Some of the coziest kitchens don’t rely on fancy, store-bought decor. Instead, they’re filled with pieces that are both useful and beautiful – like pots, pans, vintage plates, and well-loved cookware. It’s amazing how these everyday items can double as decor, bringing warmth and personality to your kitchen without any fuss.
Plus, let’s admit it: most of us aren’t exactly living in sprawling, sun-drenched kitchens with endless storage. And yet somehow, we’ve all managed to collect a small army of pots, pans, and vintage plates that we swear we need (and love). So instead of shoving them into overflowing cabinets or playing pan-Tetris every time we cook, why not make them part of the decor?
This post is all about turning your cookware and kitchen bits – the pretty, the practical, and even the slightly chipped – into something worth showing off. From hanging pans on the wall like art, to styling open shelves with enamel pots and antique plates, we’re diving into clever, charming ways to decorate with the things you already use every day.
Think French kitchen flair, farmhouse warmth, and just the right amount of English cottagecore romance – all with a nod to the grandmillennial love for “more is more (but make it curated).
If you have a big country kitchen or even a small apartment galley, there are so many clever ways to use your cookware and vintage kitchen finds as decor. Hanging pans on a rail, stacking Dutch ovens on open shelves, styling a china cabinet with floral dishes and antique bakeware – it’s all about letting those everyday pieces tell a story.
So if your kitchen is short on space but full of personality, you’re in the right place. Let’s begin!
1. Using the Wall Display
If your cabinets are full and your patience for digging through stacks of pans is running low, it’s time to look up – at your walls. Hanging pots and pans isn’t just a space-saver, it’s basically functional wall art. And no, you don’t need a Pinterest-worthy kitchen to pull it off.
Via: magical_manor
A few simple hooks, a peg rail, or a mounted rack can completely transform a blank wall into a statement moment. Copper pans instantly bring in that French country charm, while black cast iron adds cozy farmhouse vibes. You can keep it uniform or mix metals and shapes for a more collected, effortless natural look.
Via: carole.poirot
My Tip: Arrange by size or shape first, then play around with layering for depth. And if your cookware isn’t exactly “display-worthy,” no shame – a little polish or a thrifted upgrade can go a long way.
Also, this is your permission slip to treat your kitchen like a gallery. Go ahead and hang that pretty colander or the vintage ladle you never use but just feels right. If it sparks joy and holds pasta, it deserves a spot on the wall.
Via: cabanamagazine Shot by @antoniomonfreda
2. Open Shelving Done Right
Let’s talk open shelving – it’s like the open-concept kitchen’s more practical cousin. Sure, it’s not for everyone, but if you’re into the idea of showcasing your cookware, open shelves can be a nifty tool in your kitty. Plus, they make everything feel a bit more… curated, don’t you think?
The trick is balance. It’s tempting to throw everything on the shelves and call it a day, but a little planning can make all the difference. Start with your most-used pieces – Dutch ovens, pretty enamel pots, maybe a few wooden cutting boards. Then, layer in some decor items like vintage jars, cookbooks, or even a few plants.
Via: elle_the_home_bird
My Tip: Stack your pots neatly or group them by color for a more organized feel. If you have a mix of materials (copper, ceramic, stainless), don’t be afraid to embrace the contrast. The beauty is in the variety.
Via: pinterest
And don’t stress about making every shelf perfect – open shelving is supposed to look collected, not staged. That’s the beauty of it. Plus, now you don’t have to dig through drawers to find your favorite skillet. Win-win!
3. China Cabinet Styling
If you have a china cabinet sitting around, it might be time to give it a little love. It’s the perfect spot to show off your favorite pieces without cluttering up every counter. A family heirloom or a vintage find – a china cabinet can really add some serious old world charm to your kitchen.
Via: louiseroehome
Start by mixing up your items a bit. You don’t have to stick to just plates — throw in some old cups, a favorite teapot, or even some vintage bakeware. The goal is to create a collection that feels thoughtful but not overly perfect. You can even combine old and new pieces to keep things fresh.
