Something Old: Re-purposing With Antique Decorations

Beginning each year on February 7 and culminating on February 14 is National Marriage Week. In honor of this celebration, we’re building up to Valentine’s Day by looking at one of the institutions most beloved traditions, with a twist: how to incorporate something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue into your home.

Growing up I spent many weekends with my mom at the local flea market. We would walk up and down the dirt aisles strewn with furniture, records, clothes and toys treasure hunting for goodies to bring home. I never thought of these items as old, but rather exciting and mysterious as each one carried its own special past.

Today, flea markets, yard sales and antique shops remain popular ways to find unique items – often at a very affordable price. There is also a growing trend towards upcycling, the process of transforming something deemed “useless” into something new of better quality.

So whether you seek a beautiful antique piece for your home, or want to add something fun to your modern décor, there are many ways to decorate with old items without looking like you stepped into a time machine. You can repurpose a broken table into a charming hand basin, turn an old dresser into a custom kitchen island, make industrial-style vases out of light bulbs, or construct a chandelier from empty wine bottles.

Need ideas for where to find old items that you can either use as-is or upcyle into something fabulous (aside from your grandparent’s attic)? Check out the Utah Flea Portal, Salt Lake Vintage Flea Market & Auction, or the always popular, Urban Flea Market in Downtown Salt Lake City.

In the sense of the wedding tradition, something old represents continuity and your link to the past. Many of the items I salvaged with my mom years ago remain in my adult home. And for those that look a little stale or out-of-date, they are just one crafty weekend away from becoming my next ‘new’ piece of furniture.

 

In case you are a big pinner on Pinterest, we’ve put together a board with more upcycling idea for you to borrow from. Take a look below, and follow us on Pinterest. Be sure to remember to let me know if you experiment with repurposing vintage items into your home – I’d love to see what you come up with! You can comment below, or drop us a comment on our Facebook page.