The Functional Old-School Home Feature That Doubles As A Work Of Art

Most interior design aficionados already know of the many antique works of art that are commonplace in old-school homes, and which hold value. From original hardwood floors and brass door knobs to millwork, the hundreds of hand-crafted, time-tested elements that went into older houses are what give the abodes so much character. For example, vintage heater grilles and registers are an excellent display of how detailed and beautiful yesteryear's homebuilders made items that would be overlooked today. Modern vent covers tend to be very utilitarian and often need an aesthetic upgrade to be less of an eyesore, but vintage covers were often intricately designed. Today, they're valuable as both a part of your home and as a separate art piece.

Fun fact: registers have a controllable airflow, while grilles and grates do not. Both came into popularity in the late 1800s after central heating was developed. Vent systems were implemented to be functional first, but the aesthetic values of the Victorian era inspired artisans to make more and more artistic, expertly forged pieces. This trend continued into the 1930s, and the grates' designs were influenced by the geometric Art Deco movement. Artistic vent grates went out of style around the middle of the century, presently making them a lucky find.

Once you've gotten your hands on some vintage grates, there are a few ways to incorporate them into your home. Most obviously, you can use them to replace your current drab grilles and registers. They may need some thorough cleaning or reshaping by someone with welding experience, but they can be installed like any other grate. Not only are these vintage options more eye-catching than modern ones, they're also usually made from more durable materials like brass or cast iron, and have already proven to stand the test of time.

You could also try to turn a profit on your vintage grate (some go for a couple of hundred dollars online), or keep it as a piece of art to decorate your home. Commission your local metal worker to transform it into a unique end table, or hang it on the wall as-is for a one-of-a-kind bit of decor. It could also serve as a centerpiece for your dining table alongside other old-school design features that give your kitchen a vintage touch. However you implement turn of the century vent grilles and registers in your home, they're sure to look great.