If you’re looking for a fun way to give your front door a serious summer makeover, this oversized sunglasses door hanger might be exactly what you need.
It’s colorful, playful, inexpensive, and surprisingly easy to make.
The best part?
You don’t need advanced crafting skills or a long list of specialty supplies.
With two pool noodles, a couple of large plastic serving trays, hot glue, and a few basic craft supplies, you can create a giant pair of sunglasses that instantly makes your porch feel ready for summer.
It’s the kind of decoration that gets attention before anyone even reaches the front door.
And because pool noodles come in so many colors, you can easily customize the project to match your existing outdoor décor.
Why This Giant Sunglasses Door Hanger Is So Fun
Summer decorations don’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes the most memorable projects are the ones that take ordinary items and turn them into something completely unexpected.
That’s exactly what happens here.
Two black serving trays become the oversized lenses, while pink pool noodles create the frames.
Put them together, add a bridge and hanging loop, and suddenly you have a giant pair of sunglasses ready for your front door.
It’s Lightweight
Despite its oversized appearance, the finished decoration is relatively lightweight compared with many traditional outdoor door decorations.
That makes it convenient for seasonal decorating.
It’s Easy to Customize
Pink isn’t your only option.
You can use turquoise, yellow, orange, green, white, or another pool noodle color that works with your porch.
It’s Great for Summer
The sunglasses shape instantly gives the project a sunny, beach-inspired look.
Add a bow, faux flower, or other small accent if you want to make it even more festive.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather everything you need.
Main Supplies
- 2 thick pink pool noodles, approximately 55 to 58 inches long each
- 2 large black plastic serving trays, approximately 12 to 14 inches wide
- 1 high-temperature hot glue gun
- 12 to 16 full-size hot glue sticks
- 1 roll of black duct tape, approximately 1.88 inches wide
- 2 pieces of floral or craft wire, approximately 12 inches long each
- 1 piece of ribbon or sturdy cord, approximately 18 to 24 inches long
Optional Decorations
- Pink craft foam or felt
- Faux flowers
- Decorative ribbon
- Small summer-themed embellishments
- Felt pads for the back
You don’t need to use every optional item.
The sunglasses look great even when kept simple.
How to Make a Giant Sunglasses Door Hanger
Once your supplies are ready, it’s time to turn those ordinary trays and pool noodles into oversized summer décor.
Step 1: Clean the Serving Trays
Start by wiping both plastic serving trays thoroughly.
Remove dust, grease, stickers, and other residue.
Allow them to dry completely.
This matters because hot glue adheres better to a clean, dry surface.
Place the trays side by side so you can visualize the final sunglasses shape.
Leave a small gap between them.
Step 2: Measure the Pool Noodles
Take the first pink pool noodle and gently bend it around the outside edge of one serving tray.
Don’t force the noodle into a sharp curve.
Pool noodles are flexible, but bending them too aggressively can cause them to deform.
Mark where the ends meet.
Then trim the noodle to the appropriate length.
Repeat the process with the second tray.
Keep Both Sides Even
Try to make both noodle frames approximately the same size.
Place them beside each other before gluing to make sure they look balanced.
This small check can save you from having to reposition everything later.
Step 3: Glue the First Frame
Heat your hot glue gun.
Instead of applying glue around the entire tray at once, work in short sections.
Apply a generous bead along part of the tray’s outer rim.
Press the pink pool noodle into place.
Hold it for several seconds while the glue sets.
Continue working your way around the tray.
Why Short Sections Work Better
Pool noodles are flexible and can pull away from the plastic while you’re working.
Short sections give you better control and help the adhesive set before you move to the next area.
Step 4: Create the Second Lens
Repeat the same process with the second serving tray.
Work slowly around the edge, attaching the pink noodle securely.
When you’re finished, inspect both frames.
If you see any sections lifting away from the tray, add a little more hot glue underneath and press the noodle firmly into place.
Step 5: Join the Two Sunglasses
Now comes the moment when the project starts looking like sunglasses.
Place the two finished frames next to each other.
Leave approximately 1 to 2 inches between the inner edges.
This space will become the center bridge.
Apply hot glue between the two frames.
Allow the glue to cool and set.
Then turn the project over.
Reinforce the Back
Use black duct tape across the back connection.
This helps reinforce the center seam and provides additional support.
The front should still look clean and seamless.
Step 6: Add the Sunglasses Bridge
To make the shape instantly recognizable, you’ll need a bridge between the two frames.
Use a leftover piece of pink pool noodle.
Cut a short curved section that can span the gap between the frames.
Position it across the front center.
Apply hot glue and press it firmly into place.
Hold it until the adhesive sets.
The bridge is a small detail, but it makes a huge difference.
Step 7: Reinforce the Back
Turn the sunglasses over again.
Place the two pieces of craft wire across the center back seam.
Secure them with hot glue or duct tape.
Make sure the wire ends are completely covered.
Don’t Leave Exposed Wire
You don’t want sharp wire ends scratching your front door.
Cover everything with black duct tape or another suitable material.
Press the tape flat so there are no sharp edges sticking out.
Step 8: Add the Hanging Loop
Cut a piece of ribbon or sturdy cord approximately 18 to 24 inches long.