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my post on organizing and decorating a china hutch cabinet for tips on how to create a worthy display.
My Tip: Think about stacking some plates or bowls, and maybe even using the top shelf for larger items like a big serving platter. If your cabinet has glass doors, adding a little lighting can help bring out those colors and textures. Just a soft glow can make everything look a little more special.
4. Hanging Pots & Pans
If you’re looking for a way to keep your kitchen both organized and easy on the eye, hanging pots and pans is a quick way to do it. Not only does it save you precious cabinet space, but it also adds a cool, functional element to your kitchen. Plus, there’s something kind of charming about seeing a row of well-worn pans hanging proudly on display.
Via: Pinterest
A simple pot rack mounted to the ceiling or a rail with hooks can do wonders. For a bit of French kitchen charm, go for a classic copper pot rack, or if you’re feeling more rustic, a wooden peg rail works perfectly. You can hang all sorts of things – from your everyday cast iron skillets to your more decorative copper pans.
Via: veranda.com Shot by: @annieschlechter
My Tip: Keep the most used items at eye level for easy access, and hang the more decorative pieces higher up. If you’re worried about it looking cluttered, try keeping the pans and pots to a specific color scheme to keep it looking neat and put-together.
It’s a super easy way to add a bit of flair without any major design overhaul – plus, you’ll actually use your pans more often!
5. Vintage Plates & Kitchen Collectibles
If you’re a fan of the vintage look, incorporating plates and other kitchen collectibles into your decor is a fantastic way to bring some character to your kitchen or dining area. These pieces don’t just serve a purpose – they also add a ton of personality. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – and work perfectly in farmhouse, cottagecore, or even a more granny-chic aesthetic.
1. Wall-Mounted Plates: A Simple Way to Add Personality
One of the easiest ways to incorporate vintage plates into your kitchen decor is by hanging them on the wall. Not only do they add visual interest, but they also keep your cabinets feeling less cluttered. You can create a focal point by arranging a few plates above a doorway or around a window – it’s like turning your walls into a mini art gallery!
Via: cathy-kincaid
Mixing and matching different sizes, patterns, and colors will give it a relaxed, collected-over-time feel. Consider using a plate rack, or for a more eclectic vibe, just attach small picture-hanging hooks directly to the back of each plate.
My Tip: For a more cohesive look, stick to a color palette or theme (floral patterns, pastel hues, or even blue-and-white china). But honestly, part of the fun is mixing it up!
2. Add Accents with Antique Kitchen Collectibles
Vintage kitchen accessories, like colanders, ladles, or mini pans, make great accents when displayed alongside your plates. These pieces can be hung on the wall, stacked on open shelves, or even used as decorative containers for things like fresh herbs or dried flowers.
Via: salinamariahome
A well-placed antique colander can add a pop of texture, while an old wooden ladle or small, worn pan can make a charming addition to a display of vintage plates.
3. Create the Perfect Cottagecore or Farmhouse Vibe
This is where your kitchen really gets to show off its personality! Just use vintage plates and kitchen collectibles, to lean into that cozy, rustic charm that makes farmhouse and cottagecore styles so inviting.
Via: @helmabongenaar
Think open shelves with mismatched plates, a wall filled with hanging kitchen tools and floral-patterned china, or a corner display of old cookware and dishware. The key is to mix functional items with decor pieces in order to create a space that feels both nostalgic and lived-in.
Via: theenglishhome shot by @james_mcdonald_photography
My Tip: If you’re unsure about mixing patterns, start with a few foundational pieces that tie everything together, like a simple set of white plates or a few plates with a subtle border. Then, add in those special, unique finds to give the collection character.
