Last Updated on October 18, 2024 by Rachel Granholm
Unique vintage copper décor ideas helps you create a character-rich and timeless space!
If you have been following me for any length of time, you probably know all about my love for vintage copper. Copper just has this simple beauty to it that is aged and timeless. Due to that, it is easy to work into any space in your home. Follow along as I share unique vintage copper décor ideas!
Decorating with Vintage Copper Accents
I love hunting for vintage copper. Copper adds such a bright and cheery glow to any area of your home! However, I have found that whenever I’m actually looking for it, I never find it. It usually just happens…a piece of copper just sitting on a shelf at a thrift store or antique mall, just waiting for me. Does that happen to you, too?
Copper color really can’t be compared to anything else. The best is when that coloring is covered with a beautiful antique patina.
I’m super excited to share my thrifted vintage copper collection with you today. I hope that these ideas inspire you to start a collection of your own, add to an existing collection, or give you some decorating ideas for your home!
A Brief History Of Vintage Copper
Copper has been around for thousands of years. There are some pieces that date to around 9000 BC!
Since it’s discovery, copper has always been valuable. It has been an important metal because it is very diverse, being used for practical purposes as well as decorative.
Copper cookware became popular during the 1800’s and into the 1900’s. These old pieces are quite expensive and heavy, typically showcasing a brass or cast iron handle.
As Julia Child said in Mastering the Art of French Cooking, “copper pots are the most satisfactory of all to cook in, as they hold and spread the heat well.”
Tips for Finding Thrifted Vintage Copper Décor
Most of my copper pieces have been found at thrift stores but there are a handful that have come from antique stores. Typically, when I head into a thrift store, I make a beeline straight for the kitchen and house ware aisles.
Other places to look for vintage copper include estate sales, garage sales, flea markets and online sources such as Mercari and Facebook Marketplace.
I started collecting copper a few years ago and am always on the hunt for more pieces. You might assume that you need to pay a high dollar amount to purchase vintage copper pieces but I’m here to tell you that you do not!
All of the pieces that you see here have been found thrifted for an affordable price. Unique vintage copper décor ideas are all about budget-friendly decorating!
Shop Vintage Copper
Unique Vintage Copper Décor Ideas
Copper Teapots
I found my first copper teapot years ago when I first got into thrifting. My collection of copper teapots with white and blue porcelain handles is still one of my very favorites.
The combination of the porcelain and copper is just stunning and never gets old!
Each of my teapots has a slightly different shape than the other. The pattern on the porcelain is reminiscent of a French bistro, which makes me feel fancy:) They also make for fantastic copper kitchen decor.
I haven’t paid more than $15 for any of them. 
I’m not looking to add any more right now because, well, I’m running out of space. But, sometimes you will come across one that is unlike any of the others.
So, if I see one for a good price that is unique, I will most likely bring it home.
Just this morning as I was making coffee, I was looking around, admiring my copper. Each piece brings me joy. I’m a big believer in that if something makes you happy, buy it!
Copper Creamer and Sugar Dishes
The next unique vintage copper décor ideas on the list are these adorable little creamer and sugar dishes.
I’ve only found one set that came together. All of the other’s I’ve found separately at various thrift stores, never paying more than a few dollars for them.
I just think they are so cute! These little pieces are some of my favorites to style into vignettes and displays around my home.
Fall is a lovely time to use them but I also utilize them for Christmas decor as well as during the winter months. Copper brings such warmth to a space, which is perfect for riding out the cold days.
One of the nice things about using smaller decor pieces such as these is that you can use them all over the house. Even though they are technically a ‘kitchen item’, they don’t have to be confined to the kitchen.
Get creative and decorate outside of the box!
Copper Kettle
The largest piece of vintage copper that I have found at a thrift store is this beautiful kettle.
It was still in a box by the donation door that was just being wheeled out and I scooped it up!
The copper coloring has a pink hue to it and the double handles make this piece one of a kind. Usually I have the kettle sitting on top of my kitchen cabinets but pull it down from time to time.
Last fall, I used a variety of faux stems to make a fall floral arrangement for my dining table. You truly don’t need to do anything fancy to make your home beautiful for the seasons!
Copper Pots
I was antiquing with my husband and spotted this copper pot in one of the booths.
Normally I don’t purchase copper at antique stores because they are always priced too high but this pot was marked for $10! It is stamped on the bottom with ‘Old Colony’.
It’s too rusty to actually use for cooking so it lives up above the kitchen cabinets.
Copper is one of those fun decor items that you can mix with just about anything! I created this simple display for Christmas mixed with some enamelware and various other vintage finds.
Below is another copper pot that I found at a secondhand store. I had to buy it because it was only $10!
My husband does all of our cooking and prefers to use stainless steel cookware so this pot is used to melt wax when I pour candles.
Closing Tidbits on Unique Vintage Copper Décor Ideas
This old metal provides an instant statement from chic to contemporary spaces. But, it is just as effective at creating a warm and cozy atmosphere for a more vintage feel.
The patina and weathered appearance that copper tends to give off adds such character to a space.
It really is the perfect type of vintage decor for any home.
Curating a collection takes time. I hope that these unique vintage copper décor ideas gives you new inspiration on how you can incorporate into your space!
Many years of thrifting and antiquing have gone into my copper collection but I think there is a lesson in that. Be encouraged to find décor that makes you happy, finding patience and perseverance along the way.