Create a loop.
Attach it to the upper back center of the sunglasses using hot glue and duct tape.
Before the adhesive completely sets, gently lift the decoration by the loop.
Check whether it hangs evenly.
If it tilts, reposition the hanging point.
Step 9: Add a Decorative Accent
This step is completely optional.
If you want your sunglasses to look even more festive, add a small bow, faux flower, or another summer-themed decoration.
A simple pink bow works especially well with the pink pool noodle frame.
You could also add a small tropical flower or another lightweight accent.
Just avoid adding anything excessively heavy.
Step 10: Let Everything Set
Don’t immediately hang your finished decoration.
Allow all of the hot glue to cool and harden completely.
Inspect every connection.
Check the center seam, noodle frames, bridge, hanging loop, and decorative accents.
Once everything feels secure, your oversized sunglasses are ready for the front door.
Tips for Making the Best Pool Noodle Sunglasses
Choose Large, Sturdy Trays
The trays form the foundation of the project.
Look for plastic serving trays that are large enough to create the oversized sunglasses effect.
Use High-Temperature Glue
High-temperature hot glue is useful for creating a strong bond between the pool noodle and plastic.
Always handle the glue gun carefully to avoid burns.
Don’t Rush the Gluing
Work around the tray in small sections.
Trying to glue everything at once makes it harder to control the flexible noodle.
Reinforce the Center
The center connection takes a lot of the stress when the decoration is hanging.
Use duct tape or additional reinforcement on the back.
Test the Hanging Balance
Before the adhesive fully sets, lift the project by the hanging loop.
If it leans dramatically to one side, adjust the hanging point.
Make Your Sunglasses in Different Colors
Pink is fun, but it’s certainly not your only choice.
Turquoise Sunglasses
Turquoise gives the project a tropical, poolside feeling.
Yellow Sunglasses
Bright yellow creates a cheerful, sunshine-inspired look.
Orange Sunglasses
Orange works especially well with warm-toned summer décor.
White Sunglasses
White creates a softer, cleaner appearance if you don’t want something extremely colorful.
Two-Tone Sunglasses
You can even experiment with two different colors.
Use one color for each frame or add contrasting decorative accents.
How to Make the Project More Weather-Friendly
If your front porch is exposed to wind, rain, or intense sunlight, give the project some additional support.
Strengthen the Back
Add extra duct tape across the center seam.
Use a Strong Hanging Cord
A sturdy ribbon or cord is preferable to a very thin decorative string.
Secure the Decoration
If the door is frequently exposed to strong wind, make sure the hanger cannot swing excessively.
You may need an additional discreet attachment point.
Add Felt Pads to Protect the Door
Here’s a small finishing trick that can make a big difference.
If the back of the decoration has uneven areas, add a few small felt pads.
They create a little cushioning between the craft and the door.
This can help prevent rubbing and reduce noise when the door moves.
Fun Ways to Customize Your Sunglasses
The basic design is just the beginning.
Add Faux Flowers
Glue a small cluster of lightweight faux flowers to one corner.
Add a Bow
A large bow can make the project feel more decorative.
Add a Summer Message
You could attach a lightweight sign with a short summer greeting.
Create a Beach Theme
Combine the sunglasses with small lightweight accents inspired by the beach or pool.
Just remember that everything you add should remain lightweight enough for the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pool noodles should I use?
Thick, flexible pool noodles work best because they need to bend around the serving trays without collapsing.
Can I use different colored pool noodles?
Absolutely. Pink, turquoise, yellow, orange, green, and white can all work beautifully for a summer theme.
Can I use metal trays instead of plastic?
You can experiment with different materials, but plastic serving trays are lightweight and easy to work with, making them a practical choice for this project.
How do I keep the pool noodle attached?
Apply hot glue in small sections and press the noodle firmly against the tray while each section cools.
Will this decoration work on an outdoor door?
It can, but exposure to wind, rain, heat, and sunlight may affect craft materials over time. For a covered porch, it should generally be better protected.
How can I keep the hanger from scratching my door?
Cover exposed wire and add small felt pads to uneven areas on the back.
How do I make the sunglasses stronger?
Reinforce the center seam with black duct tape and add additional support behind the connection.
Can children help make this craft?
Children can help with safe tasks such as choosing colors and decorations, but hot glue guns should be handled by an adult because the glue and nozzle can cause burns.
Can I make smaller sunglasses?
Yes. Simply use smaller serving trays and adjust the pool noodles accordingly.
How should I store the sunglasses after summer?
Store the decoration somewhere dry and protected from crushing. A large storage container or hanging storage area can help keep the frames from getting bent.
Final Thoughts
This giant sunglasses door hanger is a perfect example of how ordinary items can become surprisingly fun seasonal décor.
Two serving trays and a couple of pool noodles don’t sound particularly exciting on their own.
But put them together with a little creativity, and you get a colorful oversized decoration that can completely change the look of your front door.
The project is inexpensive, customizable, lightweight, and easy enough for a relaxed weekend craft.
So if your porch needs a little summer personality, grab a couple of pool noodles and some plastic trays.
Those ordinary supplies might just be the beginning of your next favorite front-door decoration.