6. Bonus Styling Tips
If you’re looking for even more ways to bring your cookware into your decor, here are a few ideas that’ll add a little extra charm without too much effort:
Via: rebeccaandgenevieve
Small Pans & Lids as Trays or Wall Hooks
Don’t let those smaller pans or lids go to waste! They make perfect little trays for holding things like salt, pepper, or even a few candles. You can also turn them into wall hooks by adding some sturdy nails or a small hook to the handle – hang your apron, kitchen towels, or even a vintage dish towel for an extra cozy vibe.
Turn Vintage Pots & Pans into Planters (Yes, Really!)
Old, worn-out pans that you can’t cook with anymore? Don’t toss them -turn them into quirky little planters instead! While pans, teapots and other cookware don’t offer much depth (so they’re not ideal for deep-rooted plants), they can still work well for shallow-rooted herbs like thyme, chives, or succulents that thrive in compact spaces.
Via: Pinterest
That said, if you’re aiming for something more functional and less “just for show,” here’s a trick: use the pan or pot as a decorative outer container, with a proper nursery pot placed inside. This gives you the best of both worlds – you get the rustic charm of the vintage cookware without compromising your plant’s health. Plus, it makes watering and swapping out plants much easier.
If you’re set on planting directly into the pan, just make sure to add drainage holes to avoid water pooling at the bottom (and root rot that follows). And be mindful of where you place it – metal pans can heat up quickly in direct sunlight, which isn’t ideal for tender roots.
Bottom line? It’s a creative, cozy way to add a bit of greenery to your kitchen – just go into it knowing it’s more about the look than a long-term gardening solution. And sometimes, that’s totally okay.
Create a “Cooking Corner”
Set up a dedicated little corner in your kitchen where everything feels just right. Hang a few favorite pans on the wall, add a cookbook stand with a well-loved recipe book open to your favorite page, and maybe tuck a few jars of spices nearby.
It’s the perfect place for cooking inspiration, and it can instantly bring some character and function to your kitchen’s layout. Just add a vintage cutting board or a few hanging herbs to really complete the look.
And if you’re more of a tea-sipper or coffee-lover than a daily chef, you can do the same thing with a cute beverage station on the countertop. Use it as an excuse to show off your favorite mugs, teapots, or that quirky cream-and-sugar set you thrifted last summer. Add a little tray, a jar of honey, and suddenly you’ve got yourself a cozy corner that’s both practical and delightfully Pinterest-worthy.
Via: alabasterfox.pl
At the end of the day, decorating with pots, pans, and kitchen collectibles isn’t just about looking pretty – it’s also about creating a space that feels comfortable, functional, and uniquely you. So if you’re hanging copper pans on the wall, or styling open shelves with your favorite vintage plates, or even turning that old skillet into a planter – there are so many ways to bring your cookware out into the open and make it part of your decor.
If you’re not sure where to start, begin with what you already own. Look through your collection of cookware and dishware – maybe there’s an old teapot, a stack of mismatched plates, or a copper pan that deserves a place in the spotlight.
Try hanging a few pieces on the wall, stacking some plates in a china cabinet, or even turning a pot into a planter. You don’t need a complete overhaul to make it count; even just adding a few special items can change the whole feel of your kitchen.
Remember, this isn’t about creating a perfectly curated look – it’s about embracing the charm of everyday kitchenware and letting your space evolve over time. The beauty of decorating with cookware is that it’s functional, too. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite pieces daily, while also making your kitchen a warm, welcoming place to be.
And if your current collection isn’t quite giving you that lived-in, vintage charm just yet, don’t worry – that’s what thrift stores and flea markets are for. These are goldmines for unique, affordable pieces that can instantly add character to your kitchen. Look for old enamel pots, floral plates, worn wooden utensils, or quirky pans.
In fact, vintage plates are one of the 8 things you should always thrift – I wrote a whole post on it right here. The best part? Half the fun is in the hunt, and each item you bring home has its own little history. So next time you’re out browsing secondhand treasures, keep an eye out – your next favorite decor piece might just be hiding under a $5 sticker.
Leave a Reply