14 Creative Ways to Decorate with Antiques

1. Use Ironstone as Everyday Decor

Instead of saving ironstone for serving, use it as part of your everyday styling.

A small sugar bowl can hold fresh stems on a nightstand, a pitcher works perfectly as a vase, and larger pieces can be used for display or storage. I’ll use whatever fits the space—I’m not thinking about what it was originally meant for, just the shape and how it works in the room.

If you need a simple white container, ironstone almost always looks better than something new. It has just enough character to feel interesting without trying too hard—and it works beautifully as-is.

2. Use Trophy Cups as Containers

I have a few of these around my house, and while they usually sit on a shelf, I’ll occasionally pull one out and use it somewhere else.

They work surprisingly well as small vases, pencil cups, or even on a kitchen counter holding utensils. It’s not something you’d expect to see, which is exactly why it works.

Just don’t overdo it—one or two is interesting. A whole collection used this way starts to feel a little busy.

3. Use Grain Sacks for Textiles

Grain sacks were originally used to store and transport grain, but they work just as well in a home.

They’re durable enough to use as pillow covers, seat cushions, table runners, or placemats. I tend to reach for the ones with patches, fading, or small imperfections—they have more character and don’t feel overly polished.

They’re one of those pieces that look best used as-is. You don’t need to do much to them for them to work.

4. Use Andirons as Decorative Objects

Andirons are typically used inside a fireplace, but they work just as well as decorative objects or even bookends.

I’ve seen them used to flank a shelf or sit on the hearth even without a fire. They have enough presence on their own, so you don’t need to do much with them.

5. Use Shoe Lasts as Small Functional Accents

I’m always drawn to industrial pieces, and shoe lasts are one I come back to often. They’re great as doorstops, paperweights, or bookends, especially when you want something a little different but still subtle.

These are best used in small doses—one or two adds interest. A whole collection starts to feel a little too themed.

6, Use Intaglios as Framed Wall Art

Intaglios were originally carved as small decorative objects, but they work beautifully as framed wall art, especially when grouped together.

A small collection can add texture and interest without overwhelming the space, and they’re an easy way to create something that feels a little more collected than a single piece of art.

7. Use Antique Books as Styling Pieces

Antique books are just as useful for styling as they are for reading. Stacking a few creates instant height and structure, whether on a coffee table, console, or nightstand.

I especially love using deckled edge books for this—they add texture and feel a little more relaxed than perfectly trimmed pages. Even a small stack can make everything around it feel more layered.

8. Use Dough Bowls for Everyday Storage

Dough bowls were originally used for mixing, but they work just as well as centerpieces or catchalls on a dining table, console, or coffee table.

I’ll often use mine to hold magazines under a coffee table or to corral a few items on a surface so it doesn’t feel scattered. They’re one of those pieces that are both functional and decorative without trying too hard.

9. Use Demijohns as Statement Vases

Demijohns are large glass bottles that were originally used for transporting liquids, but they work just as well as tall vases or grouped display pieces.

I like using them on the floor or on a larger surface where they have a little room. One makes a statement on its own, but a small grouping can feel even more layered without adding clutter.

10. Use Skeleton Keys as Small Decorative Accents

Old skeleton keys have a lot of charm, so they work well as simple decorative accents on a coffee table, shelf, or nightstand.

I have one I keep under a cloche with a few other pieces, but I’ll also just set them on top of a book or drop a couple into a bowl. They don’t need much—just a small detail that adds a little character.

11. Use Breadboards for Serving and Display

Old breadboards work well as charcuterie boards or serving pieces, especially the larger European ones.

When they’re not in use, I’ll lean them against a backsplash or wall so they double as decor. They’re one of those pieces that move easily between functional and decorative without needing anything extra.

12. Use Confit Pots as Vases or Decorative Pieces

Confit pots were originally used for storing food, but now they work beautifully as vases or simple display pieces.

I tend to use them on their own or with a few stems—nothing complicated. They have enough shape and texture to stand out without needing much else.

13. Use Bottle Drying Racks for Everyday Storage

Bottle drying racks were originally used for drying bottles, but they work just as well for holding coffee mugs on the counter.

It’s one of those pieces that’s both practical and decorative without trying too hard. The wall-mounted versions work the same way, and I’ve also seen them used for hanging flowers or drying herbs.

14. Use Olive Buckets for Storage

Olive buckets were originally used for harvesting, but now they work just as well as decorative storage containers, both indoors and out.

I’ll use mine on the hearth for firewood, or in a living space to hold extra pillows and throws. It’s an easy way to add storage without bringing in something that feels too new or generic.

These are just some of the creative ways to decorate with antiques, but there are so many more! Items with a bit of history bring some personality and character to your home.

So the next time you go to buy a vase, or container, or scrap of fabric, give some though as to whether there’s an antique that could do the job. Sure you could get a decorative pot from Pottery Barn to put on your counter, but how much cooler would it be if it were an antique confit pot that was once buried in the soil of France?!

Because why own something new if you can own something with a cool story?