Wired with Vintage Character

Today we’re going to chat about my love of wire and metal vintage pieces. Wire and metal vintage pieces are some of my favorite things to find when out having thrift store and flea market adventures.

The contrast of textures works well in any decor and provides fun vintage character. I have several old pieces and some reproductions, and appreciate how affordable and functional they are as well as the vintage character they provide. Maybe that’s why so many people are embracing the industrial vintage look with furniture and accessories that are both utilitarian and interesting.

Who doesn’t need more practical storage solutions?  Why not use a repurposed wire basket to add a little vintage style to your closet or entry way? Wire baskets are so durable and you can easily change the look by painting them.

Wire basket are fairly easy to find in different shapes and sizes, from small locker baskets with numbers, to large old egg baskets used on farms, to industrial style baskets like the one above. The more I look around my house the more wire and metal pieces I seem to find.

Even pieces as basic as magazine racks have great style and versatility. Popular in the mid-century and after, magazine racks also come in many sizes and shapes.

Even though magazines and newspapers may be less popular now, these racks still offer versatile storage options, and just because they’re functional doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. I love the curves on these 2 magazine racks!

These small wire and metal stands and carts are so versatile. Affordable to find at yard sales, thrift stores and flea markets they’re easy to customize for any interior.

Three different ways to use the same little vintage metal and wire stand.

Small metal wire stands offer interesting storage options for small spaces. Spray paint with your favorite colors! Use as accent tables in any room where you need a little more storage.

A little paint and imagination makes an old metal stand useful again.

Have I mentioned functional? We found this cool little cart a few years back, at a yard sale up in Maine, and have been using it ever since. After a good wash and a little spray paint it was ready to use. It also breaks down easily so it can be stored or shipped flat – so clever. Bar carts are not just for storing your beverages. This little cart has also been used as a TV stand, laptop desk, general storage and made an appearance as a side table for a guest bedroom. Now that’s functional.

Another mid-century standard was the metal wire record player stand. There was room for the record player on top and albums could be stored below. These are a lot of fun to repurpose. We added a piece of laminate on top to create a sturdy work surface.

Back in the day, when folks had phones with cords (I know! Crazy!) there was furniture made just to put the phone on and oh yeah, a place to store the big paper phone books that everyone used to get (google it). Now, these little phone stands get a new life as stylish little side tables and offer functional storage solutions.

Adding affordable, functional, vintage character to your home is easy with wire and metal baskets, carts and stands. Go crazy with them, change the color, change where and how you use them. Get wired with vintage character and have fun!