11 Architectural Salvage Decorating Ideas
We’re sharing 11 architectural salvage decorating ideas as we team up with some of our favorite ladies for the Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop today hosted by the always creative Cindy of County Road 407.
The Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop…
The Lifestyle of Love Blog Hop is a series where we share our love of vintage, antique, farmhouse, and repurposed finds and ideas every other month.
If you’ve missed any of our other installments, you can catch up here:
- How to Create Farmhouse Crocks from Paint Cans
- Easy Tips for Styling a Bookcase (2020’s #1 reader-favorite post)
- Simple Ways to Organize the Pantry with Baskets
- Simple Tips for a Fall Cider Bar
- Easy Ways to Decorate with Frames
- DIY Farmhouse Tool Caddy
- Jadeite Inspired Cupcake Stands
- 8 Easy Tips for Styling a Dining Room Hutch
If you’re coming over from Paula’s blog Sweet Pea, welcome, we’re thrilled to have you here.
Paula has such a fun way of mixing antique and vintage finds with cherished family treasures into her home, I can’t wait to check out all the goodies she found at Black Dog Salvage!
What is Architectural Salvage?
I freely confess when I first looked at our topic for the month, Architectural Salvage Decorating Ideas, I actually didn’t think I had anything to share.
I love to go to outdoor antique events where unique pieces are plentiful.
But most of the time those pieces are way too big for us to bring home.
Whenever I think about architectural salvage decorating ideas, I think of homes that have incorporated beautiful porch columns, chippy mantels from country houses, planked oak floors, and thick Georgian-style moldings.
In prepping for this post though, I discovered architectural salvage is considered items saved from old buildings set to be demolished.
These salvaged pieces can include anything from construction materials such as windows, bricks, and tile to lighting and bookcases to décor items like wrought iron, clawfoot bathtubs, crystal, and even hardware.
While this list covers only a fraction of the vintage and antique pieces represented under the architectural salvage umbrella, it did make me realize decorating with architectural salvage was much easier than I had anticipated.
Here’s a look at 11 Architectural Salvage Decorating Ideas you might not have considered…
Mantel
One of my favorite pieces of architectural salvage in our home is the headboard we made from an old mantel as part of a guest bedroom makeover a few years ago.
I was treasure hunting through my uncle’s barn when I found it and fell in love. He was super sweet to sell the mantel to me on the spot for $10.
While the piece has gone through a few iterations over the years from chippy pink to classy neutrals to a French Country feel, I think about that special day every time I walk in the room.
Corbels
My parents still live at my childhood home part-time and our family uses the retreat space for holidays.
The laundry room is fairly small. Given we have a big family though we needed a simple way to store laundry essentials that wouldn’t take up a lot of extra space.
We finally decided to add open shelving to the laundry room using corbels as the base. It’s a project that’s worked out really well and one we still enjoy today!
These corbels are technically new. But this idea is an easy one to incorporate if you want open shelving or to build a desk or an entry table in a small space.
You can find the laundry room reveal here.
Window Pediments, Molding, and Trim
Incorporating window pediments, trims, and moldings into your home is another super simple architectural salvage decorating idea.
You can use them in so many different ways!
I found this window pediment while we were at the cabin one year and loved it immediately.
We ultimately decided to use it in the pantry makeover.
But honestly, you can use pieces like this over the door, in a bookcase or hutch, or as part of a vignette.
Architectural Salvaged Doors
Some of you may know I have a soft spot for old barn doors.
This beast of a horse barn door came from an antique store, and it was one of the first things I bought in the early stages of starting this creative business.
It’s still one of my most treasured pieces to this day.
We recently moved it out to The Crowned Goat Cottage, but it topped a French Country style dresser for the longest time.
After we moved the horse barn door out to my office, we created a seating area with another chippy barn door I picked up from an outdoor antique event.
It’s become one of my favorite places to curl up for quiet time each morning.
Windows
Giving old windows a new purpose is another easy way to decorate with architectural salvage.
We layered this window with a piece of DIY canvas artwork for the desk area in the master bedroom.
You could also layer with an ornate frame, wreath, bunting, window basket, or even another piece of salvage.
Tables
We added a skirt to the console table we created from an old door earlier this year to help soften up the space between the living room and the entry.
