As I type that title, I feel as if I have written something heretical. You see, my original specialty is antique silver and the hours, multiplied by years, over which I have polished, and polished again, my inventory or my own collection, seem to add up to an eternity. Considering my expertise, its amazing that I don’t write about it more, and perhaps that is something that needs to change. Photographing silver has its own difficulties, so that may be what has put me off. But while there is nothing like the gleam of well polished antique silver – it has a buttery texture all its own – the idea of allowing non-valuable pieces to tarnish and patinate has been taking hold in both my mind and the collective design unconscious for quite some time now. And remember, as tarnish is destructive in the long-term, I think it is important to differentiate between important pieces and those that have little intrinsic value beyond their decorative appeal, like those in the photos below.
Tarnished silver seems to work best with a decor style I’ll call “simple rustic warmth”, illustrated perfectly in these 2 photos by Blayne Beecham. Instead of the more typical china plates, old trays have been stacked as a wall display.
Other details include wood, the more rough and natural the better, furniture with spare lines and luminescent light. Thanks to Donna at A Perfect Gray, where I first saw these posted.
The same idea is at play in this promotional style photo for the new Tresham line of vintage/rustic style vanity and toilet from Kohler.
White paint over wood and other vintage accessories add to the look. Love that repurposed window as cupboard door!
Again, the interplay between beautiful light, white and wood colored accessories in the baskets and birdcages.
This staged display is even more literal with the trays hung on an old wood fence.
These pieces might actually be pewter, but the dark moodiness sings in this photo, so I couldn’t help but include it.
Here Debbie Dusenberry mixes silver platters with other aged items…
…and again here, from Brooke Giannetti, with vintage pocket watches and leather books that stand in for wood.
Heather Bullard takes such gorgeous photos! This one elevates everyday kitchen utensils to an amazing vignette by sorting and storing them in vintage silver trophy cups.
It works equally well in the bathroom too!
Related Posts
Birds and Bamboo…Japonesque Sterling Silver Patterns of the 1870s
Image Credits: 1-2 & 9. via A Perfect Gray, photo credit: Blayne Beecham, 3. Lonny September/October 2011, 3a-3b. via Skonahem, 4. via Jennifer Rizzo, 5. via Martha Stewart Living, 6. Debbie Dusenberry in Better Homes and Gardens, December 2009, 7. via Velvet & Linen, 8. via Heather Bullard.
feltsocute
I saw the trophy photo somewhere recently and loved it and thought of you! The platters on the kitchen wall are to die for and will be definitely “pinned” away for future use!
Lisa
Dear Jinja,
I love this post and the great photos. But sorry, no tarnished silver to be considered for me.
Nancy
Great ideas – thank you!
Angela
Love the deep grey wall with the “pewter” trays atop the high shelf, i’m with Lisa, I like my silver to look “clean” and sparkle! Great post nonetheless.
Mary
Your posts are always such a treat. I love seeing images that I haven’t seen anywhere else.I couldn’t pull this look off though because I love polishing, be it shoes or silver!
wasabiwabi
Perfect idea for lazy decorators – one less thing to do. And it fits perfectly into the wabisabi idea of rustic imperfect decorating. another thing to look for at upcoming shrine sales!
Kelly @ Eclectically Vintage
I love tarnished old silver and plan on doing a silver platter/plate wall! Perfectly imperfect!
Kelly
Tokyo Jinja
Make sure you look at my posts on the Japanese aesthetic of wabi wabi (perfectly imperfect) and repurposed items!!! I just saw that chandelier off your kitchen – what is it? I just did another post about vintage laundry hangers deployed the same way! So looking forward to reading back through your blog!!!
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The Vintique Object
Yes, yes! I couldn’t agree with you more. I love the way tarnished silver looks, and these pictures are no exception. The utensils in trophies…sigh.
I posted not too long ago about liking the way one of my silver pieces looks tarnished.
http://thevintiqueobject.blogspot.com/2011/08/surfaces-around-house.html
Annette
This is fantastic! I can finally apply my laziness to sweet design!
actually I have some great pieces that would work well with this idea–Thanks!
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