19+ Clever Kitchen Storage & Organizing Ideas Using Vintage Thrifted Finds

Are you organizing challenged? Looking for more kitchen storage ideas? Combine your love of vintage finds with creative storage and organizing ideas in your kitchen. You’ll love these 19+ clever kitchen storage ideas using vintage finds.

The kitchen is the hub and heart of your home. You want it to look good and function smoothly. For many, your “dream” kitchen is just that…in your dreams. But with a little creativity and a few vintage finds, your kitchen can be the best combo of beauty and function. Hope these 19+ Clever Kitchen Storage & Organizing Ideas Using Vintage Thrifted Finds will inspire you!

19+ Clever Kitchen Storage & Organizing Ideas Using Vintage Thrifted Finds

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Combine Storage & Display

If you’re space challenged, definitely combine storage and display. Turn your functional kitchen items into artistic beauty. Corral utensils, breadboards, rolling pins or pantry supplies into a vessel that will elevate them to art status. They’ll be easily accessible AND look good at the same time.

Baskets can also be a great way to corral various items and turn them into counter top display. Thrift stores are a great place to find inexpensive tray-type baskets that are handy so many ways.

Open Shelves and Plate Racks for the Win

Open kitchen shelves and built in plate racks are great features that combine storage and display. Consider taking down a cupboard and replacing it with open shelves. You’ll enjoy the more open space and can turn the shelves into functional beauty. Display seasonal art and foliage while having everyday plates and glasses handy for guests. (A great way to enjoy your fun dish ware, too)

Find metal shelf brackets HERE.

Find reclaimed wood shelves HERE.

Incorporate a plate rack into your kitchen cupboards which can showcase seasonal plates or even vintage metal trays. Makes grabbing a plate easy for guests, too! If you don’t have one already, consider taking out a bank of cupboards and replacing with a plate rack and open display space above. It will give your kitchen a more “unfitted” style and be more interesting than an endless bank of cupboard doors.

Repurpose Vintage Finds as Kitchen Storage and Organization

Instead of using new store bought organizers, enlist vintage finds as kitchen storage and organization. In our walk in pantry, I love to use old enamelware pieces, vintage refrigerator bins and metal picnic baskets for food storage and out of season decor.

{See the whole Pantry Organization post HERE}

For more vintage inspired storage and organization, old wooden crates can hold so many things. Whether it be an old tool caddy from Grandpa’s workshop or an old shipping crate, the character of old wooden crates is the perfect combo of function and beauty.

See “17 Easy and Fun Ways to Decorate with Vintage Wooden Crates” for more ideas”

An old tool caddy is handy for summer al fresco dining. Pop in the extra condiments, napkins and plates and silverware and save yourself a trip!

If you’re hosting a buffet, divided wooden crates are perfect to corral silverware, napkins and plates to make sure they don’t blow away.

See “Brilliant Ways to Decorate with Divided Crates” for more ideas.”

Add Hooks for Space Saving Storage

If you’re space challenged, add hooks to get things off the floor and shelves. Vintage hooks in our pantry get brooms and mops up off the floor, while still providing easy access.

Old postal hooks hang above the pantry window to create a functional and handy window valance. I love being able to see all the baskets and grab the right one for the job.

A couple vintage pie safes hold cleaning supplies and add shelf space for large appliances.

Upcycle Vintage Finds for Kitchen Organization

Upcycling vintage finds can add nostalgic charm to your kitchen organization. Half of an old toolbox corrals everyday items on the kitchen counter. The skeleton of an antique sewing machine is upcycled into the perfect narrow utensil holder. And old food tins keep pens and string close by on my kitchen desk.

{11+ Creative Ways to Use Old Tool Boxes (all through the house)}

{“Repurposed Vintage Sewing Machine Drawer Organizer”}

{“Upcycled Old Tin Organizer”}

Glass Front Cabinets for Storage and Display

Glass front cabinets are the perfect combo of functional storage and display in the kitchen. You can show off your pretty dishes and serving pieces while adding seasonal decor. When we remodeled our kitchen, I designed our big bank of glass front cupboards to be the showcase of the kitchen. I love working at the island and enjoying a pretty seasonal display.

We also built in a set of old cupboard doors behind the stove to create a cozy sitting nook. The old wavy glass and vintage hardware add nostalgic charm to our otherwise “new” kitchen.

{“How to Add Nostalgic Charm to Your Home with Old Doors and Windows”}

If You Can, Add a Walk In Pantry

One of the best things we did when we remodeled our kitchen was pop through the wall to an under used area to create a walk in pantry. Because it’s a step up, it feels like it was always originally there. We also put an antique, chippy door on it and added a window for light and charm.

The pantry is the best storage! For nostalgic charm we used reclaimed porch posts on each shelf, painted one wall with vintage black board and used vintage yard sticks on shelves and all around. For more details, see “Pantry Organization, Vintage Inspired” and “Chalkboard Wall in the Pantry“.

As you can see, I’ve spent many years improving my kitchen storage and organization. Whenever I can combine function and beauty with vintage style, it’s a win. I hope all these creative ideas inspired you!

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Today’s post is part of our Lifestyle of Love Series! Thanks to my friend, Cindy, at County Road 407 for organizing us. We’re all sharing vintage, thrifted, repurposed and found ideas for kitchen storage and organization today. You’ll be so inspired!