I’ve always had a certain weakness for the vintage dishes I see at thrift stores. From the pretty designs to the intriguing stamps underneath, I’ve done my fair share of collecting over the years. And since I can’t possibly use them all for daily dining or infrequent entertaining, I’m always on the hunt for upcycling ideas for them. From teacups to platters to pitchers and more, there are all kinds of ways to repurpose those vintage dishes hiding in your cupboards.
Teacup Ornaments
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Vintage teacups are something you see at thrift stores all the time. And you might even have a stack of them in the back of a cabinet at home. If you’ve been looking for a fun way to repurpose them, perhaps these adorable ornaments will do the trick.
China Plate Wreath
Image credit: Our Crafty Mom.
How’s this idea for a stack of small vintage dishes or saucers? What a focal point this would be, hanging on your dining room wall! And a fantastic way to repurpose several matching dishes all at the same time.
Hidden Pin Cushion
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Any avid sewist will adore this easy upcycled craft. A hidden pin cushion in a vintage teapot is a darling idea, especially in a home filled with curious kids or pets. The pin cushion itself is covered in vintage fabric (tea towel, embroidery, or floral sheet) for added charm. Plus, you can add a few small sewing notions to the teapot, as well.
Wall Hooks on Vintage Dishes
Image credit: Dabbling & Decorating.
I love this functional upcycle for all the orphaned dishes you bring home from the thrift store. Transforming them into easy DIY wall hooks is a great way to repurpose them in a fun, handy way that allows you to show them off at the same time.
Upcycled Zen Garden
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A Zen garden is a wonderful tool in relaxation practices, allowing you to focus on creating calming movements and shapes in the sand. And while there are plenty of ready-made versions available for purchase, you can also create one like this– starting with a large platter or tray from the thrift store.
Upcycling Broken Dishes
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Let’s face it- a lot of vintage dishes you find while thrifting are chipped or cracked. So you might as well make (upcycled) lemonade when that happens…and a mosaic wall planter like this is a great place to start.
Whimsical Chandelier
Image credit: My Thrift Store Addiction.
As someone who enjoys touches of whimsy throughout the house, I am quite charmed by this idea for vintage teacups. Hanging them with beaded chains from your chandelier is a fun way to repurpose them without causing any harm to the dishes. And it gives such a fun “Alice in Wonderland” vibe to a room, doesn’t it?
Vintage Dish Cake Stands
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This upcycling idea marries two thrift store finds: lovely vintage dishes and inexpensive glass candlesticks. Don’t they come together delightfully to create cake stands for your next party?
Hanging Teacup Planter
Image credit: Hearth and Vine.
Vintage teacups are small, dainty, and often very pretty to look it. So, the question isn’t “Why would you turn it into a hanging planter?”. No, my friends- the question is why wouldn’t you? Because it’s endlessly charming when repurposed this way.
Vintage Platter Easter Eggs
Image credit: Lora Bloomquist.
There are always stacks of vintage platters at thrift stores and antique malls, and this is a fabulous way to repurpose them. Especially if they’re plain or pastel-colored. Embellishing them with ribbon and trim turns them into cottage-inspired Easter eggs that are perfect for displaying on your seasonal mantel.
Indian Corn Dishes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
These Indian corn dishes are so lovely with their autumn color palette, but they actually didn’t start out this way. They started as bright yellow and green corn dishes from the thrift store. Proof that some vintage dishes are worthy of a complete and utter makeover…
Vintage Dishes in the Garden
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
Ok, I can’t decide which part of this upcycled planter is the best part. Is it the candy-colored sink from days gone by? Is it the vintage dishes in the sink that need to be “cleaned”? Or is it the white petunias that look like bubbles from dishwashing liquid? Honestly, it’s the perfect trifecta for any garden, if you ask me.
Teapot Lamp
Image credit: My Repurposed Life.
There are all sorts of DIY ideas out there for unique lamps, but this teapot/teacup lamp might be my new favorite! It has all of the Alice in Wonderland whimsy that I love, but yet still looks curiously elegant. It definitely makes me want to try my hand at making my own!
Tissue Dispenser
Image credit: My Thrift Store Addiction.
Well, this might be the easiest upcycling idea in this entire collection, AND it’s seriously charming to boot. What a fun way to repurpose a vintage teapot, especially if it’s chipped or cracked and can no longer hold tea or water.
Retro Soup Mugs
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
You know those retro soup mugs that have the recipes on the side? Well, they stack up at thrift stores and they’re PERFECT to use as handy dandy Springtime gifts. Used as temporary planters, they’re a great way to thank someone AND help them get their Spring garden ready.
Teacup Bird Feeder
Image credit: Petticoat Junktion.
Not sure what to do with Grandma’s collection of teacups and saucers? Build a stacked bird feeder like this for a fresh new way to use them!
Bottlebrush Tree Display
Image credit: Color Me Thrifty.
For your daintiest vintage teacups or espresso cups, this DIY Christmas idea might just be perfect. I love finding new ways to show off vintage bottlebrush trees, and using vintage dishes for that is a fun and festive twist.
Upcycled Sugar and Creamer Sets
Image credit: Organized Clutter.
Banana hangers are just as common as vintage dishes at thrift stores- and they work well together, don’t they? Any vintage dish with a handle- teacup, creamer, sugar bowl, etc.- can be used to display plants and other goodies just like this.
Upcycle Ideas for Vintage Dishes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Truthfully, some vintage dishes are meant to be used as, well, dishes! I certainly have plenty in our cabinets that we use on a daily basis. So, yes- not all of them need or should be upcycled. But for those pieces that could use a little TLC or a brand new purpose in life, then these ideas might be the winning ticket. Either way, happy thrifting for your vintage dishes and happy crafting if you upcycle them!
Craft on!
S
Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?
Join me on Social Media:
PIN ME!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!