Old enamelware is versatile, colorful, and simple. This post will teach you 7 ways to use antique and vintage enamelware!
If you are looking to create a Farmhouse style in your home, look no further than enamelware. This old cookware lives and breathes all elements of a farmhouse home and is a staple in a farmhouse kitchen. Enamelware can be used in many different ways in today’s more modern homes. This post will show you 7 ways to use antique and vintage enamelware!
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What Is Enamelware?
It is prized cookware that started in Germany in the 1760’s. Enamelware is a beloved item to collect because it is practical, functional, and charming.
Enamelware became popular in the 19th century when manufacturers started to coat pots and pans with lighter steel enamel rather than cast iron. You will find that it is typically white on the inside and colored on the outside.
What To Look For In Enamelware
Some of the more popular pieces of enamelware include coffeepots, mugs and ladles. Enamelware comes in solid colors like blue or green but you can also find it in a marbled pattern or solid with a colored rim. In some cases you will see floral patterns or pictures on the outside.
Generally, you will be able to tell the age of the piece by its heft. Pieces from the beginning of the 20th century are noticeably heavier than those made after World War 2. The sound of the metal can also give you a clue. If you tap the bottom of an enamelware mug or plate and it sounds tinny, it was probably produced around the 1970’s.
7 Ways to Use Antique and Vintage Enamelware
These old metal pieces are treasures to behold because of the many uses they can have.
Here are 7 easy ways to use enamelware in your home!
As a Vase.
Old coffeepots or pitchers make really pretty vases for fresh flowers on a tabletop or a bathroom counter.
Kitchen Decor.
An arrangement of small enamelware cups are cute to hang on hooks in an arrangement near your kitchen.
Serving Display.
You can line a tray or larger bowl with a tea towel and put bread or pastries in it.
As a Grouping.
If you start a collection or already have a collection of a specific style of enamelware, you can display them together on a shelf. To add dimension and texture, try incorporating faux greenery like eucalyptus or olive branches in or around the collection.
Outdoor Decor.
Using enamelware as part of a front porch display is so pretty and can be used all year! Try lining a large enamel bowl or pitcher with landscape fabric for drainage and potting ferns or simple flowers in them.
Kitchen Staples.
Large enamelware kettles brew excellent cowboy coffee. You can also use an old tea kettle or pot to hold faux stems as a pretty decorative display.
Cute Storage.
Small handled cups or enamel containers with sides are cute and easy storage in a bathroom to hold items such as hair clips, Q-tips, or pony tail binders!
Closing Tidbits
I truly hope these 7 ways to use antique and vintage enamelware are inspiring for you! It is such a fun item to keep an eye out for when thrifting or antiquing. Enamelware is timeless and will add joy and beauty to your home in whichever way you choose to use it.
Leave me a comment! What is your favorite type of enamelware and how do you display it in your home? I love hearing from you!
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Other Decor Posts from The Antiqued Journey
- 3 Ways to Decorate with Vintage Books
- Decorating with Vintage Milk Glass
- Simple Spring Home Decor Ideas
7 Comments. Leave new
Hi Rachel,
We live on a small farm in an 1870’s house, or so they say, I think it’s older. I have a few enamelware pitchers. One of the smaller ones, I hold my “egg money” that I get when selling my chickens eggs. The larger one I love to use as a vase. Just love them, they’re so charming.
Hi Cindy!
Thank you for your lovely comment today…they are charming! What a dream to live in a house like that!! My dream is own a property with a barn and an old farmhouse.
Great ideas, Rachel! Love reading your blog💜💗👏🏻
Thank you!!!
Hey Girl! Love this post! Clearly you have excellent taste. Thank you for sharing. Pinned.
I TOTALLY forgot I even wrote this and then was laughing because I was freaking out over yours this morning 🙂 Haahahaha!!
[…] this case, I used a tall blue jar on the right and a vintage white enamel coffeepot on the left. The greenery stems were already in the pot because I had this displayed in my kitchen, […]