It was another piece we hauled home from the cabin that has served us well over the years and goes with everything.
Tobacco Baskets
Both of my grandparents lived on tobacco farms so the minute I was able to scoop up this tobacco basket from a nearby farm, I was elated.
While it definitely gives a nod to farmhouse charm, it can be dressed up or down throughout the year with festive ribbons and bows.
Most baskets, even large tobacco baskets like this one, need extra care now and then. You can find out how to revitalize an old tobacco basket here.
Architectural Salvage Decorating Ideas with Columns
When we gave a quick makeover to my parent’s lanai at Bliss Barracks a few years ago, we needed small tables people could place their drinks on while hanging out in the seating area.
My Mom could never quite find exactly what she envisioned. So, my dad and I set out to help make her dreams come true.
These column inspired side tables are still one of my favorite architectural salvage decorating ideas because they’re beautiful, functional, and didn’t take long to make at all!
Wrought Iron
During that same lanai makeover, my Mom found a beautiful wrought iron baker’s rack she wanted to use as an outdoor plant stand.
The baker’s rack had already been left outdoors for many years and the patina on it was amazing.
It took a few coats of paint to bring the wood on the shelves back to life.
But the effort was definitely worth it!
Lights and Chandeliers
If it were up to me, I’d have a chandelier in every single room! And over the years, I’ve tried to incorporate as many as I can throughout the house.
Since we live in Florida and ceiling fans are a must, most of the time I have to hold myself back whenever I see a chandelier I love.
While most of the chandeliers in our home are new, antique lights and chandeliers are still a really pretty way to integrate architectural salvage decorating ideas into your home.
Architectural Salvage Decorating with Knick Knacks
Knick knacks are the kinds of pieces people either love or hate.
I totally get it because sometimes too much is exactly that – too much – and editing collections down to only what you truly treasure is not always easy.
That said if you’re on a tight budget or don’t have a big truck to haul home gorgeous pieces of architectural salvage, consider adding a few knick-knacks to bookcases, hutches, shelves, or vignettes.
I definitely had more architectural salvaged pieces than I thought! I hope this post has helped you look at some of the pieces differently in your home too!
Up next on the Lifestyle of Love blog hop is Emily of Le Cultivateur. You’ll love her beautiful style!
Once you’re finished there be sure to check out what the rest of these fabulous ladies are sharing…
Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.Many blessings,
CoCo
I love architectural salvage. There are so many creative ways to reuse it! This post reminded me that we are lucky enough to have a business in my town that is full of architectural salvage and fixtures. I’ve been meaning to go check it out!
That sounds like such a cool place, Jen! I didn’t think I had any salvage finds at first so I’m glad I dug into a bit more. Decorating with architectural salvage was way easier to use and incorporate around the house than I expected and it feels so good to save it from the landfill too. Can’t wait to see all the goodies you pick up! Sending you hugs for a happy weekend lady, CoCo
Coco
Love this post filled with eye candy. I love architectural pieces and adding them to decor is a favorite.
They aren’t always to come by in NJ. At times if I can’t find them and okd pieces I’ll make my own.
Making it your own is the best way to do it, Cindy! Salvage pieces aren’t easy to come by down here either (well at least not super affordable ones) so we try to scoop them up whenever we see them. That’s what makes the treasure hunt so much fun though. You just never know what you’re going to find! Hugs, CoCo
Your home is beautifully decorated with architectural salvage pieces. My favorite is the headboard that you created using a mantel. I so much enjoyed your post!
Aww thank you, Paula! My family loves to treasure hunt like yours so I’m always excited to see what kind of things they find. Love your tour of Black Dogs. I need to put that on my bucket list. It looks like so much fun! Sending you and Sherman lots of hugs for a fabulous summer season, CoCo
Such lovely inspiration! I adore the mantel that you used as a headboard. Truly clever ideas!
Thank you so much, Laura, I really appreciate it! I can’t wait to find a fun place to stay like your church to hotel tour. That was so cool! Hugs, CoCo
Wow! CoCo, you have some fabulous pieces. Those new corbels do look old. Great find! I think my favorite is that fabulous bed. I just want to crawl in!
