16 Stylish Ways To Give Vintage Silverware A Second Life

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Vintage silverware is one of those household items you shouldn't toss because it might be more valuable than you think. But this begs the question: What do you do with all the trays, cups, teapots, and cutlery you inherited or have collected steadily over time? While you could stuff them in a forgotten corner of your home, another option is to bring them out, polish them, and give them a second life. For instance, you could upcycle your silver tray as an antique photo frame. Similarly, a bowl will make for the best makeshift vase for your cut flowers.

You can use the pieces as is or give them a fresh coat of paint to hide their true nature. In case your silverware has intricate detailing and you'd rather not hide that under paint, put in some elbow grease to get rid of the surface-level tarnish to make them look like new. Get dedicated cleaners, like Wright's by Weiman Silver Polish Cream, to help you out. Or, go the chemical-free route and use aluminum foil, baking soda, and hot water to bring out your dull silverware's shine. Whichever way you go, here are 16 stylish ways to give your vintage silverware a new lease on life.

If you sew or like quilting, chances are you need a pincushion to keep track of all your pins and needles. They also come in handy when you need to pick one out of the melee without putting down what you're working on. To make the most of your silverware, why not turn a silver cup into a pincushion? You just need a scrap piece of cloth tied around some stuffed pillow filler (or a rolled cloth). Push this inside the cup, and you're done.

Are you constantly trying to choose between functional and pretty when looking for a fruit and veggie holder? Get the best of both worlds with an old silver bowl. Clean and polish it before placing your fruits and veggies inside and putting it on your kitchen island or dining table. While you can paint and adhere pretty transfers to the bowl to prettify it, they'll make it difficult for you to wash it when it becomes dirty. So, reserve this option for waxy fruits and vegetables.

Do you like putting up napkins around your house for easy access? Then, you might be looking for some creative ways to elevate boring tissue boxes to match your home's aesthetic. A low-effort and striking way to store your napkins is to put them inside your vintage kettle. Take them out of their packaging, fold them into thirds, and pull one out. Finally, place them in the kettle and shut the lid. When you need one, just open it and grab it. This will also keep your tissues free of dirt and debris.

Why fantasize about being invited to the world of "Downton Abbey" or "Bridgerton" when you can bring a little slice of these historical dramas to your home? You just need a silver teapot to make your dreams come true. Start by cleaning it and then prime, paint, and stick a transfer on top (it's optional) to give it a makeover. Avoid painting the inside if you plan on using it to pour your tea or other beverages. Keep the spout, lid, and handle clear as well to add to your teapot's charm.

An old silver tray can be used to create beautiful signs or plaques for your home. If you like the silverware's natural patina and finish, feel free to apply your transfer directly on top. Otherwise, grab some acrylic paint in your preferred shade (or one that complements your decor scheme) and apply one to two coats over the tray. Once the paint dries completely, apply your transfer to create beautiful signs or plaques out of old trays. Apply a coat of clear matte finish to keep its appearance intact.

Family pictures will bring warmth to your interiors and make them feel lived in. However, if you'd like a chic display, plain frames won't cut it. An easy and stylish way to add personality to your home with family photos is to repurpose your silver trays as photo frames. All you have to do is position your pictures (upside down) on the inside part of each tray and trace its shape with a pencil. Then, cut it out and stick it to the tray with craft glue or something stronger for a more permanent solution.

This idea is perfect for individuals who enjoy the mellow twinkling of wind chimes but don't want to spend a lot on dedicated pieces. Grab a few of your old silver spoons — the actual number will depend on how elaborate you want your chime to be — and flatten their mouths with a hammer. Cut off their handles and decorate them as you want. For instance, you can paint them in different colors for a rainbow-like effect or drill holes and bend them just so to bring your favorite animals to life.

A chafing tray can feel like a useless piece of silverware. After all, what are you supposed to do with the hollow piece? A nifty way to style one is to use it as a base for your decor items, like flowers, showpieces, battery-operated candles, and more. That being said, you'll need to place its lid upside-town to make this happen. If you don't find the lid, measure the tray and cut a piece of wood (feel free to stain or color it) to serve as a base for your decorations.

You might not be able to use an orphan silver saucer in your kitchen, but that doesn't mean you can't use it in other areas of your home. Paint it in your chosen tone and let it dry. Next, use a pretty transfer or sign, depending on where you're putting it. A personal picture would work, too, if you plan on adding it to your bedroom. Once you're sure the transfer (or picture) is set, place it on an old frame or hang it around your house.

You don't have to be crafty to give your vintage silverware a second life. Use your silver tray as an organizer for your coffee table. You just need to clean it. Experiment with different sizes to find the right fit. If your table holds a lot of items, including books, a flower vase, candle holders, showpieces, and the like, you'll want a relatively large tray to give them all a comfortable spot. However, if your coffee table just holds some remotes and maybe the occasional book or decor piece, a smaller tray would be ideal.

Tired of scrambling for an empty vase every time someone gives you a beautiful bouquet? Instead of using an empty Prego container like Morgan does in "Nobody Wants This," upcycle your old silver pitcher. This will add some character to your flower arrangement and ensure it remains the focal point in a room. However, you won't be able to check the level of water easily (like you can with transparent vases), so consider this before using a pitcher. Alternatively, use it to flaunt your gorgeous artificial florals.

While there's nothing wrong with touring your house with a book in hand, things will start getting messy if you tend to pick a new book often. So, to keep track of your precious novels and minimize clutter in your home, use an old casserole stand. Simply place your books horizontally or vertically inside the stand's hollow section, and you're done. Remember, you'll need to tie your books with a ribbon if you store them vertically, or they'll fall out.

Own a unique-shaped dish? Don't let its potential go to waste by stuffing it in a forgotten cabinet in your attic or basement. Use it to elevate simple items around your house. For instance, you can repurpose it as a soap holder on your bathroom countertop. But if you use liquid soap, use the dish as a jewelry or accessory holder to keep your countertop organized. Another way is to place it on your coffee table or other surfaces to add a little oomph to your candle holders, decorative florals, and other decor items.

If you've run out of space to press sticky notes on your PC and are looking for a whimsical memo board for your home office, a silver tray can help. Paint it in a shade of your choosing and apply some deco paper (or another medium) on top to hide your board's origins. Once you're done decorating the tray, stick small magnets (like Dollar Tree's Magnet Buttons) on the back of tiny decorations and put them up. Voilà! Your memo board is ready for use.

Cut flowers add a dash of color and bring freshness to a home. So, it's only fair that they be housed in gorgeous vases to amplify their appeal. But if you aren't too keen on spending money on new ones, upcycle your old silver bowl. Since they can be wider than they are deep, ensure you get enough greens and fillers to hide the bald patches amongst your florals. You might also have to trim the stems so the flowers don't flop over. You can even use these bowls to display artificial flowers to make them look real.

Don't like the look of the plastic sugar container on your kitchen countertop? Replace it with an old silver sugar holder. Clean it prior to pouring sugar inside. Like the fruit and veggie holder, only paint and decorate it if you plan on storing sugar packets or sweeteners. This is because you risk marring your paint job if you wash the holder regularly. You could even use this silverware to store your coffee pods, hide your secret stash of chocolates, or place your home-baked cookies inside.