Antique Metals: Adding Unique Sophistication To Your Décor

One of the best ways to add unique and vintage touches to your home is decorating with antique metals. Antique metals add a touch of both sophistication and rustic charm to your space. With a wide variety of uses, adding these metallic accents to your home décor is almost effortless.

Why I Am OBSESSED With Antique Metals

I have admired all things vintage since I was a young girl. Do to the face that my grandfather and uncle were both entrepreneurs in the salvaged metal business, they had many fields of amazing and historical pieces. I loved exploring the many vintage automobiles, piles of scrap metals, and busses full of ornate and unique finds. Many people might look at junk yards as eye sores but when you are a self proclaimed “junkie”, you see a vast playground full of possibilities! I mean, you really never know what you are going to find! Some of my best shopping were in those fields.

Along with the salvage yards, my mother and I would frequent the local flea markets and thrift stores. The ones that had all of the “stuff” outside were the ones that we loved most. You just knew they had a ton of beautiful things waiting to be discovered. I loved going in there and digging up good deals and vintage pieces! It is so fun to not only snag new interesting objects but also figure out all of the cool ways you can use them!

Let’s talk about 3 of the most popular antique metals and the different ways you can utilize them in your home, serving both aesthetically and functionally.

BRASS

Brass is a metallic shade that’s a rich, warm, and golden-yellow color with undertones of brown, green, and gray. It has been used in home hardware for centuries.

RENAISSANCE circa 1400-1600 A.D.

During the Renaissance period, brass was very popular among household items. Craftsmen often used techniques like engraving, embossing, and casting to add a unique and decorative touch.

VICTORIAN circa 1837-1901

During the Victorian period, brass became a symbol of refinement and status. This beautiful metal was often used in chandeliers, candle sticks, and doorknobs.

MID-CENTURY DESIGN circa 1940s-1960s

Brass is a large part of mid-century modern design elements, adding a retro type of sophistication when paired with clean lines and geometric shapes. It is often used in accent pieces, light fixtures, and hardware.

COPPER

Copper is one of the oldest metals used in décor. Originating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, copper was used in jewelry pieces as well as decorative objects. Its popularity grew and spread across many cultures throughout history such as China, Greece, Rome, and the Native Americans.

When I think of copper I think of French design, especially in the kitchen. As Julia Child said in Mastering the Art of French Cooking, “copper pots are the most satisfactory of all to cook in, as they hold and spread the heat well.” From beautiful antique metal copper pans and molds, to canisters, and antique kettles. To say that I have a bit of a love affair with copper is vastly an understatement. Can you honestly have too much?! I use it frequently in my own personal décor. For instance, I saw this antique tea kettle at a flea market and completely fell in love with it.

Seriously though, I cannot get enough of this beautiful patina!

Though I do not currently own my own copper cookware, it is on my wish list for when we move into our Manor! Couldn’t you just see yourself whipping up some delicious meals in this space?!

SILVER

Last but certainly not least is antique silver. This is also a big favorite of mine. I have several pieces that I currently have on display in our townhome.

Throughout the Middle Ages, silver continued to be used to make precious decorative objects. It was used to make jewelry, for domestic decoration, to embellish amour, and as a thread that could be woven into tapestries.

Today, we use this precious metal in our eating utensils (hence the name silverware), in jewelry, and also in decorating our homes. Traditionally, because silver tends to tarnish over time, it is polished to retain it’s radiant shine and luster. Call me untraditional, but I actually love the look of patina on antique silver. Each piece is unique and tells its own individual story.

Here is part of my collection of antique silverware (I just love how each piece is different):

Silver is no doubt timeless and elegant in its own right. Did you know that even the White House has an extensive collection of silver? It was started by President Monroe in 1818. You can read more about it by clicking the photo below:

Ways to Use Antique Metals in Your Décor

Use as a Vase:

Antique silver pieces make stunning vases! The ornate details are highlighted even more when paired with bright and beautiful roses or peonies. Pitchers, goblets, trophies, and creamer sets make glorious vase options!

Unique Storage Solutions:

One way to incorporate antique metals in your design is switch out everyday ordinary storage with something more elegant and sophisticated. Store cotton balls and cotton swabs with vintage creamers and sugar bowls. Store your favorite jewelry in a velvet lined antique silver box, or perhaps display fresh fruits in a large brass or copper footed bowl. The possibilities are endless!

Cute Little Planters:

Vintage pieces make excellent planters. Use them for herbs in a kitchen window, or grow beautiful little succulents. You will love the character and cozy charm these pieces will add to your space.

Interesting Candles:

One of my favorite ways to incorporate antique brass, copper, and silver into the home is to create beautiful unique candles! You can use aged candlestick holders for gorgeous table settings or make your own candles! Use beeswax or soy, add your preferred scents, and choose ornate and interesting metal pieces for your candle base. You will have one of a kind elegant candles that you can continue reusing forever.

Don’t Be Afraid To Dig A Little

After learning some history of these precious metals and have seen ways that you can incorporate these elements for practical uses, I hope that you are feeling inspired to expand your décor palette. Not only are they beautiful, but they add a touch of unique character and cozy charm to the home. So next time you drive by one of those antique stores with the “stuff” outside, don’t be afraid to dig a little. You never know what treasures lie beneath.