Do you love to collect vintage kitchen decor? Want to learn more about how to display those vintage rolling pins and other vintage kitchen utensils you’ve been collecting?
I love collecting vintage kitchenware and old utensils. However, it can be challenging to keep them on display.
I’m sharing some of my favorite ways to style and showcase these vintage collections in my modern farmhouse kitchen.
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Table of contents
What Is Vintage Kitchen Decor?
If you have kitchen bowls, utensils, rolling pins, breadboards, smashers, wooden bowls, spice jars, etc., that are over 50 years old, you have vintage kitchen decor.
Some of my favorites to collect are made of wood. Almost anything with a wooden handle is most likely vintage. This includes vintage rolling pins, breadboards and cutting boards, smashers, and old wooden spoons.
Old copper cookware, baskets, and dinnerware are also fun to collect, making your kitchen look unique and interesting.
Where To Shop for Vintage Kitchen Decor?
There are many advantages to shopping for vintage kitchen decor if you do your homework and love the thrill of the hunt.
Where should you shop for vintage kitchen decor?
- Antique Shops – Here is the most obvious and easy place to find vintage decor. However, prices may not be budget-minded.
- Online – another easy option, but prices will vary.
- Estate Sales – most estate sales will provide online previews so you can do your homework before attending.
- Flea Markets – can be hit or miss but great bargains can be found.
- Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops – is where most of my vintage rolling pins and kitchen utensils are from. It is very hit or miss, but if you know what you are looking for and have done your homework, you can get some great bargains. You can learn more at 10 Best Tips For Thrift Store Shopping.
Pro Tip
No matter where you shop, be sure to research, keep your priorities in mind, and compare prices before purchasing.
Best NEW Tip
Use the Google app camera to photograph vintage pieces for price comparison. You may find comparable items on Etsy, eBay, and online vintage venues.
With a little effort, you can find beautiful and unique vintage kitchen decor that will add a touch of style to your home.
How To Decorate With Vintage Kitchen Decor?
There are several ways to decorate vintage kitchen decor, including vintage furniture, vintage lighting, and appliances.
However, you don’t have a 100% vintage kitchen style. You can decorate any style kitchen with vintage kitchen decor with these tips.
Pro Tips
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Vintage kitchen decor doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy. In fact, mixing and matching different pieces can create a more interesting and eclectic look.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative. There are no rules when it comes to decorating with vintage kitchen decor. Let your creativity run wild and have fun with it!
- Most importantly, have fun! Decorating your kitchen should be enjoyable. So relax, take your time, and enjoy the process.
Where To Display Vintage Collections?
When decorating with vintage collections, it’s good to group collections together. A basket filled with old rolling pins will be more impactful and decorative than a single rolling pin on a shelf.
Vintage and antique finds can be displayed on open shelving, inside cupboards, kitchen tables, islands, countertops, over the cabinets, and hanging on the walls. Basically any place that you have room to style your vintage finds.
Pro Tip
Make your vintage collections pop by displaying them together.
You’ll notice that many of my collections are gathered together inside other vintage pieces.
Use these vintage items to hold your smaller collections:
- Baskets
- Crocks
- Toolbox
- Wooden Box or crate
- Vases
- Pitchers
Vintage Rolling Pins
Vintage rolling pins can be found in vintage and antique shops. You may find them in thrift stores, yard sales, and consignment shops for much less if you are lucky.
Vintage rolling pins are often made from solid wood, and they may have decorative features, such as carved handles or inlaid designs.
Some vintage rolling pins are made from glass, metal, and ceramic. However, a well-worn wooden one is my favorite to collect.
You can use a vintage rolling pin to roll out dough, crush herbs, and even make pasta.
However, they are also a beautiful addition to any kitchen décor.
Add a collection to a vintage toolbox, fill old crocks, or display special finds individually.
Do you remember reading How to Decorate Above Kitchen Cabinets?
This is another excellent place to display vintage kitchen decor. Especially valuable pieces that you want to keep protected.
An example is these antique crocks. One is very rare, so fill them with vintage rolling pins, smashers, and old wooden spoons for display away from harm.
Breadboards and Cutting Boards
Decorating with vintage breadboards and cutting boards is a great way to add a touch of style and history to your kitchen.
Both have been added to the DIY Wall Plate Rack. The variety of wood tones against the white shiplap adds warmth to this kitchen corner.
What is the difference in Breadboards and Cutting Boards?
Although vintage breadboards and cutting boards are both made of wood primarily and are very similar in design.
