Your grandmother’s closet likely holds much more than old coats and shoe boxes. Tucked away on those dusty shelves are hidden design gems waiting for a second life.
Instead of leaving vintage fashion in storage, top interior designers are repurposing these heirlooms as high-end home decor. “You should not overlook the subtle beauty and unmatched quality of the pieces found in grandma’s closet, as they can help add a layer of personality to spaces,” says designer Andrea Goldman.
Here is exactly what design experts say you should look for—and how to display it.
Transform Silk Scarves Into Art
Patterns and textures of a silk scarves display.
Vintage silk scarves feature intricate, hand-rolled edges and bold patterns that rival expensive art prints. If you have no intention of wearing them, Goldman suggests letting your house wear them instead.
“A patterned silk scarf can be transformed into framed wall art or reworked as a slipcover for a decorative pillow,” Goldman says. Companies like Framebridge or local framers specialize in mounting textiles to preserve the fabric while turning it into a gallery-worthy piece.
Style Bookshelves With Handbags
A collection of retro-style vintage handbags.
Handbags crafted from unique leathers or featuring bold brass hardware do not belong in a donation bin. Goldman recommends scanning the closet specifically for structured purses with intriguing detailing.
Instead of hiding them away, treat these rigid bags as sculptural objects. They instantly double as high-fashion accents when styled on a prominent bookshelf.
Stack Antique Wooden Boxes
Shelving displaying styled objects.
Old watch boxes, jewelry cases, and hatboxes are often crafted with a level of detail rarely seen today. Designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy calls these wooden marvels “little treasure chests.”
Look for pieces embellished with intricate carvings, decorative ivory inlay, or heavy brass strapping. “A collection of these boxes can instantly elevate a bookcase, console table, or side table,” Mathews LeRoy notes, adding that both domed and slanted shapes work beautifully together.
Display 1920s Perfume Bottles
Vintage perfume bottles arranged on a tray by a mirror.
Do not throw away old fragrance bottles. Mathews LeRoy inherited a collection of vintage perfume bottles from her own grandmother, many dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.
These bottles often feature cut glass, atomizers, sterling silver overlays, and colorful shades of blush and blue. They are incredibly valuable, frequently fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars on luxury resale sites like 1stDibs and Chairish.
“Don’t let these small treasures slip by without a second look,” she advises. Display them on a mirrored tray or a windowsill where natural light can hit the glass.
Repurpose Hardside Luggage
A stacked pile of vintage suitcases.
Vintage travel gear carries a distinct, old-world aesthetic. Rigid luggage, particularly older pieces from iconic brands, offers practical storage masked as sophisticated decor.
Designer Maggie Griffin recommends utilizing hard-edged suitcases or heavy train cases to fill empty visual space. “Think vintage Hartmann luggage or cool older Louis Vuitton pieces,” she says. Stack them directly under console tables or place them high on top of an armoire.
Layer Embroidered Linens
Tablecloths and napkins featuring classic embroidery and lace.
Grandma’s linen closet is usually packed with delicate, monogrammed textiles that are perfect for modern entertaining. Designer Liz Williams suggests pulling these out for daily use.
“I love layering these on trays and also using them for cocktail napkins,” Williams says. The mismatched embroidery and delicate lace create an effortless, curated look.
Hang or Drape Handmade Quilts
A closet stacked with colorful quilts.
Vintage quilts are historic textiles, often sewn from clothing fabric scraps that tell a literal story of the era. Depending on the intricacy of the pattern and condition, they can be highly valuable.
Designer Cortney Bishop suggests draping them over lounge chairs or hanging well-preserved ones as tapestries. “I also love the look of quilts folded over a wooden blanket ladder,” Bishop adds.
Mathews LeRoy notes that some even depict specific scenes or serve as traditional wedding quilts. If you prefer to use them outdoors, they make phenomenal, heavy-duty picnic blankets.
A video poster.
