s subtle but makes a stylish statement. Pair it with simple seasonal accents—pumpkins in fall or greenery year-round—alongside a stack of books and a lamp for a composed vignette that feels curated, not cluttered.
This project is perfect for upcycling thrifted toys or finding inexpensive pieces at garage sales. It’s an easy way to make one-of-a-kind decor that looks deliberate and stylish. Next on the list: a toy airplane transformed into a vintage-modern desk sculpture—watch the toy aisle with fresh eyes.
For inspiration, scan through other trash-to-treasure makeovers and before-and-after projects from fellow crafters and decorators; simple transformations can have a big impact.
Clockwise from top left:
Prodigal Pieces | Artsy Chicks Rule | Confessions of a Serial DIYer | Girl in the Garage
Finally, promise kept: I’ll let Olivia keep most of her toys for playing. But a few perfectly shaped pieces? They’re fair game for a quick, stylish makeover.