However, a vintage breadboard is used primarily to remove hot bread from the oven. They are also used to slice and serve bread.
Meanwhile, cutting boards are used to chop, slice, and dice food. While most vintage cutting boards are made of wood, you will find that modern ones are made of various materials like plastic.
You will also find many decorative cutting boards in the shape of animals.
I have a small collection of pig cutting boards, and they are spread around the kitchen.
Here two are stacked as a backdrop for more vintage decor.
Vintage Copper Cookware
Collecting vintage copper is an obsession of mine. I can’t get enough.
Why Is Copper Trending for Vintage Kitchen Decor?
Vintage copper is trending for kitchen decor because it is a beautiful, durable, and versatile material.
It works well in any style kitchen, from farmhouse to traditional to modern.
Copper is also a sustainable material that can be recycled and reused indefinitely.
I began showcasing this collected vintage kitchen decor on the DIY wall plate rack, and it quickly began to fill up.
Next, we built a DIY Copper Hanging Pot Rack above the sink, instantly transforming the room.
The combination of copper and wooden pieces on the open shelving adds a warm feeling to the kitchen.
Vintage Kitchen Utensils
If you collect smaller vintage kitchen utensils, they can be even more challenging to decorate with.
These are a few of the ways I display smaller utensils in the kitchen.
Pro Tip
- Consider adding utensils to old crocks, vases, and vintage pitchers to decorate with smaller vintage kitchen decor.
- Mix and match on open shelves and plate racks. Tuck smaller items between larger pieces.
- Add a collection to a large wooden bowl.
- Or, fill a large clear vase, canister, or vintage candy jar with vintage utensils, cookie cutters, etc.
The plate rack is filled with vintage collectibles, and the smaller items are easily tucked between larger items in containers or alone.
A vintage wooden bowl on the kitchen island is filled with many smaller kitchen decor items.
In addition, an antique glass candy container is also filled with vintage molds, cookie cutters, and mini tart tins.
Old and Thrifted Dishes
Using and displaying old and thrifted dishes is my favorite way to add vintage charm to my tablescapes and kitchen decor.
This collection of vintage ironstone dishes was a lucky find at a Habitat ReStore. It was a large collection, and I’ve continued to add items as they are found.
In addition to displaying vintage and antique dishes on cabinets and cupboards, setting the table with them adds a nostalgic touch.
Vintage Scales
Another favorite vintage collection is old scales. They are great for displaying other vintage pieces like this copper teapot.
When looking for vintage kitchen scales, remember that they are typically made from metal and can be found in various shapes, sizes, and styles.
In addition, some vintage kitchen scales are simple and utilitarian, while others are more ornate and decorative.
Don’t you love the color of this $10.00 thrift store find?
Inherited Vintage Decor
In addition to the many thrifted vintage kitchen decor pieces, displaying inherited family pieces brings a sense of history and personality to your home.
I’ve included my mom’s rolling pin and meat grinder on the kitchen’s open shelves. Displaying these treasures helps to evoke many happy childhood memories.
Resources
More Vintage & Antique Decorating Ideas
More Antique & Vintage Decorating in Modern Farmhouse
- How To Decorate a Modern Farmhouse with Antique Furniture
- Decorating with Vintage Baskets with Country Chic Style
- How To Use Vintage Decor in Outdoor Kitchen
- Modern Farmhouse Christmas Vintage Decorating
- The Best Vintage & Thrifting Decorating Ideas
- How To Decorate with Vintage Garden Decor
- How To Decorate With Old Candleholders
- How to Decorate with Vintage Tool Boxes
- 9 Antique & Vintage Bedroom Ideas
- How To Decorate With Vintage Kitchen Decor
- 10 Ways To Add Vintage Charm To Your Bedroom Decor
- 15 Ways to Decorate with Antique Quilts
- How To Repurpose Antique Doors For Farmhouse Vintage Charm
- 25 Repurposed Architectural Salvage Decorating Ideas
Thank you for allowing me to share my passion for decorating with vintage kitchen decor. I’d love to hear your favorite pieces and how you style them.
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Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Saturday 13th of May 2023
You have the best vintage collections, Rachel. I just love your kitchen.
Rachel
Monday 15th of May 2023
Thank you Kim! I appreciate your comments.
debbie-dabble
Tuesday 9th of May 2023
Rachel, Great post!! I see so many of the vintage treasures I myself have and have displayed in my Kitchen for the past 30 years...Thanks so much for sharing!! Hugs, Deb
Rachel
Thursday 11th of May 2023
Debbie, I'm glad you found this informative.