Let me know in the comments if you collect copper or something else. I love to know what others are collecting for their homes!
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If you are new here, I’m Rachel, the writer and content creator here at The Antiqued Journey. I’m so happy to have you! I encourage you to stop by the ‘about me’ page to get to know me a little more. Here on the blog, you will find loads of inspiration for decorating with vintage and antique decor, simple DIY crafts and many thrifting adventures. If that interests you, I invite you to sign up for my e-mail. You will receive a free digital download as a thank you!
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70 Comments. Leave new
Love copper, too. I found an old “brass” bowl in a flea market in Sarajevo (yes! 2002) but over time, the brass has worn off and now it’s only just a simple copper bowl but I love the shape, the simplicity, how it lends itself to many sweet still lives. Copper is wonderful.
Hi Marilyn!
I’ve missed your comments!! Copper is beautiful…I think my collection of copper is at around 25 pieces now!
I too just started collecting copper. My husband found an old large angle iron that he screwed into one of our old beams (my house is old) and welded “arms” to it so I could hang my collection. I just love them all. Like you, they bring me joy. I recently found small colanders in two different sizes in copper. How do you clean yours, do you have an easy way? I have a few that are a bit tarnished and would love to bring back some of its beauty. So glad I found you. You’re right up my alley. 🙂
Hi Cindy!!
Thank you SO much for your lovely comment! Isn’t copper just stunning?! Where do you find your copper pieces? As far as cleaning, I honestly don’t clean them. The way I find them, usually with lots of patina, is the way I leave them since I’m using them for decor purposes. To me, that patina is the best part! But I do know of another blogger who has a post on cleaning copper if you would like to know more about that! I’m so glad you are here…I appreciate you!
Try the TarnX, it will really make it shine.
You have so many beautiful pieces of copper, they are just lovely. The teapots are my favorite! Have a great day, Donna
Hi Donna! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your lovely comment! The teapots are my favorite too and I’m always on the look out for more! I appreciate you stopping by my little corner of the blogging world!
[…] Those are my 8 pieces of vintage decor to find in 2022! Of course I will always be on the hunt for vintage copper, linens, and milk glass as well. Sourcing vintage decor for your home is so special. You are […]
Ooh, this is awesome. I would love it if you would share this on the Fabulous Friday Link Party this Friday. You can easily find the link on my website, Peacock Ridge Farm. Blessings to you.
Hi Renae!!
Thank you!! I sure will!!
awesome copper selection. I too, thrift for copper occasionally, I find a copper piece within my spending range. I love the hunt.
Hi Vicki!
Thank you!! Isnt’ it SO fun?! It’s the added challenge of finding pieces within the budget that makes it extra great. Thanks so much for stopping by…I SO appreciate it! Hope you have a lovely day!
Love your vintage copper finds! I have several pieces hanging from the pot rack above my kitchen island, I just shared a few pics in my summer kitchen tour.
Thanks for linking up at All About Home. Hope to see you this week!
Hi Amber!
Thank you!! Copper and milk glass are my weaknesses 🙂 I’m all ready to link at the party tonight! Thanks for your lovely comment…I so appreciate it!
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Oh my gosh! You find the BEST stuff. That copper pitcher and pot are dreamy. Thanks for such an informative post!
Hi! 🙂
Thank you!!
Love all the copper…I still have copper in my Kitchen from 40 years ago!! But I do have to admit that I got rid of some of the pieces that you showcased in this post and now I realize how stupid I was to get rid of them!! Your kitchen looks lovely!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Hugs,
Deb
Hi!
Thanks so much!!
I love all of your pretty copper finds, Rachel. And you have them all styled and displayed so beautifully!
Hi Jen!
Thanks so much!
I don’t have a single piece of copper, Rachel! Your beautiful collection reminds me how warm and inviting it is to have in our homes though. It’s been so much fun to see how your collection has grown over time and how you decorate with each piece. I love all the kettles with the blue and white handles. They’re dreamy! Hugs, CoCo
Hello!
Thank you!! It’s so much fun 🙂
Rachel, I love seeing all the copper pieces you have collected over the years in one post! They are beautiful and look so amazing in your home. Those tea pots!!
Thank you!!
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Copper just has this simple beauty to it that is aged and timeless. Antique Copper characterizes the much admired blue-green patina that can be found on ancient cathedrals and other copper metal surfaces exposed to weather. if it’s in good physical condition and its lining is intact then you can use vintage copper pot. You can buy copper items online from dynacart.com to start decorating your room now.
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Check out my pin page at Pat Tawney. I also have an extensive collection. Check my board “copper collection” feel free to use my pictures, I don’t do blogs or magazines so I don’t care if you use them.
I also added copper appliances to my counter. I especially like my copper garland with mini molds. Enjoyed your piece!
Thanks for the info!!
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Your copper collection is fantastic Rachel. I also look for copper while thrifting but you seem to have more luck. I love how you style your pieces. XO- MJ
Thank you!! I haven’t actually found any for a LONG time…it’s getting so much harder to find than it was a few years ago. But, it makes it that much more exciting when you do stumble across it!
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Love your old copper and my old copper collections
Hi, Sharon!
Thanks so much! Old copper is just so pretty, isn’t it?! Hope you have a lovely evening!
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