The Vintage Kitchen Item At The Thrift Store That Makes Stunning Home Decor

Some items have a natural sense of history, as if the materials they are made of have their own story to tell. And pewterware certainly falls into that category. Made of aged silver metal that resembles a foggy mirror, these pieces may instantly remind you of medieval taverns and colonial times, though the use of pewter itself dates back thousands of years to early civilizations in Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome. If you want to have truly antique pewterware in your home, however, it is most likely not food safe due to the common presence of lead in the material. But don't worry — you can still benefit from having these charming pieces in your space by utilizing them as home decor.

Due to the wide variety available, pewter items are great for decorating your home. From ornate bowls with art deco details to charming tankards, coffee pots, and large platters, you're likely to find something that not only fits into your home but also suits your design tastes. To source your own pewter pieces for decor, try local antique fairs or thrift stores. If you prefer to browse from home, you can also check online retailers like eBay or Etsy to find pieces that you like. Pewter can often be identified by the marks on the bottom, which may specify the maker and sometimes explicitly state that the item is made of pewter. In addition, true pewter is always a dull gray color and is never overly shiny like chrome. Once you've obtained the perfect pewter items, you can start decorating with these charming vintage decor pieces that'll instantly elevate your home.

One classic way to decorate with vintage, non-food-safe pewter dishes is to hang them on the wall. This is a great way to display ornate pewter plates in small rooms or hallways, as it draws the eye upward, making them ideal for creating a gallery wall. In addition, hanging these pieces will bring out the intricate details on their surfaces that would otherwise be lost if the plates were simply set on a table or left in a cabinet. If you still want that country farmhouse feel in your kitchen but know your vintage pewter isn't food-safe, why not use it to decorate high shelves? Stacking plates, jugs, cups, and larger platters in groups above your cabinets can give your kitchen a lived-in feel without cluttering your lower cabinets or countertops.

Pewter tankards and jugs can also be found at some thrift stores, and they are perfect for creating elegant, bespoke centerpieces in your home. Try placing your jugs together on a vintage platter and filling them with seasonal foliage to create an ever-changing display. If you are not a fan of the aged look of items with a darker patina, you can polish your dishes with warm, soapy water — there's even a vegetable that will get your pewter sparkling clean in no time, for a more eye-catching finish. Finally, to create a sense of cohesion throughout your home, you could also supplement your vintage pewter items with hardware, such as drawer pulls and handles in a similar dulled-metal shade, helping the pewter to infuse throughout the space even further.