Antique Items + Ideas = Innovative Products

One of my absolute favorite things to see on blogs or in people’s spaces are antique items that have been repurposed, reused or rethought to be something really useful and interesting. And I’m talking about some major ingenuity! More than the “I use this trunk as a coffee table” kinda stuff. (although that does work too!)

Croquet Mallets = Lighting

I saw this fantastic chandelier on design sponge sneak peek of a building and design company called hOmE.

Pure genius to make croquet mallets into a chandelier and I’m all about the rustic/worn wood mixed with painted stripes.

Wood Levels = Shelving

A blogger here in AZ, Grand Co came up with the idea of using antique levels as picture shelving! Just the right width to display various artwork.

Again, love the worn wood look, this time with industrial touches. It’s just so great; the liquid in wood levels often dry out, leaving them somewhat useless. This idea really makes them shine and it’s definitely manly enough for the little dudes!

Wooden Spool = Lamp

This look may not be for everyone, but as a die-hard spool/bobbin lover, I think it’s great. It comes from a Home tour on Apartment Therapy.

It has just the right amount of whimsey and those lights are cheap at IKEA! (just add color!)

Old/Boring Artwork = iPad Case

Anthropologie has long been a source of inspiration in the design community. They are constantly finding new artists and contributors to make repurposed products for their store. Leslie of Swarm is contantly reinventing artwork into other things and this iPad case sold at Anthropologie is her latest and greatest.

Some people shudder at the idea of destroying art, but we here at Antique Plaza think that the usefulness of an item far outweighs the intention.

If we only sold steamer trunks to people that wanted to use them as luggage or vintage typewriters to people who are going to use them instead of email, we would go out of business!  There is character in these things and as long as that is preserved, it doesn’t matter how it’s displayed or used. (we would advise you to double check that you don’t have a priceless masterpiece before you slice it up though!)

Old TV = Bar Cabinet

This is a quirky use of an old TV on a blog called the Spotted Fox. I love the ways old TV cabinets look, but it really isn’t practical for today’s media. This is a fun way to reuse the “furniture part” of electronics.

Old iMac = Cat Bed

Along the same line, I had to include this one! Despite it not being antique by our normal standards, it certainly is in the technology world! (and you know how we love cats!)

Although our preference is this cat bed, this fun etsy shop gives old computers a great new life.

I hope these products inspired you to look at antiques in a new way! We hope to see you treasure hunting soon!