So sweet of you to say, Christy! You’re welcome any time. I’ll make sure you have a fabulous gift basket and lots of tea and cookies so your stay can be a peace-filled one. Hope you’ve had the best summer so far! Sending you lots of hugs, CoCo
CoCo, what a beautiful home. Just love all the Architectural Salvage. I need to find more for my home. I am always on the look.
Thank you so much, Tammy, I really appreciate it! I’m always on the lookout too especially now that we’re able to get out and about again. Can’t wait to see all the fabulous things you’re finding. Hope your summer has been a fun one so far, CoCo
Oh my that baker’s rack is a treasure!!! so many gorgeous pieces, love those arched windows too!
Thank you, Debra! That baker’s rack was such a great find. I tell my Mom all the time I’m going to put a little C on the bottom of the shelves in case she ever wants to pass it on 🙂 Hope your week is a happy one, CoCo
Look at you. You had much more architectural salvage than you thought! I loved each piece. Especially that mantel headboard and the sofa table. So cute! Thanks for joining in and sharing all of your wonderful treasures.
I know, Cindy! I swear these group posts constantly keep me on my toes and help me to learn new things. You guys are all so creative and I’m totally lucky to be part of this fantastic group you’ve put together. Big hugs for a happy week, CoCo
You have some gorgeous salvaged pieces in your home CoCo! I have the same corbels and I love how they look like the real vintage deal. And I love that mantel you used as a headboard for your bed!
Thank you, Michelle! We were shocked to find those corbels and are asked about them all the time. I swear they totally look like real vintage. They’ve served us really well in the laundry room so we’re excited to have them. Loved the dining room refresh at your house too. It’s beautiful! Hope you have the best week, CoCo
Oh my, CoCo, these are such wonderful ideas! When I read the heading, I honestly had no idea what you meant but your use of these gorgeous pieces is just stunning. I just bought a house yesterday and I feel like I will be coming back to your blog a lot, to get inspired! I wish I had your eye for design and detail and your ideas!
Oh my gosh, Katerina, what a HUGE deal! Congratulations! I’m beyond excited for you and I know you and your family will be able to make lots of happy memories there together. I’m happy to help with any question you have so feel free to ask. Hope you found a fun way to celebrate and I can’t wait to hear what you named your house too 🙂 Big hugs and congrats again, CoCo
Coco, you have so many pretty architectural salvage pieces! I love the headboard you made from the pretty old mantel. The old baker’s rack with the plants is amazing. And the tables you made from the old door and the columns are so creative. Thanks for sharing all of these wonderful ideas.
Thank you so much, Angie, I really appreciate it! All of the pieces you mentioned have a sweet story attached to them and have given us lots of fun memories along the way. Hope your summer has been a special one so far, CoCo
I’m laughing that you thought you didn’t have any architectural elements! Loved getting to see them throughout your home, because you style everything so beautifully. I want to decorate like you when I grow up;) Your mom’s baker’s rack is to die for; what a fun piece to enjoy! Always enjoy hopping with you, friend!
You are so sweet, Lora, thank you! I was THIS close to telling Cindy I didn’t have anything because all I could think about was big pieces like columns and moldings that had been hauled out of old Georgian style homes 😂 Thankfully, I did a little research before I hit reply because it was fun to discover all the ways architectural salvage can be used around the house. Love, love, love all the ways you’ve used it in your home too. I swear you come up with the most creative ideas! It’s all so fabulous! Hugs for a happy week, CoCo
I just love all these wonderful architectural pieces! You used them in such beautiful ways!
Thank you so much, Michele, I really appreciate it! Hope your weekend has been a special one so far, CoCo
I’m a real architectural salvage kind of girl so I loved this post! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
Thanks so much, Kathleen! They’re not always easy to find in our area but that’s what keeps the hunt so much fun. Hugs, CoCo
you have such pretty pieces!!! your home is absolutely beautiful! I love using old architectural pieces in my home too! So pretty!!!
I really appreciate it, Emily, thank you so much! I would love to treasure hunt with you one day lady. We would have such a good time 🙌 Hope you’re having a great week so far, CoCo
I love architectural salvage, and these pieces are gorgeous! I may have just missed it, but I would love to see the barn door in your office! I have an old barn door from my husband’s family farm hanging from the ceiling of my she shed with a chandelier hanging from it. Ever since I got it, I’ve been obsessed with seeing other barns doors used in decor.
I love this post!