You know how sometimes you just fall in love with something, even something that you passed right by only a few years ago? That is how my love affair with copper is. I am crushing on it… hard.
So in love that I’m looking for more vintage pieces to buy – I seriously can’t get enough! Which is funny, because about five years ago I had the chance to buy a copper tea kettle at a fantastic price, and I turned it down. Of course today, I’d be snatching that up as quickly as possible!
Not only is copper back “in” – which is great, because it makes it that much easier to find, and decorating with copper is perfect for fall! It adds warmth and patina, and mixes beautifully with all those warm autumnal colors. And because it is so in now, it’s easy to find new copper decor and accent pieces – they are everywhere.
So today I thought I’d talk about how I’ve been decorating with copper, as well as where I’ve found some of my favorite pieces. I love any copper, but the vintage pieces really have my heart. I love their patina, and the fact that they aren’t perfect makes them even better!
It all started with my romantic fall mantel that I shared last month. There were so many people asking about these votives from Pottery Barn! I bought about ten of them I think, in different shapes and sizes, and I just can’t get enough of them. They are so versatile, and I’ve since used them in every area of the house, as well as in my first Thanksgiving tablescape.
Sadly, they are sold out but I managed to find a few similar ones!
This copper pot was a vintage find and perfect for displaying apples or mini pumpkins all season!
I especially love decorating with copper in an all-white kitchen. The copper really adds warmth and gives the space such a pop!
My very first copper pot was this one that I bought a few years back. It’s not vintage, or even French, but it was the beginning of my love affair.
Then last year I found some great vintage French copper pots that I love! How charming are those handles?!
I love how they displayed these copper pots! I’m thinking next year I may try to hang mine. Via Good Housekeeping.
This little French pitcher was a new purchase this year. I found this on Etsy, and I’m seriously in love!
My copper mugs come out every fall and winter. They’re great as a little vase for a few flowers, too.
The little vintage plant mister was probably my very first copper piece! I think I bought it about three years ago at an antique mall.
If you didn’t see my Thanksgiving tablescape that I shared last week, you can find that here.
I hope I’ve given you some inspiration for decorating with copper in your own home! And if you’re as crazy about copper as I am, I’ve found some great pieces for you! Lots of fun, new items as well as some great vintage pieces!
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Sheila
xo
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Cecilia from Georgia says
Speaking of polish! I picked up some large copper coal buckets and they are so tarnished. I don’t want to polish them to a perfect shine but need to get most of the black and green off. I’ve looked on Pinterest but everything is very labor intensive. Any helpful miracles? I have a tall skinny pot that I can’t wait to use. Thanks for getting me going on decorating for Fall! I’m also making your Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake bars!! Yummmmmy!
Sheila says
Hi Cecilia! Funny because I actually need to polish all of mine right now too! Personally, I use the creams that are made for copper rather than the free household methods. The cream I’ve used is here (and it’s not terribly labor intensive): https://rstyle.me/+Y0S72uKcaw5Ya-9giKm1wQ
But if you want to use something you may already have at home, I’ve also used Barkeeper’s Friend. It’s great for getting in detailed edges or where it’s quite black. People also use vinegar or ketchup but I just don’t like the smell, haha!
Hope that helps!
Sheila
Margo says
I first decorated with copper in the early 70’s! I decorated our small family room in black and white with some open shelving where I displayed a mix of old and new copper pieces. It made a warm, inviting place to relax.
Like one of your readers I gave most of those pieces to my daughter in law and I think we’ve both lost track of their whereabouts, but I have a newer collection now with a set of copper cookware mixed in with a number of vintage pieces picked up here and there. These days I’m very careful in how I care for the old pieces, making sure not to polish off the tarnish that makes them so attractive. I use just enough to bring out a gleam here and there. Finding the vintage items is a lot of fun, you just never know where they might turn up!
Sheila says
Oh how I wish I had started collecting even sooner – imagine all the inexpensive pieces I would have found!! Yours sound beautiful and you’ve now reminded me I definitely need to polish mine! I like to leave them just slightly tarnished, not too much, but not too shiny either! Thanks for stopping by Margo!
Holly Banks says
Thank you very much for inspiring me! I would have never thought to add copper but now I’m going to have to get some! It looks so good!
Sue Malizia says
I could kick myself as I gave all my copper away about 20+ years ago!!! Now I find myself looking for pieces again. =)
Sheila says
Oh no! Isn’t that always the way though?! But I’m glad you’ve fallen in love with it again:) We will both be hunting for more now!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Sheila
Barbara at Mantel and Table says
It’s all gorgeous Sheila! I’ve loved copper all my life, and I’m always so glad when it’s back in fashion, because you’re right – then you can find more of it! 🙂 You’ve inspired me to dig out all my vintage copper and see what I can do with it this year. Thanks so much, and Happy Fall!
Sheila says
Oh I’m so glad Barbara!! Dig it out! I so appreciate your support and am thrilled that you’ve found inspiration here:)
Sheila
xo
Catherine says
I’ve just fallen hard for copper too and love all your ideas! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Jill says
Are you cooking with your vintage pots, or just as decor? I’m finding them at estate sales some in better condition than others, some worn on the interior.
They are beautiful!
Sheila says
Thanks so much Jill – glad you love them, too!
And I actually haven’t cooked with my vintage ones, though I have used the new ones. I’ve already had to polish them!!
Sheila